Influence of Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) on the Performance of Chinese Lacquer Films

The Chinese lacquer composite films were prepared by modifying raw lacquer with polyethylene oxide. The film was characterized via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The infrared spectra confirmed the interaction between the polyethylene oxide and urushiol. The heat-resistance of the film was found to have decreased due to the presence of polyethylene oxide via thermogravimetric analysis. Additional pores and wrinkles were observed in the scanning electron microscopy image of polyethylene oxide modified lacquer films. The mechanical properties were tested according to the national standard. The results indicated that the gloss and flexibility of the modified film was enhanced by the presence of polyethylene oxide. When the ratio of polyethylene oxide was 3%, the gloss was increased from 59.8 to 81.6 and the flexibility changed from 15 mm to 1 mm. The alkaline-resistance, hardness, and adhesion were also increased via the modification of polyethylene oxide.