Fabrication and characterization of transparent and biodegradable cellulose/poly (vinyl alcohol) blend films using an ionic liquid

Biodegradable blends were prepared from cellulose and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) using the ionic liquid (IL) solvent, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The blends were regenerated into films, fibers and rectangular blocks. The films showed optical transparency throughout the entire composition of the blends. The infrared spectroscopic experiments proved the existence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups of cellulose and PVA. The miscibility between cellulose and PVA lead to increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) and of decrease in crystallinity of the blends. The Tg-composition data showed a negative deviation from Fox predictions, however fit well with BCKV model. The addition of PVA improved the tensile strength and elongation at break, considerably plasticizing cellulose. The blends can be degraded completely in soil. Moreover, the IL was completely recycled with high yield after the processing.