Multiscaled PVA Bionanocomposite Films: Characterisation and Nanoscale Modelling

Chapter 1. Introduction

1.1.Biopolymers

1.1.1 Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)

1.2. Nanofillers for bionanocomposites

1.2.1. Layered silicates

1.2.2 Halloysite nanotubes(HNTs)

1.2.3 Bamboo charcoals (BCs)

1.2.4 Other popular nanofillers

1.3. Processing of bionanocomposites

1.4. Properties and characterisation of bionanocomposites

1.4.1 Morphological structures

1.4.2 Mechanical properties

1.4.3 Nanomechanical properties

1.4.4. Thermal properties

1.5. Modelling approaches

1.6. Application of bionanocomposites

1.6.1. Electronic and sensor applications

1.6.2 Medical applications

1.6.3 Packaging applications

Chapter 2 Materials, methodology and characterisation techniques

2.1. Materials

2.1.1. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

2.1.2. Nanoparticles

2.1.2.1. Bamboo charcoals (BCs)

2.1.2.2 Clay nanoparticles

2.1.2.3 Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)

2.2. Fabrication of PVA bionanocomposite films

2.3. Characterisation techniques

2.3.1. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis

2.3.2. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis

2.3.3. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

2.3.4. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

2.3.5. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA)

2.3.6. Mechanical testing

2.3.7. Nanomechanical characterisation

Chapter 3 PVA/BC bionancomposite films with particle size effect

3.1. BC particle analysis and characterisation

3.1.1. BC composition and surface area

3.1.2. Particle size and elastic modulus

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