Alginate/polyvinylalcohol blends for agricultural applications: Structure-properties correlation, mechanical properties and greenhouse effect evaluation

Biodegradable blend films containing sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol and glycerol, for agricultural applications, were prepared by casting of aqueous solutions. Since the mechanical properties of alginate are not suitable for agricultural applications, the addition of polyvinyl alcohol and glycerol was necessary in order to improve some mechanical parameters like the strain at break. The interaction between different components was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and DSC, while mechanical parameters and the transmittance in the IR region were investigated in order to identify the compositions with suitable properties for application in agriculture.