Poly (Vinyl alcohol)/carboxymethyl cellulosesodium salt/carrot fiber-containing composite thin films: Thermomechanical and biodegradation study

Abstract

Carrot (Daucus Carota L.) fiber consists of cellulosic substances and can be used to make biodegradable and economical packaging films. Biofilms of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Carboxymethyl cellulose-Na salt (CMC) with Carrot fiber (CF) have been synthesized by solution casting technique. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a plasticizer for a sustainable reaction medium. FTIR, UV-Visible, thermal analysis, SEM and tensile testing techniques have been used to analyze the films. The thermal decomposition of biofilms was studied by a thermogravimetric analyzer in a nitrogen atmosphere at a heating rate of 10 °C min-1 from ambient temperature to 600 °C. Kinetic parameters were calculated using kinetic methods viz. Broido, Coats-Redfern and Horowitz- Metzger. FTIR spectra give out the results for significant peak changes and are backed by UV-spectra to compare the optical properties of composites with neat PVA. Young’s Modulus (MPa) and Tensile strength (MPa) values decrease with fiber addition to PVA/CMC. An optimal value of 12.5 wt % loading was obtained concerning tensile as well as thermal analysis data. Biodegradation studies were also performed in soil and compost. Route of degradation has been proposed based on spectral studies. It is concluded that the incorporation of carrot fibers in composites enhanced the degradation of PVA just like CMC and resulted in films with enhanced UV protection properties.