SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GLUTARALDEHYDE AND CITRIC ACID CROSSLINKED PVA-STARCH FILMS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

Abstract

This research examines the synthesis and analysis of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) starch films using glutaraldehyde and citric acid as crosslinking agents. The use of biodegradable substances like PVA and starch, in combination with environmentally friendly crosslinkers, shows potential for creating sustainable packaging materials. The study seeks to clarify the impact of crosslinking agents on the physical characteristics of the resultant films, providing valuable insights into their possible uses in many industries. The films were prepared using diverse synthetic procedures and then thoroughly characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The findings demonstrate clear changes in the structure and properties of PVA caused by the cross linking of glutaraldehyde and citric acid. This strengthen our understanding of the process of film generation and the mechanisms involved. This research enhances the current work on sustainable materials development by providing new knowledge on the creation and characteristics of PVA starch films. This knowledge can help in the wider use of these films in packaging, biomedical applications, and environmental cleanup.