STUDYING THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PVA-PEG LOADED WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATIONS OF LIGNOSULFONATE

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) blend composite films were prepared using the casting technique. The study aims to investigate the effect of the addition of various Lignosulfonate (LS) concentrations at (0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 wt %) on the optical and structural properties of the PVA/PEG using UV–VIS spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the addition of LS led to a more compact structure of PVA/PEG, which increased its refractive index and amorphous phase. This resulted in a reduction in the optical energy gap that could be attributed to the increase in the disordered structure of the composites. Additionally, the Absorbance of PVA/PEG/LS composite film increased as the LS doping concentration increasedin the matrix. These results reflect the proper dispersion of LS into the PVA/PEGmatrix, causing a strong intermolecular interaction between LS and PVA/PEG blends, suggesting strong hydrogen bond formation between the hydroxyl group in PVA chains and the outer site groups of LS.This study has yielded significant insights that may aid in the advancement of polymer applications in industries by reducing costs. Theseresults could be instrumental in enhancing production processes and making the use of polymers a more viable and cost-effective option for industrial operations.