Alcohol Composite Films Research Articles

Cellulose-glycerol-polyvinyl alcohol composite films for food packaging: Evaluation of water adsorption, mechanical properties, light-barrier properties and transparency

Nowadays consumers are aware of environmental problems. As an alternative to petrochemical polymers for food packaging, researchers have been focused on biopolymeric materials as raw material. The aim of this study was to evaluate mechanical properties (toughness, burst strength and distance to burst), water adsorption, light-barrier properties and transparency of composite films based on cellulose, glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol. Scanning electron microscopy, spectral analysis (FT-IR and UV–VIS-NIR) and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to explain the morphology, structural and thermal properties of the films. Results showed that polyvinyl alcohol enhances the toughness of films up to 44.30 MJ/m3. However, toughness decreases when glycerol concentration is increased (from 23.41 to 10.55 MJ/m3). Water adsorption increased with increasing polyvinyl alcohol concentration up to 222%. Polyvinyl alcohol increased the film thickness. The films showed higher burst strength (up to 12014 g) than other biodegradable films. The films obtained have optimal values of transparency like those values of synthetic polymers. Glycerol produced a UV protective effect in the films, an important effect for food packaging to prevent lipid oxidative deterioration. Results showed that it is feasible to obtain cellulose-glycerol-polyvinyl alcohol composite films with improved properties.

U-shaped micro-groove fiber based on femtosecond laser processing for humidity sensing

A novel optical fiber sensor with a U-shaped micro-groove structure ablated by femtosecond laser on single-mode fiber for measuring air relative humidity (RH) is reported in this paper. In order to improve the accuracy of sensor, a graphene oxide (GO)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film is coated on the surface of micro-groove structure. In the U-shaped micro-groove structure, the remaining core and micro-cavity in the micro-groove make up two major optical propagation paths, forming a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI). The sensor has a good linear response within the RH range of 30%—85%, and the maximum sensitivity can reach 0.638 1 nm/%RH. The effect of temperature on the overall performance of the humidity sensor is also investigated. As a new type of all-fiber device, the sensor shows excellent sensitivity and stability.

Synthesis and characterization of NaYF4:Yb, Er up-conversion phosphors/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite fluorescent films

Synthesis and characterization of NaYF₄:Yb, Er up-conversion phosphors/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite fluorescent films

Fabrication and characterization of cow dung- Polyvinyl Alcohol composite film

A novel polymer composite film of cow dung fibers (soaked in 5% NaOH solution) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) was fabricated. The thermal and mechanical properties of the fabricated film were determined using standard methods. It was observed that flexural, tensile strength and hardness of the composite film were the maximum when 5–7% of cow dung fiber was mixed; further increasing the cow dung proportion gradually degraded the strength and hardness. It was also observed that increasing the cow dung fiber quantity decreases the thermal conductivity of the composite film. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) revealed a good correlation between morphology and property variations of the composite film. The SEM micrographs, FTIR and XRD also revealed that the alkali treated cow-dung-fiber-composite (CDFC) film was having increased bounding and reduced fiber pullout resulting superior mechanical properties. The work suggests one of the suitable use for the large volume of cow dung produced throughout the globe.

Mechanically improved polyvinyl alcohol-composite films using modified cellulose nanowhiskers as nano-reinforcement

Cellulose nanowhiskers (CWs) extracted from cotton fibers were successfully modified with distinct anhydrides structures and used as additives in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite films. The surface modification of CWs was performed with maleic, succinic, acetic or phthalic anhydride to compare the interaction and action the carboxylic groups into PVA films and how these groups influence in mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. CWs presented a high degree of crystallinity and good dispersion in water, with average length at the nanoscale. The addition of specific amounts (3, 6 and 9 wt.%) of modified-CWs increased up to 4.4 times the storage modulus (PVA88-CWSA 9 wt.%), as observed from dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), compared to the bare PVA films. A significant increase in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break showed a close relationship to the amount and chemical surface characteristics of CWs added, suggesting that these modified-CWs could be explored as reinforcement additives in PVA films.

