Pectin as a non-toxic crosslinker for durable and water-resistant biopolymer-based membranes with improved mechanical and functional properties. (5th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Regina, Serena; Poerio, Teresa; Mazzei, Rosalinda; Sabia, Carla; Iseppi, Ramona; Giorno, Lidietta
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 172(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-05
• Subjects: Pectin -- Poly(vinyl alcohol) -- Biopolymer -- Crosslinked membrane -- Non-toxic crosslinker -- Antibacterial-antiradical activity; CA citric acid -- DL-PLA Poly-DL-lactic acid -- GA glutaraldehyde -- L-PLA Poly-L-lactic acid -- MWCNTs multiwalled carbon nanotubes -- PA6 polyamide 6 -- PC polycarbonate -- PCL Poly-e-caprolactone -- PEC pectin -- PEEK polyetheretherketone -- PET polyethylene terephthalate -- PI polymide -- PMMA polymethylmethacrylate -- PP polypropelene -- PPS polyphenylene sulphide -- PSU polysulfone -- PVA poly(vinyl alcohol) -- PVC polyvinylchloride -- PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride -- SA sulphuric scid -- WVP water vapor permeability; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111193
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Pectin proved to be a very efficient bioderived crosslinker. A green hydroalcoholic solution was used as a solvent for the membrane casting mixture. Polyvinyl alcohol/pectin crosslinked membrane showed very high stability in water. High mechanical properties and resistance to microbial degradation were obtained. Water vapor barrier properties remained constant over an observation period of 6 months. Abstract: Biopolymer-based hydrophilic membranes with very high stability in aqueous systems were developed by using pectin as a non-toxic crosslinker. The unique properties of pectin as an efficient crosslinker were demonstrated using poly(vinyl alcohol) as a model for a highly water-soluble biopolymer. The chemical crosslinking strategy using glutaraldhehyde has proven successful in improving the stability of poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes. However, the use of non-toxic biological crosslinking agents has not been fully explored. We hypothesized that pectin, as a biopolymer bearing numerous carboxyl groups, could be a very efficient crosslinker compared to carboxylic acids, promoting unprecedented membrane stability. A systematic characterization of the chemical, thermal, mechanical, and functional properties of membranes prepared from poly(vinyl alcohol) crosslinked with pectin confirmed the excellent stability of the membranes in water, tested at the boiling point and at acidic and basic pH. The use of pectin also resulted in membranes with very high tensile strength, resistance to microbial degradation, antiradical and antibacterial activity, and improved water vapor barrier properties.