Preparation and characterization of chitosan/α‐zirconium phosphate nanocomposite films

Nano‐fillers play an important role in the final structure and properties of nanocomposites. The objective of the work presented here was to prepare nanocomposite films of chitosan/α‐zirconium phosphate using a casting process, with α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) as nano‐filler and chitosan as matrix. The effects of α‐ZrP on the structure and properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that α‐ZrP crystals were intercalated by n‐butylamine. The results from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that α‐ZrP could be uniformly dispersed in the chitosan matrix when α‐ZrP loading in the composites was less than 2 wt%. A strong interaction between α‐ZrP and chitosan formed during the film‐forming process. Tensile testing showed that the tensile strength and elongation at break of nanocomposite films achieved maximum values of 61.6 MPa and 58.1%, respectively, when α‐ZrP loading was 2 wt%. The parameter B calculated from tensile yield stress according to the Pukanszky model was used to estimate the interfacial interaction between the chitosan matrix and α‐ZrP. Films with a loading of 2 wt% α‐ZrP had the highest B value (3.2), indicating the strongest interfacial interaction. The moisture uptake of the nanocomposites was reduced with addition of α‐ZrP. It can be concluded that α‐ZrP as nano‐filler in a chitosan matrix can enhance the mechanical properties of nanocomposites due to the strong interactions between α‐ZrP and chitosan. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synergistic effect of α‐ZrP and graphene oxide nanofillers on the gas barrier properties of PVA films

Two types of 2D nanofillers, α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) and graphene oxide (GO), were synthesized and incorporated into poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with 1 wt % loading level at various α‐ZrP:GO (Z:G = 5:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:5) ratios. The resulting nanocomposites were tested for barrier properties by casting films from solution. The structure and morphology of α‐ZrP and GO were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscope, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction, which demonstrated successful preparation of exfoliated α‐ZrP and GO. The physical characteristics of the nanocomposite films, including thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties were investigated. The results indicated that the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break of the PVA nanocomposite films with Z:G hybrid nanofiller improved compared to neat PVA. The glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and crystallinity also increased. Consequently there appears to be a synergistic effect with these two types of nanofillers that formed a specific macro structure of a “wall.” This macrostructure resulted in excellent O₂ gas barrier properties with the PVA/Z:G‐5:1 nanocomposite films having the best performance. The of the PVA/Z:G‐5:1 nanocomposite decreased from 1.835 × 10^?16 to 0.587 × 10^?16 cm³ cm cm^?2 s^?1 Pa^?1 compared with neat PVA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46455.     

Preparation and properties of castor oil‐based polyurethane/α‐zirconium phosphate composite films

Novel castor oil‐based polyurethane/α‐zirconium phosphate (PU/α‐ZrP) composite films with different α‐ZrP loading (0–1.6 wt %) and different NCO/OH molar ratios were synthesized by a solution casting method. The characteristic properties of the PU/α‐ZrP composite films were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile testing. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding formed between α‐ZrP and PU, XRD and SEM results revealed that the α‐ZrP particles were uniformly distributed in the PU matrix at low loading, and obvious aggregation existed at high loading. Because of hydrogen bonding interactions, the maximum values of tensile strength were obtained with 0.6 wt % α‐ZrP loading and 1.5 of NCO/OH molar ratio in the matrix. Evidence proved that the induced α‐ZrP used as a new filler material can affect considerably the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Thermal and flammability performance of polypropylene composites containing melamine and melamine phosphate‐modified α‐type zirconium phosphates

In this article, melamine (MA) and melamine phosphate (MP) have been intercalated into α‐type zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) interlayer spaces. The structure and thermal properties of the corresponding powders, MA‐ZrP and MP‐ZrP, were ascertained by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Furthermore, polypropylene (PP) and its intumescent flame retardant (IFR) composites containing the two organically modified α‐ZrP powders using maleic anhydride‐grafted PP (JPP) as compatibilizer were fabricated by melt blending. The results from TGA and cone calorimetry demonstrated that PP/JPP and PP/JPP/IFR composites containing MA‐ZrP and MP‐ZrP exhibited better thermal stability and burning behavior in comparison with their corresponding counterparts, PP/JPP and PP/JPP/IFR, respectively. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40254.     

