Thermal and mechanical behaviors of poly(vinyl alcohol)-lactose blends

Thermal and mechanical behaviors of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-lactose blend s were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric an alysis, and stress-strain analysis. The increase in glass transition temper ature of the PVA-lactose blends with lactose contents suggests the formatio n of hydrogen-bonded PVA-lactose complex in the PVA matrix. The hydrogen bo nding interactions can improve thermal and mechanical properties of the ble nds. Results of this study demonstrate that lactose, a byproduct of dairy i ndustry, can be used directly and in substantial quantity (33%) as a modifi er to enforce the physical properties of PVA. (C) 2002 John Wiley & Sons, I nc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 929-935, 2002.