Structural, Thermal, Morphological, and Shape Memory Properties of Silicone-Reinforced PVA/PEG Composite Films
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Absract In this study, silicone-reinforced PVA/PEG composite films were successfully prepared using the solution casting method. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used as the polymer matrix, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the plasticizer, and silicone as the reinforcing phase. Silicone was incorporated into the polymer blend at different weight ratios (5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) in order to investigate its influence on the structural, thermal, and morphological properties of the composites. The prepared films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XRD results revealed that increasing silicone content promoted structural ordering and enhanced the crystallinity of the composites. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of intermolecular interactions between the polymer matrix and silicone phase without the formation of new chemical bonds. TGA analysis demonstrated that silicone incorporation improved the thermal stability and increased the residual mass at elevated temperatures due to the thermally stable Si–O–Si structure. DSC findings indicated that silicone affected both the amorphous and crystalline regions of the polymer matrix, leading to modifications in glass transition and melting behavior. SEM observations showed a relatively homogeneous dispersion of silicone within the PVA/PEG matrix, particularly at moderate filler concentrations. Overall, the results suggest that silicone-reinforced PVA/PEG composites exhibit improved structural and thermal properties, making them promising candidates for flexible, lightweight, and multifunctional material applications.
Source: Research Square
Institutions: Bitlis Eren University, Fırat University
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7202389301