Preparation and Characterization of Gelatin-Based PVA Film: Effect of Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

Gelatin-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were prepared (using a casting process) by mixing aqueous solutions of gelatin and PVA in different ratios. Monomer 1, 4-butanediol diacrylate (BDDA) was dissolved in methanol. Films containing 95% gelatin + 5% PVA were soaked in 3% BDDA monomer (w/w). These films were then irradiated under gamma radiation (60Co) at different doses (50–500 krad) at a dose rate of 350 krad/h. The physico-mechanical and thermal properties of these films were evaluated. It was evident that 5% PVA-containing gelatin blend film exhibited the highest tensile strength (TS) value at 50 krad (51 MPa), which was 46% higher than that of non-irradiated blend films. It was also found that incorporation of PVA significantly reduced the TS value of the blend films compared to the raw film, whereas elongation at break (Eb) value was increased. A significant improvement of the blend films was also confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA) when the acrylate group (from BDDA) was introduced into the film.