Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl alcohol and Starch Composite Reinforced with Eggshell

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-eggshell(ES) based bio composites were prepared by using two methods via manually grounded and probe sonication techniques with starch as blending agent and glutaraldehyde as cross linking agent. The morphology and thermal stability of samples were studied by using Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The wettability and crystallinity of films were examined by contact angle measurements and X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) analysis. By the incorporation of hydrophobic eggshell filler with hydrophilic PVA matrix can be significantly enhanced the thermal, mechanical and water resistance properties of the bio composite films. Antibacterial properties of PVA/starch/ES films were studied by zone diffusion method and it exhibits good antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram negative bacteria.