Influence of storage time and blending on irradiated sodium alginate–polyethylene oxide films modified by methyl acrylate monomer

The present work is an attempt to understand the effect of storage time on physico–mechanical properties of sodium alginate (SA)–polyethylene oxide (PEO) blended films modified by methyl acrylate (MA) monomer. The films were prepared by casting method and improved by γ irradiation (12 kGy), PEO 10%, Glycerol (Gol) 15%, Mustard oil (MO) 20% and MA 7% on a mass basis as optimized. The polymeric blend was stored for six months at room temperature. The physical and mechanical properties of the as-prepared SA-based films were investigated with γ irradiation and compared the results obtained before and after the storage periods. The tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), Young modulus (YM) and moisture content (MC) of the blended films were determined. Morphological and thermal features of the films were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), respectively. Reaction scheme of the stored SA-based polymer films and causes of photodegradation of the films are explained in the context. The ultimate results of the present study showed remarkable enhancement in tensile properties (> 35%) and reduction in EB (~ 30%) and MC of the films thanks to storage time and γ irradiation.