Characterization of Lignocellulosic Fibers Reinforced with Poly(vinyl alcohol)

Abstract

The demands for materials made of plastics are rapidly increasing, especially in food packaging application. Recently, attention has been drawn to the use of bio-reinforced composites in packaging, automotive, medical and construction applications due to increased concern for environmental sustainability. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films reinforced with crystals (unbleached) prepared by solution casting method possessed significantly improved properties compared to film reinforced with cellulose (bleached). From the results, PVA films with the addition of 4% (w/w) of crystalline cellulose exhibited best combination of properties. In addition to good mechanical properties, this composite has good water resistance and biodegradability. The water absorption of biocomposite was found to be 22.63%. From X - ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, diffraction peaks of biocomposite was observed at 2θ = 22.4384. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis it was found that fractures at surfaces of biocomposite film were smooth and even without any porosity and uniform dispersion of jute crystals in the matrix.