Preparation and characterization of microcellulose reinforced polyvinyl alcohol/starch biocomposites

This study details about the synthesis of micro-crystalline cellulose prepared from olive pits, the waste material obtained in olive industry, and the effect of these fillers on the tensile and thermal properties of polyvinyl alcohol/starch blends. Micro-crystalline cellulose from olive pits was prepared, and its size was measured using particle size analyzer. Composites were prepared for various micro-crystalline cellulose loading (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) by solution casting method for the blend ratio of 70/30, respectively. Glycerol (3.78 g) was used as plasticizer in all formulations. Universal testing machine, thermogravimetric analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the tensile, thermal, and surface morphology of these bio-composites. Results indicated an increase in the tensile properties especially the Young's modulus from 100 to 180 MPa for composites having 1 wt.% of micro-crystalline cellulose and the same formulation showed higher thermal stability.