Effects of Freezing/Thawing Cycles and Cellulose Nanowhiskers on Structure and Properties of Biocompatible Starch/PVA Sponges

Strong honeycomb like nanocomposite sponges were fabricated from starch and PVA by using repeated cycles of freezing and thawing and reinforcing with cellulose whiskers. Their structure and properties were investigated with WAXD, FT-IR, SEM, DMTA, rheological measurements, and LSCM. The results revealed that the repeated freezing/thawing cycles induced a physically crosslinked chain packing between starch and PVA, as well as a phase separation caused by the crystalline ice and syneresis. Thus, larger pores and tougher walls emerged in the sponges, leading to a high swelling degree. The sponges reinforced with cellulose whiskers exhibited improved dimensional stability and enhanced strength. These nanocomposite sponges are promising for wound dressing and tissue engineering applications.