Laser-induced modifications of polyvinyl alcohol/starch blends

Effects of laser irradiation on the thermal properties and morphological structure of starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and their blends were studied. Laser irradiation has an insignificant effect on the thermal behaviour of starch and PVA, but it causes an increase in crystallization and melting temperature (T (cry) and T-m ) for blends as a function of irradiation time. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) further indicates breakdown of the intermolecular attractive forces on laser irradiation, causing a decrease in the blend homogeneity. Fourier infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies corroborate the above findings.

Automated summary

The study found that laser irradiation increases the crystallization and melting temperature of blends, leading to a decrease in blend homogeneity. This is further supported by Fourier infrared spectroscopic and scanning electron microscopic studies.