Properties of poly(vinyl chloride) modified by cellulose

Compositions of poly(vinyl chloride) with 2-10 (w/w) cellulose were prepared by extrusion. The mechanical properties and water absorptiveness of modified PVC have been measured. For the purpose of estimating the susceptibility to microorganisms' attack, all samples were being composted in garden soil for up to 14 months. Microbial analysis of soil used has been made. The biodegradation efficiency was estimated in terms and by means of weight loss, ATR-FT IR spectroscopy, as well as changes in mechanical resistance. Moreover, thermal stability of virgin and composted samples was studied by thermogravimetry. It has been found that the addition of a small amount of cellulose to PVC changes only slightly its properties. Intermolecular interactions and also some thermal crosslinking taking place during the processing of samples' preparation retard the biodegradation of PVC + cellulose blends.