Analyzing the Properties of Pva Reinforced With Bambara Nut for Sustainable Packaging Application.

The increasing environmental concerns regarding plastic waste have led to the development of biodegradable polymer composites for sustainable packaging applications. This study investigates the mechanical, morphological, and biodegradability properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) reinforced with Bambara nut powder in both untreated and ash-treated forms. The composites were prepared using the solution casting method, with varying filler loadings (10, 20, and 30 wt%) to analyze their impact on material properties.  Mechanical testing revealed that the 10 wt% ash-treated Bambara nut composite exhibited the highest tensile strength and hardness, indicating optimal filler-matrix interaction. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated improved dispersion and adhesion in ash-treated samples compared to untreated ones, which showed irregular filler distribution and poor bonding. Biodegradation tests conducted in a microbial environment confirmed that the reinforced PVA composites degraded faster than pure PVA, with un-ash samples exhibiting higher weight loss due to their increased water absorption. However, ash treatment reduced the hydrophilicity of Bambara nut powder, improving the composite’s resistance to moisture uptake.  The findings highlight the potential of Bambara nut powder as a sustainable reinforcement material for biodegradable polymer composites, offering enhanced mechanical properties and controlled biodegradability. Further research should focus on optimizing filler treatment, improving water resistance, and conducting life cycle assessments to enhance the feasibility of these composites for large-scale sustainable packaging applications.