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ThesisItem Open Access Mechanical and thermal characterization of biodegradable cellulose nanofiber reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan blend(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2021-03) Somvanshi, Kritika Singh; Gope, P.C.In recent years, due to increased awareness and push towards more environmentally sustainable technology, nano-composite materials obtained from natural and renewable resources have received significant interest. Cellulose Nano Fiber (CNF) is the most profuse, recyclable and eco-friendly natural fiber which entirely disintegrated by the appropriate action of microorganisms. Polyvinyl Alcohol and Chitosan blend films were prepared by solution casting method and ultrasonic processing at 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt. % of CNF. The dispersion of Nano filler in a solution obtained by energetic agitation by the sonication process resulted in improved mechanical and thermal properties. The performance of the films was comprehensively investigated in terms of water absorption, mechanical properties, thermal stability, biodegradability, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. DMA analysis of the film has been studied to determine the storage modulus, loss modulus and glass transition temperature. The homogeneous dispersion is studied using scanning electron micrographs. Optimization of different process parameters is studied using Analysis of Variance and Response Surface Methodology. The optimized film exhibited a strong antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain with a 15.96 mm zone of inhibition diameter. Creep and recovery behavior were also examined and found that the rigidity and load-bearing capability are improved by CNF reinforcement. A soil burial test was conducted to investigate the biodegradability that shows improved degradation within a very short time. The improved results for mechanical, thermal, creep, antibacterial, antioxidant and biodegradability are recorded in the film with 30 min sonicated and 40 wt. % CNF reinforcement. The soil analysis results reveal that the optimized film can be used in various applications in the field of agriculture and food packaging.
