Pigment & Resin Technology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report the preparation and characterisation of nanocomposites, which are made of biodegradable poly(vinyl-alcohol-co-ethylene) and wood dust. These nanocomposites can aptly be termed as green by nature as they are totally non-toxic and ecofriendly.

Design/methodology/approach – Sample films containing 5, 10 and 15?wt% fillers are prepared by conventional solvent casting technique using glass plates as casting surfaces. The dispersion of filler in the polymer matrix is investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. Physical and chemical properties of the films are studied by various characterisation techniques (FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM and TGA).

Findings – TEM analysis reveals that the average particle size of the nanodispersed filler in the nanocomposite materials is in the range of 12-25?nm, which shows that a greater extent of matrix penetrated into fibre capillaries of wood dust. These results are supported by the XRD findings also. Wood enhances the thermal stability of the as synthesised nanocomposites.

Research limitations/implications – The mechanical properties of the as synthesised nanocomposites can be improved further by modifying wood dust.

Practical implications – The method developed provides a simple and practical solution to improve the biodegradability, as well as the thermal stability of the composite films.

Originality/value – The nanocomposites so developed can be used in automotive parts like front door liners, boot liners, parcel shelves, headliners, etc. also as mulching films in agriculture.