Study of Biodegradability and Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Reinforced Celloluse Nanofiber (CNF)

The aim of this study was to improve the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by using cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as a reinforcement. In order to improve the compatibility and miscibility with PVA matrix, freeze drying method was applied. The nanocomposites based on PVA with values 5, 10, 20 and 30wt% of CNF were prepared by freeze-drying and the effect of CNF addition on the mechanical and dynamical mechanical properties, moisture sorption, barrier and biodegradability of the nanocomposites was studied. The tensile strength and elastic modulus of PVA films were improved by the addition of CNF. The nanocomposite with 10wt% nano-fibers had the highest tensile strength and lowest modulus of elasticity and the elongation at break. The results indicated that the storage modulus (E′) of PVA was considerably improved with the introduction of CNF into - polymer matrix. The water vapor permeability decreased from 7.31 to 2.1×10-7 g/m. h. Pa as the CNF percentage increased from 0 to 30%. Also the presence of cellulose nanofibers improved moisture sorption of polyvinyl alcohol. The weight loss of PVA films increased 60% with addition of 30wt% CNF after 90 days of exposure in soil