Development and characterization of biodegradable blending Starch/PVA Films theoretical and experimental comparison

Abstract

In this work the biodegradable films by blending starch and PVA in desired proportions were developed by solution casting process[2]. The starch content was varied from 1 to 60 wt % of PVA.The effect of composition on various characteristics of the resulting blends were investigated. The starch incorporation increased the Glass transition temperature (Tg). Because of starch, these films have attained more insulating properties by decreasing dielectric constant. The transmissibility and chemical resistance of the films decreased and vapour barriers properties of the films improved by the presence of starch. The swelling coefficient increased with the starch content, reached maximum for the film with 30wt% of starch, and then decreased. The formation of hydrogen bond in the films, which could improve the compatibility of the two components were investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, and percentage elongation decreased with the increase in the starch content[3]. However Young's modulus, density and hardness increased with the increase in the starch content and compared with theoretical model.