Characterization of Ecofriendly Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) and Green Banana Peel Filler (GBPF) Reinforced Bio-Films

Abstract

With an intention to replace the synthetic non-biodegradable films in packaging applications, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blended with green banana peel filler (GBPF), the biodegradable films were prepared by solution casting method with varying the concentrations of GBPF (5–25 wt%) in PVA matrix. The bio films were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis, transmissibility, FESEM, tensile test, film solubility and water absorption, water vapour transmission (WVT), soil burial test. Based on results obtained, the changes evidenced in the FTIR spectrum of this PVA/GBPF biofilms suggest that strong hydrogen bonding is taking place due to interfacial exchanges of GBPF in PVA matrix. The XRD results showed that crystallinity of bio films are greater than PVA. Thermo gravimetric analyses predicted that PVA/GBPF bio films are thermally stable up to 300 °C. The light is 45% for transmittance in the visible light region for the PVA/GBPF (25 wt%) bio film. The FESEM micrographs of biofilms palpable that formation of good physical interaction and compatibility between polymer matrix and GBPF up to 20 wt% of GBPF in PVA Matrix. FESEM results also confirmed that higher loading of GBPF (25 wt%) in PVA matrix, observed voids and agglomerations in film surface. The PVA/GBPF bio films with 20% of GBPF gave the highest tensile strength and young’s modulus 44.5 MPa and 66.7 GPA respectively compared to other samples. The elongation at break decreases with increases the GBPF in PVA Matrix up to 20 wt%.The slight decrease in mechanical properties perceived due to higher loading of GBPF (25 wt%) with PVA matrix. The solubility, water absorption and WVT of the PVA/GBPF bio films increased upon increasing the GBPF content. The biodegradation test results discovered that he highest weight loss at 42.3% (25 wt% of GBPF) probably due to the hydrophilic nature of GBPF in PVA matrix. On the whole, the present investigation confirmed that the PVA/GBPF bio films potential for possible utilization in active packaging applications attributable to its better mechanical, thermal, optical, water absorption and biodegradation properties.