Physico–chemical and Tensile Properties of Green Bio-films from Poly (Vinyl Alcohol)/Nano Ground Nutshell Filler

Abstract

Totally six composite bio-films were produced through a simple solution casting technique by varying the weight percentage (0, 5, 10,15, 20, 25 wt.%%) of the filler material (ground nutshell (GNS) powder) and matrix (Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)). Before making the bio-film GNS was characterized through particle size analysis and chemical analysis. Composite biofilms were characterized by X-ray Diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis and tensile testing. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis results established that complete dispersion of GNS in PVA. X-ray Diffraction analysis results pronounced that the crystallinity index of the films was improved when increasing in the filler content. Derivative thermogravimetric curve was also visualized that maximum degradation temperature of the films was improved from 287°C (Controlled PVA) to 337°C (25% GNS/PVA Film). The tensile strength of the bio-films was increased and elongation at break of the bio-films was decreased while increasing the GNS content. The obtained results were clearly showed that the PVA/GNS composite bio-films were suitable materials to produce packaging applications.

Keywords

• ground nutshell powder
• poly vinyl alcohol (pva)
• tga analysis
• ft-ir
• tensile strength
• solution casting