Physical Properties of a 'Green' Polymer Blend based on PVA Starch and ENR

This work describes the characterization and properties of a 'green' polymer blend based on epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and PVA with maleic acid as a crosslinker. As observed from XRD patterns, the degree of crystallization of PVA decreases with an increasing starch content and maleic acid, due to the reactions between PVA, starch and maleic acid. The swelling of the sample in water at 70 C decreases with an increasing content of the maleic acid. Furthermore it is observed that the adhesion force of the samples increases with increasing content of the highly polar maleic acid. The hydrophilic behavior is demonstrated by decreasing contact angle with increasing maleic acid and starch contents. The tensile strength of samples in the presence of maleic acid after the curing reaction was remarkably increased.