Preparation and characterization of nanofibrillated Cellulose/Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) composite films

Hossein Yousefi,Abdollah Najafi,Behzad Kord,Behrouz Malekian

doi:10.4067/s0718-221x2016005000065

Abstract

Poly (vinyl alcohol) based composite films with different loadings of cellulose nanofibrils were prepared using a solvent casting method and their tensile, optical and wettability properties were tested. The morphology of both neat poly (vinyl alcohol) and nanocomposites was explored by using a field emission scanning electron microscope technique. Results indicated that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of poly (vinyl alcohol) composite films were significantly improved with the increase of cellulose nanofibrils loading. However, the percentage of elongation at break decreased with increasing of cellulose nanofibrils. The films became increasingly opaque with increasing cellulose nanofibrils contents, although the composites also retained moderate transparency. The samples containing cellulose nanofibrils exhibited higher hydrophobicity compared with that of neat poly (vinyl alcohol). Field emission scanning electron microscope micrographs revealed that the cellulose nanofibrils were homogeneously dispersed in the poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix.

Highlights

In recent years, biodegradable polymers obtained from renewable resources have attracted much attention due to the increasing environmental awareness and the fossil depletion problem (Vroman and Tighzert 2009)
The thickness of the Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/NFC nanocomposite films increased significantly compared to the control PVA film, which is due to the increase in solid content
The intermolecular forces between NFC and the base PVA matrix may enhance the tensile strength of the PVA composite films

Summary

Introduction

Biodegradable polymers obtained from renewable resources have attracted much attention due to the increasing environmental awareness and the fossil depletion problem (Vroman and Tighzert 2009). Among different kinds of nanocellulose materials, cellulose nanofibrils (NFC) are ideal candidates for reinforced composites owing to their abundance, renewability, biodegradability, spectacular mechanical properties (high specific strength and modulus), low thermal expansion, environmental benefiits, and low cost (Hubbe et al 2008, Iwatake et al 2008, Eichhorn et al 2010, Abdul Khalil et al 2012, Frone et al 2013). PVA and NFC-reinforced PVA composite films were prepared using a solvent casting method.

Results

Conclusion