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Role of Crosslinker on the Biodegradation Behavior of Starch/Polyvinylalcohol Blend Films

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Abstract

The effect of crosslinkers on the biodegradation behavior of starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend films was investigated by weight loss study, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Starch/PVA films were prepared by solution casting method and 5 weight% of four different crosslinking agents like epichlorohydrin, formaldehyde, zinc oxide and borax were used in four different sets to crosslink the films. These crosslinked starch/PVA films were biodegraded in compost. Weight loss study showed that crosslinking retarded the biodegradation of the films in the first 15 days, but after that, there was a significant increase in weight loss. The DSC analysis revealed that the consumption of starch and consequent rearrangement of the PVA molecules were distinctly different in the crosslinked films due to the effect of different crosslinking agents.

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Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CRNNT), University of Calcutta, for granting the project. Sonakshi Maiti is thankful to CRNNT for giving her the fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P. C Road, Kolkata, 700009, India

    Sonakshi Maiti & Dipa Ray

  2. Department of Chemical Technology, University College of Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P. C Road, Kolkata, 700009, India

    Debarati Mitra

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  1. Sonakshi Maiti
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  2. Dipa Ray
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  3. Debarati Mitra
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Correspondence to Dipa Ray.

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Maiti, S., Ray, D. & Mitra, D. Role of Crosslinker on the Biodegradation Behavior of Starch/Polyvinylalcohol Blend Films. J Polym Environ 20, 749–759 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-012-0433-6

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