Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films Prepared from Blends of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol), Cornstarch, and Lignocellulosic Fiber

  • Published:
Journal of Polymers and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Several composite blends of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and lignocellulosic fibers were prepared and characterized. Cohesive and flexible cast films were obtained by blending lignocellulosic fibers derived from orange waste and PVA with or without cornstarch. Films were evaluated for their thermal stability, water permeability and biodegradation properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated the suitability of formulations for melt processing, and for application as mulch films in fields at much higher temperatures. Composite films were permeable to water, but at the same time able to maintain consistency and composition upon drying. Chemical crosslinking of starch, fiber and PVA, all hydroxyl functionalized polymers, by hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) improved water resistance in films. Films generally biodegraded within 30 days in soil, achieving between 50–80% mineralization. Both starch and lignocellulosic fiber degraded much more rapidly than PVA. Interestingly, addition of fiber to formulations enhanced the PVA degradation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • C. L. McCormick (1984) Agricultural Applications in: Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering Vol. 1 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons NY 611

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Chiellini P. Cinelli S. D’Antone V. I. Ilieva (2002) Polym 47 21

    Google Scholar 

  • G. Scott (2001) ArticleTitlePolym Degrad. Stab. 68 1

    Google Scholar 

  • M. L. Fishman R. Friedman S. J. Huang (1994) Polymers from Agricultural Coproducts ACS Symp Ser. Washington DC 575

    Google Scholar 

  • J. J. Bozell (2001) in Chemical and Materials from Renewable Resources ACS Symp.Ser. Washington DC. 784

    Google Scholar 

  • R. A. Young, (1997) in A. L. Leao, F. X. Carvalho and E. Frollini, (Eds.), Lignocellulosics-Plastics Composites, Sao Paolo Brazil, p.1.

  • E. Chiellini P. Cinelli S. H. Imam L. Mao (2001) Biomacromolecules 2 1029

    Google Scholar 

  • S. M. Lahalih S. A. Akashah F. H. Al-Hajjar (1987) ArticleTitleInd Eng Eng. Chem. Res. 26 26 2366

    Google Scholar 

  • R. Coffin M. L. Fishman T. V. Ly (1996) ArticleTitleJ Appl. Polym. Sci. 57 71

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Chiellini P. Cinelli E. Grillo Fernandes E. R. Kenawy A. Lazzeri (2001) Biomacromolecules 2 806

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Chiellini P. Cinelli S. H. Imam L. Mao (2001) Biorelated E. Chiellini H. Gil G. Braunegg J. Buchert P. Gatenholm M. Van der Zee (Eds) Polymers-Sustainable Polymer Science and Technology Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers Academic/Plenum Publishers 87–100

    Google Scholar 

  • S. H. Imam L. Chen S. H. Gordon R. L. Shogren D. Weisleder R. V. Greene (1998) ArticleTitleJ Polym. Environ 6 6

    Google Scholar 

  • S. H. Imam S. H. Gordon R. L. Shogren T. R. Tosteson N. S. Govind R. V. Greene (1999) ArticleTitleAppl Environ. Mivrobiol. 65 65 431

    Google Scholar 

  • J. S. Peanasky J. M. Long R. P. Wool (1991) ArticleTitleJ Polym. Sci Polym. Phys. 29 565

    Google Scholar 

  • N. E. Sharabi R. Bartha (1993) ArticleTitleJ Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 59 59 1201

    Google Scholar 

  • J. Shen R. Bartha (1996) ArticleTitleJ Appl. Environ. Microbial. 62 62 1428

    Google Scholar 

  • L. R. Krupp W. J. Jewell (1992) ArticleTitleEnviron Sci. Technol. 26 26 193

    Google Scholar 

  • L. Chen H. S. Imam H. S. Gordon R. V. Greene (1997) ArticleTitleJ Environ. Polym. Degrad. 5 IssueID2 111–117

    Google Scholar 

  • E. R. Kenawy P. Cinelli A. Corti S. Miertus E. Chiellini (1999) ArticleTitleMacromol Symp. 144 351

    Google Scholar 

  • P. E. Chiellini A. Cinelli E. Corti F. R. Kenawy R. E. Grillo R. Solaro (2000) ArticleTitleMacromol Symp. 152 83

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Chiellini P. Cinelli A. Corti E. L. Kenawy (2001) ArticleTitlePolym Degrad. Stab. 73 549

    Google Scholar 

  • E. Chiellini A. Corti R. Solaro (1999) ArticleTitlePolym Degrad. Stab. 64 IssueID2 305–312

    Google Scholar 

  • S. Matsumura N. Tomizawa A. Toki K. Nishikawa K. Toshima (1999) Macromolecules 32 7753

    Google Scholar 

  • H. Sawada (1994) NoChapterTitle Y. Doi K. Fukuda (Eds) Biodegradable Plastics and Polymers Elsevier Amsterdam 298

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bioproduct Chemistry & Engineering Research, USDA, ARS, WRRC, Albany, CA, 94710, USA

    S. H. Imam

  2. Department of Chemistry & Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

    P. Cinelli & E. Chiellini

  3. Plant Polymer Research, USDA, ARS, NCAUR, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA

    S. H. Gordon

Authors
  1. S. H. Imam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Cinelli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. S. H. Gordon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. E. Chiellini
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. H. Imam.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Imam, S.H., Cinelli, P., Gordon, S.H. et al. Characterization of Biodegradable Composite Films Prepared from Blends of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol), Cornstarch, and Lignocellulosic Fiber. J Polym Environ 13, 47–55 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-004-1215-6

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-004-1215-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation