Influence of Filler Loading on Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Eggshell Powder Biocomposite

Biocomposite films made up of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and eggshell powder (ESP) were prepared by solution casting method. The physical propertiess, mechanical properties and biodegradability of biocomposites were studied based on various ESP loading (0 to 40 wt%). From raw material characterization, ESP was found to have similar composition to the calcium carbonate, which is widely used as filler in polymer composites. It was found that the tensile properties decreased with increasing ESP loading, attributed from poor interfacial adhesion and ESP agglomeration as proven by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) micrographs. Water absorption and water vapour transmission were enhanced with addition of ESP. The biocomposite shows higher biodegradability in both soil burial and natural weathering with increasing ESP loading.