Enhanced properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films filled with microfibrillated cellulose isolated from continuous steam explosion

Abstract

The objective of this research was to analyze the enhanced properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films reinforced with microfibrillated cellulose obtained from continuous steam-explosion. Irregular and unsmooth external surfaces were observed in PVA/MFC composite films along with the high incorporation of MFC concentration. Voids and aggregates localized in PVA/MFC composite films induced the fractures of the films. Opacity of the obtained films increased with the high inclusion of MFC. However, all the tested composite films had higher transmittance of above 50% at visible wavelength of above 400 nm. Oxygen increased and N decreased with the incorporation of high MFC concentration. Chemical functional groups were changed due to intermolecular linkages between PVA and MFC. PVA/MFC composite films had good thermal stability with higher temperature of melting point and maximum degradation than neat PVA film. PVA matrix reinforced with MFC 5% had the highest tensile strength because of percolation network in the films during intercalation and exfoliation process. PVA/MFC composite films have the potential as food packaging plastics because of these above enhanced properties.