TiO2-KH550 Nanoparticle-Reinforced PVA/xylan Composite Films with Multifunctional Properties

In order to improve the strength of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/xylan composite films and endow them with ultraviolet (UV) shielding ability, TiO2-KH550 nanoparticles was synthesized and added into the PVA/xylan matrix. The TiO2-KH550 nanoparticle dispersed well in the 0.04% sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) solution under ultrasonic and stirring treatments. Investigations on the properties of the films showed that TiO2-KH550 had the positive impact on improving the strength, moisture, and oxygen barrier properties of the composite films. The maximum tensile strength (27.3 MPa), the minimum water vapor permeability (2.75 x 10(11) g.m(-1).s(-1.)Pa(-1)), and oxygen permeability (4.013 cm(3).m(-2).24 h(-1).0.1MPa(-1)) were obtained under the addition of 1.5% TiO2-KH550. The tensile strength of TiO2-KH550 reinforced composite film was increased by 70% than that of the pure PVA/xylan composite film, and the water vapor and oxygen permeability were decreased by 31% and 41%, respectively. Moreover, the UV transmittance of the film at the wavelength of 400 nm was almost zero when adding approximate to 1.5-2.5% (weight ratio, based on the total weight of PVA and xylan) of TiO2-KH550, which indicated the PVA/xylan composite films were endowed with an excellent UV light shielding ability.