Chemical cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose nanocrystal composite films with high structural stability by spraying Fenton reagent as initiator

Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films with high structural stability were prepared by free radical copolymerization between cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and maleic anhydride (MAH) modified PVA through spraying Fenton free radical as initiator. The influence of chemical cross-linked and physical network structure on mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of the composite films were investigated. Compared to PVA and PVA/CNC composite film, significant improvements in the mechanical, thermal and water uptake properties of the cross-linked composite film were found. The tensile strength of the cross-linked composite film was enhanced from 23.1MPa (neat PVA film) and 32.6MPa (PVA/CNC-10%) to 42.5MPa, and the maximum thermal degradation temperature was increased from 266.8°C and 281.2°C to 366.7°C (cross-linked composite film). Besides, the water absorption was reduced from 385.9% and 220.6% to 175.7% for cross-linked composite film. It indicates that compared with physical network structure in PVA/CNC composite film, the multiple cross-linked networks showed excellent thermal stability, resistance of water swelling and structural stability at the same CNC loading level. Thus, the PVA/CNC composite film with the multiple cross-linked network shows greater property reinforcements.

The study of electrochemical synthesis, properties and composite mechanism of PANI/PVA and PANI/PVA/Ag composite films

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the conductivity and processability of polyaniline (PANI). Design/methodology/approach The study opted for synthesis of the conductive PANI/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film, co-doped with 5-sulphosalicylic acid and sulphuric acid. Using an electrochemical method, a small amount of silver (Ag) was electrodeposited on the film. The PVA/PANI and PVA/PANI/Ag composite films were characterised by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and infrared. The composite deposition mechanism of the composite film was investigated by cyclic voltammetry for the first time. Findings The conductivity of the optimum PVA/PANI composite film reached 21.2 S · cm−1.Then, a small amount of Ag was deposited on the PVA/PANI film, and the conductivity significantly increased by 1250 S · cm−1. Through appropriate degree of stretching, the conductivity of the films was enhanced. The results indicate that uniform PVA/PANI fibres and dendritic Ag can combine to form complete three-dimensional conductive networks that exhibit better conductivity and mechanical properties. The cyclic voltammetry curves reveal that the dedoping potential of PANI was more negative than the reduction potential of Ag. Therefore, the procedure for the deposition of Ag on the PANI/PVA composite film cannot decrease the conductivity. Practical implications This paper for the first time described and revealed the effective and practical synthesis approach and composite mechanism to prepare multi-types metal-conductive polymer composites and improve the conductivity of a conductive polymer with a less expense and one-step electrochemical method. Originality/value This paper first explored galvanostatic oxidation to synthesise a PANI composite film to resolve the processability and conductivity of PANI by co-doped with mixed acids and deposited Ag on film. Furthermore, for the first time, the composite mechanism of metal and conductive polymer was studied.

Dual-wavelength Bi2Se3-based passively Q-switching Nd3+-doped glass all-fiber laser

We demonstrate a dual-wavelength passively Q-switched Nd3+-doped glass fiber laser using a few-layer topological insulator Bi2Se3 as a saturable absorber (SA) for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The laser resonator is a simple and compact linear cavity using two fiber end-facet mirrors. The SA is fabricated by Bi2Se3/polyvinyl alcohol composite film. By inserting the SA into the laser cavity, a stable Q-switching operation is achieved with the shortest pulse width and maximum pulse repetition rate of 601 ns and 205.2 kHz, respectively. The maximum average output power and maximum pulse energy obtained are about 6.6 mW and 38.8 nJ, respectively.

Super-compatible functional boron nitride nanosheets/polymer films with excellent mechanical properties and ultra-high thermal conductivity for thermal management

Super compatible functional boron nitride (FBN) nanosheets and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films are well fabricated by facile aqueous vacuum filtering.

Modified iron phosphate/polyvinyl alcohol composite film for controlled-release fertilisers.

