Fabrication and Study of Poly (vinyl alcohol) Film Functionalized with Basella alba Stem Extract

In this study eco-friendly composite films were prepared based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) containing different content of Basella alba stem extract (BA) (1.5 mL, 2.5 mL and 3.5 mL) by cost effective solvent casting technique. The physicochemical properties of the prepared films were investigated using different instrumental techniques. The molecular interaction between PVA and BA was confirmed by FTIR studies. The incorporation of BA at higher content leads to more strengthen and less flexible bio-composite films which was determined by mechanical test. DSC studies confirmed the miscibility of BA with PVA matrix. TGA studies revealed increased thermal stability of PVA/BA composite films in contrast with pristine PVA. The morphological studies disclosed that a uniform distribution of BA at lower content in the bio-composite film. The X-ray Diffraction study illustrated that, increased BA content reduces the semicrystalline structure of PVA. Moreover, Moisture Content, Water Solubility, Water Contact Angle and Water Vapor Transmission Rate results indicated that, bio-composite films had high surface hydrophilicity. Additionally, PVA/BA films exhibited low transparency value compared to control film and improved UV barrier property. Soil degradation rate of PVA/BA films increased as the BA content increased signifying the films are biodegradable in nature. Furthermore, doping of BA into PVA enhanced antibacterial potential of the bio-composite film towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli . These results suggest that PVA/BA composite films can be utilized as promising material for green packaging application. Graphical Abstract