Effect of banana fibers and plasticizer on melt processing of poly(vinyl alcohol)
Abstract Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) resin is one of the most widely used water soluble biodegradable polymer. Because of thermal degradation, PVOH exhibits limited melt processing and lacks moldability. The effects of adding glycerol as plasticizer and banana fibers (BF) to PVOH on its moldability and mechanical property were investigated. Melt blending of PVOH with glycerol and/or BF was performed in an internal mixer. The blended materials were then compression molded to produce tensile specimens. Various characterization techniques were employed to study the mechanical properties, compatibility, and crystallization behavior of the PVOH blends. By melt blending with glycerol, PVOH could be processed but decreased the tensile modulus, tensile strength, and crystallization temperature. Furthermore, the addition of BF enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties and crystallization temperature of plasticized PVOH due to compatibility between the two components. Apart from enhancing the mechanical properties and thermal stability, the incorporation of BF can reduce the production cost.