Traditional soluble phosphorous (P) fertilisers can be easily leached to pollute water systems, resulting in water eutrophication, a major environmental problem from the oversupply of unused nutrients. One innovative solution is to control the release of P upon demands of the plants. This study established a new concept of controlled-release P fertiliser via incorporation of ferric phosphate (FePO4) as a P source in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films, which can immobilise the FePO4 particles and stimuli-responsively accelerate their release rate in the presence of citric acid. More importantly, FePO4 used in this work originated from steelmaking slag as a potential waste reuse. Due to the low solubility of FePO4, diethylamine was introduced to modify FePO4 particles to facilitate the release of P before incorporating with PVA. The effects of diethylamine modification and the properties of FePO4/PVA films were systematically investigated through microscopic and spectroscopic methods. The release of P from particles and films was examined in both deionised water and citric acid solution for 30 days. The results showed a tenfold increase of the release rate of modified FePO4/PVA in citric acid solution compared with that in deionised water, and also a doubled release rate of the modified FePO4/PVA compared to that of FePO4/PVA in citric acid. The improved performance suggests that PVA can maintain the phosphorous content with exposure to water and expedite release in citric acid upon the demand of plants. This composite film offers a new opportunity for the application of insoluble phosphate as a phosphorous fertiliser.

ZnO nanoparticle-embedded silk fibroin–polyvinyl alcohol composite film: a potential dressing material for infected wounds

A highly effective composite film based on ZnO NPs, silk fibroin and PVA for an infected wound.

Characterization of solution casting derived carbon nanotube reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) thin films

Carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite thin films have been prepared by a solution casting process at room temperature using gum acacia as a surfactant. CNT contents in the composites were varied from 5 to 10% by weight to increase its electrical conductivity. Electrical properties, such as conductivity, capacitance, dielectric constant and loss tangent, of the composites were investigated. All the electrical properties were found to be improved with the incorporation of CNTs. The absorbance and transmittance of light were determined by UV–visible spectroscopy and from the transmittance data, band gaps were calculated. The smallest band gap, of 1.18 eV, was found for the 10% CNT containing composite while the 0% CNT containing composite had a band gap of 2.4 eV. Thermal properties of the films were characterized by a thermo mechanical analyzer. The experimental results revealed that the blended films exhibited higher stability and improved thermal properties, which suggests the occurrence of an interaction, detected by FTIR, among PVA, CNT and water molecules in the films. The mechanical properties, tensile strength, elongation at break and Young modulus, were found to be improved. Water absorption properties of the composites were found to decrease with the increase of CNT content. The lowest water uptake properties and highest thermal stability were demonstrated by 10% CNT containing film. All of the results indicated that the developed PVA/CNT composite might be promising for use in optoelectronic application.

Bio-inspired clay nanosheets/polymer matrix/mineral nanofibers ternary composite films with optimal balance of strength and toughness

Although remarkable progress has been witnessed in mimicking the nacre-like architecture in laboratory, it remains a great challenge for understanding the unique balancing mechanism of toughness and strength in biological materials. Here, taking advantage of the synergistic effect of different dimensional nanoscale building blocks, we fabricate nacre-like films that reconcile high strength and toughness. The obtained ternary lamellar composite films are constructed by one-dimensional xonotlite nanowires and two-dimensional montmorillonite nanosheets with the assistance of poly(vinyl alcohol). The ternary composite films show high strength ( (241.8±10.2) MPa) and toughness ((5.85±0.46) MJ m−3), both of which are higher than that of the single nanofibrillar xonotlite network films or the binary montmorillonite/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films. The excellent mechanical properties of the nacre-like ternary composite films are aroused by the synergistic toughening mechanism of the different dimensional building blocks. This strategy provides a facile approach to integrate the nacre-like composite films with potential applications in tissue engineering scaffold, strong air barrier coatings, and fire-retardant packing materials.

