Preparation and characterization of polymer blends based on carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone

Abstract

Two libraries of crosslinked polymer blends were synthesized and characterized. The polymer blends were prepared from carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone in 1:1:1 ratio using solvent casting method. Two crosslinking agents were used: glyoxal and glutaraldehyde for the first and second libraries respectively. Both crosslinking agents were used in three different ratios (10,15, and 20%). The mechanical properties of the polymer blends were tested using morphology, and swelling ratio methods for the crosslinked polymer blends only. The results confirm that the degree of crystallinity was altered during blending and crosslinking when the original polymer blend compared to itself after crosslinking. The maximum elongation εM% was found when the crosslinking agent ratio was 15%. The polymer blend D with glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent had the maximum elongation εM% =17.533, and about 0.565 Mpa Young modulus. While polymer blend B with glyoxal as crosslinking agent had maximum elongation εM% = 11.115, and about 0.593 Mpa Young modulus. Finally, the prepared blends are suitable for adsorption and as an excipient material in pharmaceutical industries.