Thermal Characterization of Bacterial Cellulose/Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanocomposite

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer which can be produced from various substrates easily found in Indonesia. Bacterial cellulose is believed to be a promising and cost effective bone scaffold in which a bone regeneration rate enhanced so the healing process is faster. In this experiment, Bacterial Cellulose (BC)/ Polyvin y l Alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite was made to give a further improvement in the properties. This nanocomposite was made thorough BC biosynthesis in Gluconacetobacter xylinus fermentation medium that was modified by addition of PVA. The PVA concentrations were varied as 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 % w of fermentation medium. The culture had been agitated by magnetic stirrer for 28 days before freeze drying method was conducted to obtain dry BC/PVA nanocomposite. The product of BC/PVA nanocomposite was then studied for thermal characteristics using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA). Pure BC has melting temperature (Tm) at 350 . 3oC and pure PVA at 181 . 3oC. Experimental results showed that the higher PVA content in fermentation medium decreased the melting temperature of BC/PVA nanocomposite produced.