The Effect of α‐Zirconium Phosphate Nanosheets on Thermal,Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of Polyimide

In this work, to investigate the addition effect of 2D α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐ZrP) nanosheets on the properties of polyimide (PI), a series of PI/ZrP composites are synthesized by in situ polymerization. The thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of composites strongly depend on the dispersity and distribution of α‐ZrP nanosheets in the PI matrix. The dispersed α‐ZrP can make rich interfacial interactions with PI matrix, which facilitates the transfer of external stress, heat, antiwear ability, etc., from the PI matrix to the surface of the α‐ZrP nanosheets, leading to the obvious enhancements of the thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of the PI/ZrP composites. Specially, compared with pure PI, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the optimum sample of PI‐0.6 are increased by 13.7% and 35.7%, while its wear volume is reduced by 85%. This work provides a new paradigm for using other layered 2D nanosheets to prepare high‐performance PI‐based composite materials.     

Synergistic effect on flame retardancy and thermal behavior of polycarbonate filled with α‐zirconium phosphate@gel‐silica

A new kind of flame retardant (ZS) with layered α‐zirconium phosphate disks (α‐ZrP) as the core and inorganic flame retardant (gel‐silica, GS) to shield solid acid sites on the surface of α‐ZrP as the shell, was synthesized via a facile method. The incorporation effects of ZS with silicone resin on the thermal properties and flame retardance of PC composites were investigated. The presence of ZS could improve the thermal stability of PC matrix. With the addition of ZS contents increased to 3 wt %, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composite was 32.3% and the vertical burning (UL‐94) test reached a V‐0 rating. However, with more contents of ZS, the LOI value decreased, and without the GS layer, the LOI value was decreased significantly as well. The synergism between the α‐ZrP core and gel‐silica shell, also with the silicone resin were found. Based on these results, the flame‐retardant mechanism was proposed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44829.     

Synthesis and characterization of polybenzimidazole/α‐zirconium phosphate composites as proton exchange membrane

To improve the high‐temperature performance of proton exchange membranes, the polybenzimidazole (PBI)/α‐zirconium phosphate (α‐Zr(HPO₄)₂·nH₂O, α‐ZrP) proton exchange composite membranes were prepared in this study. PBI polymer containing a large amount of ether units has been synthesized from 3,3′‐ diaminobenzidine (DAB) and 4,4′‐oxybis (benzoic acid) by a direct polycondensation in polyphosphoric acid. The polymer exhibited a good solubility in most polar solvents. Inorganic proton conductor α‐ZrP nanoparticles have been obtained using a synthesis route involving separate nucleation and aging steps (SNAS). The effects of α‐ZrP doping content on the composite membrane performance were investigated. It was found that the introduction of ZrP improved the thermal stability of the composite membranes. The PBI/ZrP composite membranes exhibited excellent mechanical strength. The composite membrane with 10 wt% ZrP showed the highest proton conductivity of 0.192 S cm^?1 at 160°C under anhydrous condition. The proton conducting mechanism of the PBI/ZrP composite membranes was proposed to explain the proton transport phenomena. The experimental results suggested that the PBI/ZrP composite membranes may be a promising polymer electrolyte used in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs) under anhydrous condition. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:622–628, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Properties and structural characterization of oxide starch/chitosan/graphene oxide biodegradable nanocomposites

Novel chitosan (CS)/oxidized starch (OST)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites (COST/GO‐n) films are prepared in a casting and solvent evaporation method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractions, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, tensile testing, and moisture uptake are used to study the structure and properties of these nanocomposites. To indicate the effect of carboxyl groups of OST, some results of the properties of CS/starch/GO nanocomposite (CST/GO‐n) were selected for control experimentation. Compared with the control CST/GO‐n series, COST/GO‐n films, which have the same component ration showed higher tensile strength (σ_b) and lower elongation at break (ε_b). Additionally, in the COST/GO‐n series, the σ_b increased with an increase of GO loading. However, higher proportion of GO could result in aggregations of GO nanosheets and deterioration of the film properties. Compared with the COST/GO‐0, the values of σ_b and water resistance of the COST/GO‐4 containing 2.0 wt % of GO were improved by 57.7 and 20.1%, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Synthesis of iron oxides intercalated montmorillonite and α‐zirconium phosphate particles and their applications in polystyrene composites

