Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites

5Polyvinyl Alcohol/Starch-Based Biocomposites and Bionanocomposites

Nor Fasihah Binti Zaaba* and Hanafi Bin Ismail

School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

In general, petrochemical-based plastics (polyolefins, polyesters, and polyamides) have been used as packaging materials due to its superior properties such as durable and low in cost. Nevertheless, plastic is non-degradable material and the extensive use of plastics lead to rise of the waste management problems and environmental pollution. Thus, biodegradable plastic is an ideal alternative to replace the non-degradable plastic material. Among biodegradable plastics, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is chosen as the most significant plastic materials as it offers excellent mechanical properties. Normally, starch is the best options to blend with PVA to reduce the material’s cost while maintaining the high properties and characteristics of PVA. In this article, the preparation, characterization, mechanical properties and application of PVA/starch biocomposites and bionanocomposites from previous studies are studied, briefly.

Keywords: Polyvinyl alcohol, biocomposites, nanocomposites, mechanical properties

5.1 Introduction

Owing to the distinctive properties and characteristics such as widely available at low cost, lightweight, durable, good barrier properties to oxygen and aroma compounds, good tensile and tear strength, and heat sealability, the fabrication ...