Physicochemical and Structural Properties of Green Biofilms from Poly (Vinyl alcohol)/Nano Coconut Shell Filler
B. Balavairavan, S. S. Saravanakumar, K. M. Manikandan
Abstract
There is growing interest in recent times to develop biodegradable films with improved properties. They are potential substitutes for existing petroleum-based synthetic polymers. Eco-friendly biofilms based on Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Nano coconut shell filler (PVA/NCSF) were primed by a solution casting method. The biofilms were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis, Tensile test, FESEM, Transparency Water absorption, biodegradability test, and tensile testing. FTIR and XRD results revealed the structural characterization and crystallinity index of prepared PVA/NCSP biofilms. FTIR suggested that strong hydrogen bonding due to interfacial exchanges of PVA/NCSF. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed thermal degradation temperatures of biofilms that were observed between 259.79°C and 350°C. The tensile strength and elastic modulus were enhanced by 25.5% and 97.25%, respectively, when NCSF was added at 25 wt% level. It is intriguing that % of elongation linearly decreased with the incorporation of filler. The FESEM results evident that good compatibility between PVA and NCSF. The water absorption of PVA/NCSF biofilms slightly increases with increase in the NCSF content. Soil burial test results evident that 34% weight loss of biofilms (25 wt% of NCSF) due to NCSF loading in PVA Matrix. Taken together, the present study confirmed that PVA/NCSF biofilms can be a potential for packaging applications.