Three kinds of particles of organically modified montmorillonite (OMT) intercalated with iron oxides (Fe‐OMT), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethylamine (EA)‐modified zirconium phosphate (ZrP) intercalated with iron oxides, named as Fe‐ZrP(CTAB) and Fe‐ZrP(EA), respectively, were synthesized through a simple route. Characterization of these particles showed that they had a mesoporous lamellar structure with high specific surface area and mesoporous volume. The influence of these particles on the thermal properties and combustion effluents of polystyrene (PS) were comparatively studied with the widely used OMT. The results suggested that the presence of Fe‐OMT, Fe‐ZrP(CTAB), and Fe‐ZrP(EA) imparted PS with an increased thermal degradation onset temperature and a higher glass transition temperature, but they could not increase the thermo‐oxidative stability remarkably as OMT did. Meanwhile, Fe‐ZrP(CTAB) and Fe‐ZrP(EA) exhibited stronger acidity and higher efficiency in preventing the condensed phase oxidation than either OMT or Fe‐OMT, since they imparted the PS composites with a higher ratio of CO/CO₂ in the combustion effluents. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42737.     

Solvothermal synthesis of organically modified α‐zirconium phosphate‐based polystyrene nanocomposites and thermal stability

Polystyrene/α‐zirconium phosphate (PS/OZrP) nanocomposites were prepared based on the organically modified α‐ZrP(OZrP) with hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (C16) by solvothermal technique and solution refluxing. The structure of the PS/OZrP composites was characterized by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution electronic microscopy. The thermal behaviors of the composites obtained were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The maximum decomposition temperatures (T_max) of PS/OZrP nanocomposites prepared by solvothermal method increased gradually from 431 to 458°C with the increase of the OZrP loading from 0 to 20 wt %, and the amounts of the charred residue at 600°C (char wt %) had a remarkable increase from 1.6 to 17.1 wt %, respectively. Moreover, the TG results of the nanocomposites prepared by solvothermal method have more obvious enhancement in the thermal stabilities and especially in the amount of charred residue at 600°C (char wt %), which has a double increase from 4.2 to 8.5 wt % at the content of 10 wt % OZrP than by solution refluxing. All results suggested that the solvothermal method is an effective way for the preparation of PS/OZrP nanocomposites with the intercalated nanostructure, which led to the obviously improved thermal stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122:593–598, 2011     

The structure and properties of a novel nanocomposite films from chitosan and layered zirconium phosphonate

A new type of layered zirconium phosphonate (zirconium glycine‐N, N‐dimethylphosphonate, abbreviated as ZGDMP), with functional group of ‐COOH, has been successfully prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To confirm the effect of the functional group ‐COOH on the structure and properties of composites, a series of chitosan/zirconium phosphonate modified by n‐butylamine (BA‐ZGDMP) nanocomposite films were prepared by casting process. FTIR spectra suggested that strong interactions existed between BA‐ZGDMP and chitosan matrix. Compared to neat CS film, tensile strength (σ_b) and elongation at break (ε_b) of the nanocomposite film improved by 35.1% and 15.6%, respectively, with loading ratio of just 1.0 wt %. In addition, the BA‐ZGDMP also improved the water resistance of the nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Structure and properties of polypropylene/hydrotalcite nanocomposites

This article presents the study of the modification of the particle/matrix interface region and its effects on the structure and dynamic mechanical behavior of polypropylene (PP)/hydrotalcite nanocomposites prepared by melt extrusion. The interface modification was promoted by combinying the organophillization of the hydrotalcite particles with blending the PP with a maleic anhydride‐grafted‐PP (PP‐g‐MAH) or a maleic anhydride‐grafted‐poly(styrene‐co‐ethylenebutylene‐co‐styrene) (SEBS‐g‐MAH). Sodium dodecyl sulphate was used to promote the organophillization of the hydrotalcite particles. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed a partially exfoliated hydrotalcite structure, with an increasing exfoliation being achieved by adding a compatibilizer and organo‐modifying the particles. Values of the Young's modulus (E), storage modulus (E′), maximum tensile strength (σ_max), neck propagation strength (σ_neck), and elongation at break (ε_b) were found to depend both on the nature of the particle matrix interface as well as on the type of compatibilizer. Also, nanocomposites prepared with the organophillized particles showed lower T_g and loss factor values. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/lamellar zirconium phosphate nanocomposites

