Biodegradable Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Starch Films Crosslinked With Itaconic Acid for Sustainable Packaging Applications.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Sustainable Materials

Background:

• Petroleum-based plastics pose environmental challenges.
• Biodegradable polymers offer a sustainable alternative for packaging.
• Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), starch (S), and itaconic acid (IA) are promising components for biodegradable films.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize biodegradable polymer films using PVA, S, and IA.
• To evaluate the potential of these films for sustainable packaging applications.
• To investigate the influence of formulation ratios on film properties.

Main Methods:

• Solution casting was employed for film fabrication.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm chemical structure.
• Mechanical testing (tensile strength, elongation at break) was performed.
• Viscosity, thermal stability (decomposition temperature), and biodegradation rates were assessed.

Main Results:

• The balanced PVA/S/IA film (33.3/33.3/33.3 wt%) exhibited the highest tensile strength (10.5 MPa) and elongation at break (38.9%).
• Itaconic acid-rich films showed increased viscosity and enhanced thermal stability.
• Starch-rich films demonstrated the fastest biodegradation, with up to 67% mass loss in soil within 30 days.
• All films fragmented in water within 24 hours due to crosslinking.

Conclusions:

• Formulation ratios critically affect the mechanical properties, solubility, and degradation kinetics of PVA/S/IA films.
• These biodegradable films exhibit tunable characteristics, making them suitable for various packaging needs.
• PVA/S/IA films represent a viable biodegradable alternative to conventional petroleum-based packaging materials.