Swelling and biodegradation studies of PVA and mung bean starch superabsorbent polymer

Abstract

This study focused on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and mung bean starch. Both of the materials were blended and compatible with the used of Maleic Anhydride (MA) as a coupling agent. The polymer blends were stirred at 375 rpm and heated at 70°C by using mechanical stirrer. The sheet of maleated PVA and mung bean starch were formed. Swelling, and biodegradation testing were conducted. From this experiment, it was found out that, the higher the starch content in the polymer hydrogel, the higher the swelling percentage and swelling percentage decline with further addition of starch. Meanwhile, the biodegradation rate increased with increasing amount of starch in polymer hydrogel.