International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 62: 379–386.
This study has been focused on developing cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biocomposite film, pre-treated with 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([bmim]Cl). The dissolved polymers were blendedand their biocomposite films including cellulose and cellulose/PVA were prepared. The effect of PVAcomposition with cellulose was evaluated by comparing the physical, mechanical, chemical and thermalcharacteristics of produced films with neat cellulosic film. The results showed that the ionic liquid hada great capability in dissolving the polymers. Furthermore, in composition of the raw cellulose somechemical bonds were incorporated between the two components. Water uptake, thickness swelling andwater vapor permeability of blend films were increased comparing to cellulosic film. Mechanical strengthand Young’s modulus of the films made of cellulose/PVA were decreased while the strain at break wasincreased. The optical transparency and thermal properties of the blend films were almost the sameas neat cellulosic film. This work demonstrated a promising route for the preparation of biodegrad-able green composites. In addition, this biocomposite film is composed of sustainable biodegradableresources, which is suitable for release to the environment. The biocomposite films showed good opticaltransparency, thermal stabilities properties.