Effect of Regenerated Cellulose Fibers Derived from Black Oat on Functional Properties of PVA-Based Biocomposite Film

Naresh Shahi,Gautam Joshi,Byungjin Min

doi:10.3390/pr8091149

Abstract

In this study, agricultural residue from black oat, a cover crop usually grown to improve soil nutrients between the periods of regular crop production, was used as a source of cellulose fibers. Concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt. % of regenerated cellulose (RC) fibers blended in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) solution were used to prepare the reinforced composite films (CFs) by the solvent cast method. Compared to neat PVA film (control), the effects of RC addition on functional properties of CFs, such as water absorption, transparency, thermal stability, and mechanical property were investigated. All CFs with different RC concentrations exhibited improved mechanical property and thermal stability while the swelling property was decreased, and no significant changes were observed in the film transparency as compared with the control film. Among the CFs, films with 3% RC significantly decreased water vapor transmission rate, swelling, and soluble fraction (p < 0.05). In addition, Young’s modulus and tensile strength were increased by 40 MPa and 3 MPa, respectively, while elongation at break was decreased by 4%, compared to the control film. The results indicate that RC from black oat might be feasible as potential bio fillers to improve film properties in a bio-based composite matrix.

Highlights

In recent years, the mass production of synthetic plastics derived from petroleum has generated a significant quantity of non-biodegradable wastes that have ended up in landfills, and harmful chemicals generated during the disposal process have resulted in environmental pollution, as well as becoming a health concern
Ultrasonic irradiation attributes to homogeneous dispersion of cellulose fibers in polymer blend and exhibited good compatibility of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/nanocellulose due to the interaction of hydrogen bonds [28]
This article reports a facile and efficient method of fabricating PVA-based composite films reinforced with regenerated cellulose (RC) derived from black oat

Summary

Introduction

The mass production of synthetic plastics derived from petroleum has generated a significant quantity of non-biodegradable wastes that have ended up in landfills, and harmful chemicals generated during the disposal process have resulted in environmental pollution, as well as becoming a health concern. Environmentally friendly materials such as bioplastics with improved functionalities such as barrier property, heat stability, and high mechanical property are in high demand [1,2,3]. Biodegradable polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) could play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem [4,5]. The application of PVA as packaging material is limited due to hydrophilic nature of PVA which causes film swelling, poor moisture barrier and mechanical property [11] To overcome these drawbacks of PVA-based composites, many researchers’ works have been focused on improving properties such

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