The preparation of nanocomposites of poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and lamellar zirconium phosphorous compounds by melt extrusion was investigated. Two types of zirconium phosphorous compounds were synthesized by the direct precipitation reaction method: α‐zirconium bis(monohydrogen orthophosphate) monohydrate (ZrP) and organic–inorganic hybrid layered zirconium phenylphosphonate (ZrPP). Composites containing 2 and 5 wt % ZrP and ZrPP were prepared in a twin‐screw extruder and specimens were obtained by injection molding. The extent of dispersion of the layered filler in the composite matrix was investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crystallization and thermal properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry, and the mechanical properties were evaluated by tensile tests. Whereas ZrP‐containing composites showe characteristic diffraction peaks at 2θ 11.7° (d = 7.54 Å), indicative of no delamination, ZrPP showed practically no low‐angle diffraction peak at 2θ 5.5° (d = 15.24 Å), indicating loss of the layered order. TEM images of ZrPP particles indicated the formation of an intercalated/partially delaminated nanocomposite. The behavior was attributed to the higher affinity of the polyester with phenyl groups on the platelet surface of ZrPP. In both cases, the addition of the fillers increased the crystallization rate and the modulus. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3868–3876, 2006     

The Effect of glycerol on the crystalline,thermal, and tensile properties of CaCl2‐doped starch/PVA films

Starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films with the addition of 10 wt% CaCl₂ and various content of glycerol were prepared. The effect of glycerol on the crystalline, thermal, and tensile properties of CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA films was studied by X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing, respectively. The effect of glycerol on the miscibility of CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA films was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA film became more homogeneous after the addition of glycerol. The addition of glycerol would increase the crystallinity of CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA film. With the addition of 10 wt% glycerol and 10 wt% CaCl₂, the starch/PVA film showed the highest degree of crystallinity. The TGA results show that the thermal stability of CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA film increased after the addition of glycerol. The toughness of CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA films was enhanced with the addition of glycerol. The starch/PVA film with the addition of 10 wt% CaCl₂ and 20 wt% glycerol showed the tensile strength of 17 MPa and the elongation at break of 428%. Moreover, the water sorption of CaCl₂‐doped starch/PVA film decreased after the addition of glycerol at the low and intermediate relative humidity of 33 and 54%. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3191–3199, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of silica on the morphology,structure, and properties of thermoplastic cassava starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends

Thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silica (SiO₂) composites were prepared by a melt‐mixing method. The effects of the content and surface properties of SiO₂ on the processing, mechanical properties, thermal stability, morphology, and structure of the TPS/PVA/SiO₂ composites were investigated. With increasing SiO₂ content, the plasticizing times of the TPS/PVA/SiO₂ composites were shortened. After the SiO₂ surface was treated with a silane coupling agent (KH550), the plasticizing times of the TPS/PVA/SiO₂ composites decreased significantly. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of the TPS/PVA/SiO₂ composites increased. The mechanical properties of the TPS/PVA/SiO₂ composites containing treated SiO₂ were higher than those with untreated SiO_2. The thermal decomposition temperatures of the TPS/PVA/SiO₂ composites were improved with the addition of SiO₂. The presence of inorganic fillers was beneficial to the improvement of the thermal stability of the polymers. The reaction between the treated SiO₂ and the starch molecules was beneficial to the formation of more stable structures. The treated SiO₂ indicated good interfacial adhesion and uniform dispersion in the matrix. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44020.     

Structure–property relation in polyvinyl alcohol/starch composites

A series of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch films were cast by the solvent method. Mechanical, optical, wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), and biodegradation studies of starch‐filled PVA films were carried out. With the addition of starch there was an increase in haze and diffusion of light, whereas there was only slight change associated with tensile behavior and burst strength of the PVA film. Microstructural parameters, such as crystal size (〈N〉) and lattice distortion (g, in %) were estimated using one‐dimensional Hosemann's paracrystalline model along with WAXS data. These parameters quantify the changes in the PVA/starch systems, which resulted in the observed physical properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 12: 630–635, 2004     

Frequency and voltage dependence of dielectric properties,complex electric modulus,and electrical conductivity in Au/7% graphene doped‐PVA/n‐Si (MPS) structures

