Enhancement of PVA packaging properties using calcined eggshell waste as filler and nanonutrient

• Published in: Materials chemistry and physics 2022-11, Vol.291, p.126611, Article 126611
• Main Authors: Sree, G. Vanthana, Nagaraaj, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biodegradable polymer; Eggshell; Nanofiller; Nanonutrient; PVA
• ISSN: 0254-0584; 1879-3312
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2022.126611

With an understanding of the disadvantages of petroleum-based polymers and the need for biodegradable polymers and nanofillers to overcome the problems of natural polymers, we repurpose the waste materials as nanofiller for PVA polymer. Eggshell, an excess component in kitchen waste, can be calcined to calcium oxide that was used as a binder to enhance the PVA stability and physical and chemical properties. Application of calcium oxide was not only for strength improvements, but also to supply nutrients to the soil after degradation. The water-resistance property and degradation ability of films were studied completely by varying the PVA composition and CaO concentration. In addition to the degradation study, the influence of solubilised polymer solutions given to soil and their influence on plant growth were analysed. The impact of parameter variation (PVA, CaO, and glycerol) on the film properties like thickness (THI), water solubility (SOL), moisture content (MC), water absorption, water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength (TS) and elongation (ELONG) was investigated using a three-level Box–Behnken response surface design, Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA), and a second-order polynomial model. Three-dimensional response surface plots were generated to investigate the relationship between process variables and the responses. [Display omitted] •Eggshell derived Calcium oxide an ecofriendly and efficient agent as nanofiller boosting film properties and nanonutrient.•CaO prepared by a non-toxic calcination, and the film developed by solution casting method with water as the solvent.•Novel CaO NPs fused PVA formulation have strong interfacial adhesion that improve the resistance and mechanical properties.•Biodegradability and nontoxic nature of ECaO as both a filler and a nutrient was evidenced by plant germination.