Microstructure and Molecular Interaction in Glycerol Plasticized Chitosan/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Blending Films

Exploring some basic interactions in blending systems is of great significance for designing a blend with controlled structure and properties. This work attempts to analyze microstructure and molecular interaction in glycerol plasticized chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends by atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Our results show that the blending films are aggregated by spherical chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) blending nanoparticles. The size and aggregation behavior of these particles are closely related to glycerol content. The presence of glycerol gives rise to a continuous closing in T-g of poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan components, suggesting an improved miscibility of the blend. Strong hydrogen bonding interaction in the blend is observed and further distinguished by peak resolution. Moreover, more interesting evidence on the effect of glycerol in the blends is provided by monitoring the structure evolution of the blend at different blending steps using atomic force microscopy. The formation of strong hydrogen bonding network among glycerol molecules and polymer matrix was considered as the main driving force to result in the changes in the microstructure and miscibility of the blend.