Author(s)

Ravindra V. Gadhave^*, Prakash A. Mahanwar, Pradeep T. Gadekar

Department of Polymer and Surface Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India.

The aim of this study is to analyze the various compositions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch blends. The blends have been cross-linked with glyoxal to enhance its properties. The hydroxyl groups of PVA and starch react with glyoxal via formation of acetal bonds; hence crosslinking could take place. The cross-linking of glyoxal is observed in various analytical methods such as DSC and FTIR. The cross-linked blends showed better thermal and mechanical properties. Viscosity, tensile shear strength, pencil hardness and ultimate stress were evaluated to estimate the changes due to cross-linking. It was observed that the cross-linking is directly proportional to starch, since the starch hydroxyl groups are easily accessible for reacting. The cross-linked blend showed better cohesion between its chains, thereby increasing glass transition temperature. It was reflected in the subsequent increase in tensile strength properties.

Starch, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Cross-Linking, Glyoxal, Mechanical Testing

Gadhave, R. , Mahanwar, P. and Gadekar, P. (2019) Study on Various Compositions of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Starch Blends by Cross-Linking with Glyoxal. Open Journal of Polymer Chemistry, 9, 76-85. doi: 10.4236/ojpchem.2019.94007.