Effect of Varying Particle Size and Content of Barley Husk on the Physical, Mechanical and Diffusional Properties of Poly Vinyl Alcohol/Barley Husk Composite Films

Abstract

Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/natural barley husk (NBH) composite films were prepared using solution casting method. The influence of content (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%) and particle size (89, 152, 251, 354 and 599 µm) of NBH on the physical, mechanical and diffusional properties of composite films were evaluated. Tensile strength and elongation of the composite films decreased by 55.73 and 59.48% and young’s modulus increased by 76.46% with increase in content from 5 to 25 wt% with a particle size of 89 µm. PVA/NBH composite films showed higher water uptake, diffusion coefficient and permeability which increased with increase in the particle size and NBH content. Fractured surface morphology of the films showed agglomeration, cracking and fibre pull out at high NBH content and higher particle size. The optimal properties of composite films were observed at low NBH content of 5 wt% and particle size of 89 µm, respectively. 

Cite this Article

Deepak Kohli, Sangeeta Garg, Jana AK. Effect of Varying Particle Size and Content of Barley Husk on the Physical, Mechanical and Diffusional Properties of Poly Vinyl Alcohol/Barley Husk Composite Films. Journal of Thin Films, Coating Science Technology and Application. 2017; 4(3): 27–35p.