Characterization, Thermal, and Mechanical Behaviours of Gamma Irradiated Gum Arabic/Poly Vinyl Alcohol Polymer Blends

Polymer blends based on various compositions of natural macromolecule gum arabic (GA) and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by solution casting technique. It was found that the maximum concentration of gum from which a compatible blend can be obtained was found to be from 10–30%. Compatible blend were exposed to gamma irradiation at different doses of 20, 30, and 50 kGy to evaluate the effect of irradiation on different properties of the blend. Physical, thermal and mechanical properties of the blend were investigated. Also, structural properties in terms of scanning electron microscope (SEM) were studied. The Results obtained show a decrease in glass transition temperature of the blend with increasing GA content. Moreover, there is an improvement in mechanical properties in terms of stress-strain behavior.