Fabrication and properties of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide reinforced Poly(Vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films for packaging applications

Petroleum-based polymers have a wide range of uses in the packaging industry, including films, food packaging, rigid containers, foamed containers, medical products, etc. This study focuses on improving the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based material systems, one of the most popular water-soluble biopolymers, to reduce the waste of petroleum-based plastics, which are widely used. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite films containing low concentrations (0.05–1%) of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were produced via the solution casting method. When electrical properties of nanocomposite films were evaluated, the addition of 1 wt% GO and rGO resulted in a 36% and 45% decrease in the volumetric resistance of the films as well as a decrease in surface resistance of 24.5% and 34.9%, respectively. The maximum tensile strength of 1% GO and rGO-reinforced PVA nanocomposites was found to be ∼59 MPa and ∼68 MPa with an increase of 20% and 38% compared to neat PVA films, respectively. The average Young’s modulus of 1% GO and rGO-reinforced PVA nanocomposites also increased from 2561 MPa to 3515 MPa and 4219 MPa with an increase of 37% and 65%, respectively. As a result, the electrical conductivity, Young’s modulus, maximum tensile strength, thermal properties, and optical absorption of nanocomposite films increased by adding GO and rGO to PVA. The results show that the produced nanocomposite film may be a promising material for packaging applications.