Synthesis of p-phenylenediamine treated fibrillated cellulose fiber and its application in poly(vinyl alcohol) composites

This research aims to improve the strength and durability of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based packaging film with modified fibrillated cellulose fiber (FCF). FCF was extracted from jute fiber by numerous physical and chemical treatments. It was then modified by p-phenylenediamine (pPD) with the catalytic support of FeSO4/K2S2O8. The extent of modification was detected by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystalline index (CrI) was calculated from the X-ray diffractogram (XRD) data. The thermogravametric analysis (TGA) revealed that pPD-FCF exhibited the highest thermal resistance compare to raw jute fiber (RJF), alkali hydrolyzed fiber (AHF) and FCF. The PVA composite films were prepared with RJF, AHF, FCF and pPD-FCF by solvent casting method. The properties of pure PVA and its composites were evaluated for comparison. The pPD-FCF/PVA composite presented highest tensile strength and tensile modulus. The pPD-FCF/PVA composite showed lowest weight loss through soil burial test than other composites and pure PVA. By consideration of those commendable properties, the pPD-FCF/PVA composite material could promote the opportunity for packaging application.