Advanced Bio-Based PVA Composite Films Reinforced with Bacterial Cellulose and Graphene Oxide: Enhanced Mechanical, Thermal, Flame-Retardant, and UV-Blocking Properties
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48048/tis.2025.10357Keywords:
Bacterial cellulose (BC), Graphene oxide (GO), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Bio-based composite films, Mechanical properties, Flame retardancy, Thermal stabilityAbstract
This research elucidates the formulation and characterization of an eco-friendly bio-composite film made with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), bacterial cellulose (BC), and graphene oxide (GO). The optimized composition, incorporating 3 wt.% BC and 0.5 wt.% GO, yielded substantial improvements in mechanical properties, achieving a 47% increase in tensile strength and a 65% enhancement in impact resistance compared to pure PVA, while preserving desirable flexibility. Microstructural and spectroscopic analyses-including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD)-confirmed homogeneous dispersion and strong interfacial compatibility among components. The addition of GO significantly enhanced flame retardancy, raising the limiting oxygen index (LOI) to 27.8% and enabling the film to attain UL-94 V-1 classification. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed improved thermal stability, while UV-visible spectroscopy demonstrated a UV-blocking efficiency of 95.3% at 280 nm. These findings underscore the synergistic reinforcing effect of BC and GO in enhancing the mechanical strength, thermal resistance, flame retardancy, and UV-shielding capacity of the bio-composite film made with PVA, BC and GO, highlighting its promising potential for sustainable applications in packaging, biomedical materials, and protective coatings.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A novel eco-friendly bio-composite film based on PVA, bacterial cellulose (3 wt.%), and graphene oxide (0.5 wt.%) was successfully developed.
- The composite showed significant mechanical improvements: tensile strength increased by 47% and impact resistance by 65% compared to pure PVA.
- Flame retardancy was enhanced with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 27.8% and UL-94 V-1 classification.
- The film achieved 95.3% UV-blocking efficiency at 280 nm and demonstrated improved thermal stability.
- Synergistic reinforcement between bacterial cellulose and graphene oxide led to enhanced interfacial compatibility and multifunctional performance, making the composite suitable for sustainable packaging and biomedical applications.
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