Poly(vinyl alcohol)/cellulose composites for different applications

R. OLLIER; J. GONZALEZ; L. LUDUEÑA; C. J. PÉREZ; V. ALVAREZ

Sitges, Barcelona

Simposio; Third International Symposium Frontiers in Polymer Science; 2013

Elsevier

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has received great attention due to its unique physical and chemical properties. It is a nontoxic, water soluble, and biocompatible synthetic polymer with strong hydrophilic and hydrogen bonding character. It has an excellent film and hydrogel forming ability, thermal stability, chemical resistance, good transparency and flexibility, and because of them it is widely used in several applications such as textile, packing, biomedical devices and membrane preparation, some applications are still restricted because of its solubility in water, and its limited mechanical properties. The preparation of a composite material that incorporates both biocompatibity and improved physical properties, by use of natural fillers, is of great importance. The use of cellulose, wich is a natural polysaccharide with excellent mechanical properties, as reinforcement is attractive due to environmental and economic concerns.