Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical Technology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
Research Article
Polyvinyl Alcohol Impact on the Physio-Chemical, Morphological, Barrier, Mechanical and Biodegradable Properties of Water Chestnut Starch Biocomposite Film
Author(s): Kishwar Zehra*, Anjum Nawab, Feroz Alam, Alina Hadi and Mohib Reza
A biodegradable film based on Water Chestnut Starch (WCS) with Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) at different proportions
(100:0, 70:30 and 50:50 wt%) were prepared by casting technique. To study the impact of incorporation of PVA
into the film matrix, physical, barrier and mechanical properties were examined. Scanning electron morphology was
performed to explain the film morphology and structural properties. Results showed that PVA addition increased
the swelling index and solubility but decreased the thickness. PVA enhances the Tensile Strength (TS) but found to
be gradually decreased at high PVA concentration. Highest TS values were 31.33 MPa and 27.14 MPa for sorbitol
and glycerol respectively at 30% PVA concentration. However, the elongation at break (%E) was minimum at lower
concentration of PVA and then increased with PVA concentration. The Water Vapour Permeability .. View more»