Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Packaging Materials With Tailored Biodegradation and Barrier Properties via Tartaric Acid and Graphene Oxide Modification

Abstract

The development of biodegradable polymer‐based packaging materials with tunable performance has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) composite films were prepared and modified using two environmentally friendly strategies: tartaric acid (TA) modification and nano‐graphene oxide (NGO) incorporation, aiming to regulate their structural, mechanical, barrier, and biodegradation properties. TA modification enhanced intermolecular interactions and improved the biodegradation behavior of the films, whereas NGO incorporation provided nanoscale reinforcement and improved moisture barrier performance through interfacial interactions within the polymer matrix. FTIR analysis revealed changes in the OH and CO regions, suggesting enhanced intermolecular interactions and possible contribution of esterification reactions. The modified films exhibited improved functional properties compared with pristine PVA/CMC. TA‐modified films showed an increase in tensile strength from 52.46 to 74.33 MPa and achieved the highest biodegradation behavior with approximately 87% weight loss. In comparison, NGO‐modified films demonstrated enhanced moisture resistance, reducing the water vapor transmission rate by approximately 66% m −2  day −1 and decreasing water content to 41%. These results indicate that TA and NGO provide distinct modification effects, where TA mainly contributes to improved biodegradability and mechanical performance, while NGO enhances barrier properties and structural stability. The developed PVA/CMC‐based films offer a versatile approach for designing biodegradable packaging materials with adjustable functional performance and controlled degradation behavior.