Study of Electroluminescence in Cadmium Sulfide Polymer Nanocomposite Films

Nanocrystalline cadmium sulfide/Polyvinyl alcohol composite films were prepared by chemical route using Cadmium acetate and hydrogen sulfide gas as cadmium and sulfur source respectively. Poly vinyl Alcohal (PVA) used as polymer matrix. The initially loading of cadmium precursor influences the size as well as photoluminescence and electroluminescence properties of the Composite film. The films were characterized by X Ray Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and UV-Visible Absorption spectra. The X-ray Diffraction result showed that CdS nanocrystals embedded in polymer matrix were in a zinc blend cubic structure. The UV-Visible absorption spectra of composite film reveal the blue shift in the band gap energy with respect to CdS bulk (2.42eV) material owing to quantum confinement effect. The Photoluminescence emission spectra show the green light emission at 510 nm arising from the defects states due to excess of cadmium or sulfur anion vacancies. Electroluminescence study indicates enhanced emission with low turn on voltage for higher loading of cadmium in polymer matrix due to increased oscillator strength. When higher electric field is applied, light emission start due to acceleration collision mechanism by charge carries inside the composite film.

Reduction versus cross-linking: how to improve the tensile strength of graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol composite film

Both reduction and cross-linking can improve the mechanical performance of graphene/polymer composites. However, few reports exist on the comparison and combination of both methods. Taking graphene oxide/polyvinyl alcohol composite film as its model, this study focuses on the effect of reduction and cross-linking (as well as their order) on the composite film’s tensile strength. GO/PVA composite films were prepared by a simple solution mixing method, then reduced with hydroiodic acid and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde. Both reduction and cross-linking can improve the tensile strength, but the effect of cross-linking is superior. The improvement of tensile strength is cumulative when reduction and cross-linking are used simultaneously or even successively. Moreover, the order in which these two methods are applied also plays a role; reduction first with cross-linking second shows superior results than the reverse. The tensile strength of the obtained composite film peaked at 112.8 MPa, which is over 7 times that of neat PVA.

Graphene Nano-sheets/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Films: Effects of Hybrid Fillers on Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness

This study employs the solution mixing method to produce composite films by using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), graphene nano-sheets (GNs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), four-point probe/coaxial transmission line method are performed in order to evaluate the tensile properties, melting and crystallization behaviors, electric conductivity, and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of the composite films. The test results indicate that with the increasing amount of MWCNTs, GNs/MWCNTs hybrid fillers cause a synergy effect that contributes to the tensile strength of the composite films. An optimal GNs/ MWCNTs ratio is 0.5 wt%:1wt% that provides the films with a tensile property of 19.6 MPa, an improvement on glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm) and crystallization temperature (Tc) of PVA, an electric conductivity of 2.6×10-5 S/cm, and EMI SE of -15 dB at frequency 1 GHz-2 GHz that is equal to a 99.9 % shielding level required by livelihood necessities.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of AgNPs-Silk/PVA Film for Potential Packaging Application.

Bionanocomposite packaging materials have a bright future for a broad range of applications in the food and biomedical industries. Antimicrobial packaging is one of the bionanocomposite packaging materials. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is one of the most attractive antimicrobial agents for its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against microorganisms. However, the traditional method of preparing AgNPs-functionalized packaging material is cumbersome and not environmentally friendly. To develop an efficient and convenient biosynthesis method to prepare AgNPs-modified bionanocomposite material for packaging applications, we synthesized AgNPs in situ in a silk fibroin solution via the reduction of Ag+ by the tyrosine residue of fibroin, and then prepared AgNPs–silk/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite film by blending with PVA. AgNPs were synthesized evenly on the surface or embedded in the interior of silk/PVA film. The prepared AgNPs–silk/PVA film exhibited excellent mechanical performance and stability, as well as good antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. AgNPs–silk/PVA film offers more choices to be potentially applied in the active packaging field.

One-Step Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles on Polydopamine-Coated Sericin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Films for Potential Antimicrobial Applications.

