Glycerol and glutaric acid have been reacted to form a poly(glutaric acid-co-glycerol) gel. Polymer composite films were then produced by curing mixtures of the polymer gel and plant wall polysaccharides (sugarcane bagasse, corn fiber gum, pectin, or microcrystalline cellulose) at 135oC for 12 h. Films without any additives and films infused with iminodiacetic acid and higher concentrations of glycerol were also synthesized for comparison. The films were evaluated by FTIR to determine the extent of reaction. Thermal stability was determined by TGA and DSC. The mechanical strength for each polymer composite film was evaluated by determining values for thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, and fracture energy. Solvent absorption studies were performed by incubating the films in various solvents for 24 h. The amount of solvent that absorbed into each film was monitored and recorded at predetermined time intervals. The films were subsequently evaluated for erosion and re-absorption.

Thermal, mechanical, and absorbent properties of glycerol-based polymer films infused with plant cell wall polysaccharides

245th National Meeting (2013)

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