Studies of pectin/polyvinylpyrrolidone blends exposed to ultraviolet radiation

The new biodegradable blends composed of natural pectin and synthetic polymer: polyvinylpyrrolidone were obtained by casting from aqueous solutions. The molecular interactions between components have been studied by FTIR. The blends were exposed to UV-irradiation and the changes in chemical structure were investigated using absorption spectroscopy (FTIR and UV-Vis). The morphology of sample surfaces before and after exposure to UV was observed by atomic force microscopy. Insoluble gel, formed as a result of photo-crosslinking, was appointed gravimetrically. The relation between the blend composition and the efficiency of observed photoreactions has been considered. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.