In order to increase the capacitance of Au/n‐Si (MS) structure, 7% graphene doped PVA was coated on n‐Si as an interfacial layer. The measured data of capacitance (C) and conductance (G/ω) of Au/7% graphene doped‐PVA/n‐Si (MPS) structure was utilized for the calculation of real and imaginary parts of complex permittivity (ε^* = ε′ − jε″), loss tangent (tanδ), complex electric modulus (M^* = M′ + jM″), and electrical conductivity (σ). The admittance measurements (C and G/ω) were carried out in the frequency range of 0.5 kHz to 1 MHz at room temperature. Frequency dependence of the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″) and tanδ shows a dispersive behavior at low frequencies. This behavior was explained by Maxwell–Wagner relaxation. Due to the dipolar and the interfacial polarizations, as well as the surface states (N_ss) and the interfacial PVA layer, the parameters exhibited a strong dependence on frequency and applied bias voltage. The σ versus log(f) plot exhibited both low and high frequency dispersion phenomena such that at low frequencies σ value corresponding to the dc conductivity (σ_dc), but at high frequencies it corresponds to the ac conductivity (σ_ac). M′ and M″, both, have low values in the low frequency region. However, an increase is observed with the increasing frequency due to the short‐range mobility of charge carriers. As a result, the change in dielectric parameters and electric modulus with frequency is the result of relaxation phenomena and surface states. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43827.     

Construction of multilayer coatings for flame retardancy of ramie fabric using layer‐by‐layer assembly

Complex multilayer coatings composed of α‐zirconium phosphate (ZrP), polyethylenimine (PEI), and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were constructed via layer‐by‐layer assembly method for flame retardant ramie fabric. Bicomponent PEI/ZrP layers served as insulating barrier coating, and bicomponent PEI/APP layers served as intumescent coating. The flame retardancy of the coated ramie fabric was strongly dependent on the nature of the coatings and the layer‐by‐layer assembly patterns. The coated ramie fabric with inside PEI/ZrP layers and outside PEI/APP layers possessed the most uniform and consistent coating surface morphology, as well as the highest content of N and P elements, resulting in an excellent improvement in flame retardancy of ramie fabrics. When this kind of coated ramie fabric was heated, the inner PEI/ZrP layer effectively prevent oxygen and heat from penetrating into the substrate, and the outer PEI/APP layer exposed to air with good expansion during combustion. The synergistic effect was formed during the combustion process and could impart ramie fabrics with high flame retardancy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45556.     

The illumination intensity and applied bias voltage on dielectric properties of au/polyvinyl alcohol (Co,Zn‐doped)/n‐Si Schottky barrier diodes

The Au/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (Co, Zn‐doped)/n‐Si Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) were exposed to various illumination intensities. Illumination effect on the dielectric properties has been investigated by using capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G/ω–V) characteristics at 1 MHz and room temperature. The values of dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), loss tangent (tanδ), electric modulus (M′ and M″), and AC electrical conductivity (σ_AC) were found strongly intensity dependent on both the illumination levels and applied bias voltage especially in depletion and accumulation regions. Such bias and illumination dependency of these parameters can be explained on the basis of Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization and restructuring and reordering of charges at interface states. In addition, the ε′–V plots also show an intersection feature at ～ 2.8 V and such behavior of the ε′–V plots appears as an abnormality compared with the conventional behavior of an ideal SBD. The obtained results revealed that illumination intensity enhances the conductivity of Au/PVA(Co, Zn‐doped)/n‐Si SBD. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effect of graphene loading on thermomechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/starch blend

Polymer nanocomposites based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/starch blend and graphene were prepared by solution mixing and casting. Glycerol was used as a plasticizer and added in the starch dispersion. The uniform dispersion of graphene in water was achieved by using an Ultrasonicator Probe. The composites were characterized by FTIR, tensile properties, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis, and FE‐SEM studies. FTIR studies indicated probable hydrogen bonding interaction between the oxygen containing groups on graphene surface and the –OH groups in PVA and starch. Mechanical properties results showed that the optimum loading of graphene was 0.5 wt % in the blend. XRD studies indicated uniform dispersion of graphene in PVA/starch matrix upto 0.5 wt % loadings and further increase caused agglomeration. Thermal studies showed that the thermal stability of PVA increased and the crystallinity decreased in the presence of starch and graphene. FE‐SEM studies showed that incorporation of graphene increased the ductility of the composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41827.