Modified Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and Coconut Shell Powder Composite Films: Physico-Mechanical, Thermal Properties, and Swelling Studies

Abstract

Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was blended with 10, 20, 33, and 50 wt. % of coconut shell (CCS) powder by a solution casting process. The solution-casted PVA/CCS powder films were dried and characterized for physico-mechanical properties, such as tensile, tear, and burst strengths, and density. The influence of CCS powder addition on moisture content, moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), solubility, swelling, and the thermal transition of PVA/CCS powder composite films have been studied. The PVA/CCS powder composite films show enhancement in elastic modulus, solubility resistance in water, 5% acetic acid, 50% ethanol, moisture vapor transmission rate, and moisture resistance. However, the introduction of CCS powder affects tensile strength, percentage of elongation, tear and burst strengths, moisture content, and swelling capacity Considerably.