Abstract

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF NANOCHITOSANPOLYVINYL ALCOHOL-CARBOXYMETHYL STARCH TERNARY BLENDS OF VARIOUS COMPOSITIONS WITH GLUTARALDEHYDE AS CROSSLINKING AGENT

K. Rajeshwari, T. Gomathi and P. N. Sudha*

Abstract

The interest in biopolymers and its derivatives has increased in recent years due to its following properties such as biodegradability, biorenewability, biocompatibility, physiological inertness and hydrophilicity. The primary purpose of this study is to provide complete global level value of its one of the derivative chitosan in nanoform as nanochitosan mainly remediating tannery effluents. The nanochitosan has larger surface area as compared to chitosan. The present study explores the synthesis of nanochitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/ carboxymethylstarch a ternary blends of various ratio (1:1:1), (1:2:1), (1:1:2) and (2:1:1) with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The prepared blends were characterized using sophisticated analytical tools such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), Thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) and Scanning electron microscopic images (SEM)which confirms the formation of blends and its thermal stability.

Keywords: Nanochitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl starch, ternary blends, Characterization.