Silk sericin has great potential as a biomaterial for biomedical applications due to its good hydrophilicity, reactivity, and biodegradability. To develop multifunctional sericin materials for potential antibacterial application, a one-step synthesis method for preparing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) modified on polydopamine-coated sericin/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films was developed. Polydopamine (PDA) acted as both metal ion chelating and reducing agent to synthesize AgNPs in situ on the sericin/PVA composite film. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed that polydopamine could effectively facilitate the high-density growth of AgNPs as a 3-D matrix. X-ray diffractometry studies suggested the synthesized AgNPs formed good face-centered cubic crystalline structures. Contact angle measurement and mechanical test indicated AgNPs modified PDA-sericin/PVA composite film had good hydrophilicity and mechanical property. The bacterial growth curve and inhibition zone assays showed the AgNPs modified PDA-sericin/PVA composite film had long-term antibacterial activities. This work develops a new method for the preparation of AgNPs modified PDA-sericin/PVA film with good hydrophilicity, mechanical performance and antibacterial activities for the potential antimicrobial application in biomedicine.

Superstretchable Nacre-Mimetic Graphene/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Film Based on Interfacial Architectural Engineering.

Through designing hierarchical structures, particularly optimizing the chemical and architectural interactions at its inorganic/organic interface, nacre has achieved an excellent combination of contradictory mechanical properties such as strength and toughness, which is highly demanded yet difficult to achieve by most synthetic materials. Most techniques applied to develop nacre-mimetic composites have been focused on mimicking the "brick-and-mortar" structure, but the interfacial architectural features, especially the asperities and mineral bridges of "bricks", have been rarely concerned, which are of equal importance for enhancing mechanical properties of nacre. Here, we used a modified bidirectional freezing method followed by uniaxial pressing and chemical reduction to assemble a nacre-mimetic graphene/poly(vinyl alcohol) composite film, with both asperities and bridges introduced in addition to the lamellar layers to mimic the interfacial architectural interactions found in nacre. As such, we have developed a composite film that is not only strong (up to ∼150.9 MPa), but also tough (up to ∼8.50 MJ/m3), and highly stretchable (up to ∼10.44%), difficult to obtain by other methods. This was all achieved by only interfacial architectural engineering within the traditional "brick-and-mortar" structure, without introducing a third component or employing chemical cross-linker as in some other nacre-mimetic systems. More importantly, we believe that the design principles and processing strategies reported here can also be applied to other material systems to develop strong and stretchable materials.

Highly effective Cu/Zn-carbon micro/nanofiber-polymer nanocomposite-based wound dressing biomaterial against the P. aeruginosa multi- and extensively drug-resistant strains

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is the most prevalent bacteria in the infections caused by burn, surgery, and traumatic injuries. Emergence of the P. aeruginosa bacterial resistance against various clinical drugs for wound treatment is the major concern nowadays. The present study describes the synthesis of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) polymeric composite film (~0.2mm thickness) reinforced with the Cu/Zn bimetal-dispersed activated carbon micro/nanofiber (ACF/CNF), as a wound dressing material. The focus is on determining the efficacy of the prepared biomaterial against the multi and extensively drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains isolated from the burning, surgical, and traumatic injury-wounds. The primary synthesis steps for the biomaterial include the mixing of a blend of CAP powder and the asymmetrically distributed Cu/Zn bimetals in ACF/CNF, into the polymerization reaction mixture of PVA. Biochemical tests showed that the prepared composite material significantly enhanced the in-vitro blood clotting rate, platelet aggregation, and macrophage cell proliferation, indicating the suitability of the material as a fast wound healer. The antibacterial tests performed against the P. aeruginosa strains showed that the material effectively suppressed the bacterial growth, with the bimetal nanoparticles dispersed in the material serving as an antibacterial agent. The PVA/CAP polymer composite served as an encapsulating agent providing a slow release of the nanoparticles, besides increasing the hemostatic properties of the biomaterial. The ACF/CNF served as a support to the dispersed bimetal nanoparticles, which also provided a mechanical and thermal stability to the material. Experimentally demonstrated to be biocompatible, the prepared metal-carbon-polymer nanocomposite in this study is an effective dressing material for the P. aeruginosa-infected wounds.