Effect of blend ratio on thermal and optical properties of pmma/pvac films

Polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) and Polyvinylacetate(PVAc) are inexpensive type of polymers that could potentially be of commercial interest. In this investigation they are used in conjunction with a traditional casting technique to produce films of different blend concentrations. Samples were subsequently subjected to Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and UV/visible spectral analysis. Coats-Redfern relation was then used to calculate the kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition. Optical parameters including the band edge and band tail energies were also determined for all blend system. The refractive index dispersion curves were simulated by both Cauchy and Single Effective Oscillator models. In addition, color parameters were investigated and calculated according to CIE system for pristine and γ-irradiated 75/25 wt/wt% PMMA/PVAc blend sample undoped and doped with malachite green.