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Mechanical and thermal properties of EVA blended with biodegradable ethyl cellulose
Author(s) -
Girija B. G.,
Sailaja R. R. N.,
Biswas Sharmistha,
Deepthi M. V.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.31660
Subject(s) - materials science , ultimate tensile strength , ethylene vinyl acetate , copolymer , composite material , vinyl alcohol , biodegradation , ethyl cellulose , thermal stability , cellulose , polymer blend , vinyl acetate , polymer , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , chemistry , engineering
Abstract In this study, biodegradable blend of Poly (Ethylene‐ co ‐Vinyl Acetate) (EVA) and Ethyl Cellulose (EC) were prepared. Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer was used as an interfacial compatibilizer to enhance adhesion between EVA and EC. The melt blended compatibilized biocomposites were examined for mechanical and thermal properties as per the ASTM standards. It has been found that the EC has a reinforcing effect on EVA leading to enhanced tensile strength and also impart biodegradability. Thus, a high loading of 50% EC could be added without compromising much on the mechanical properties. Analysis of the tensile data using predictive theories showed an enhanced interaction of the dispersed phase (EC) and the matrix (EVA). The compatibilizing effects of EVOH on these blends were confirmed by the significant improvement in the mechanical properties comparable with neat EVA as also observed by SEM microscopy. The TGA thermograms exhibits two‐stage degradation and as EC content increases, the onset temperature for thermal degradation reduces. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010