MORPHOLOGICAL, THERMAL AND RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL/CHITOSAN BLENDS

Abstract

The present study deals with the preparation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) blends with different compositions. The physico-chemical characterization and compatibility have been studied by means of polarized light optical microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, DSC, DMTA, TG/DTG and rheological measurements. The film-forming ability of the blends was confirmed by rheological tests, as they showed higher viscosity and improved viscoelastic properties in comparison with pure PVA. The obtained films were transparent and homogenous with enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability.