preparation of pvc/dpf composite films filled copper loading: characterization of material and investigation of its stability towards natural weathering

In the present study, biodegradable composite films based on polyvinylchloride (pvc) matrix, date palm fiber (dpf), and copper filler (cf) were prepared via solvent casting method. pvc/dpf and pvc/dpf/cf composite films, before and after exposure to natural weathering, were characterized by using fourier-transform infrared (ft-ir) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (uv-vis) spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction (xrd). water absorption and weight loss properties of the prepared materials were also investigated. the results of this study suggested that incorporating copper filler into the pvc/dpf composite significantly slowed the biodegradation rate that occurred by biofilter in the pvc matrix. ft-ir, uv-vis, and xrd analysis revealed more structural defects in pvc/dpf composite than in pvc/dpf/cf after exposure to natural weathering.  the slowing down of the biodegradation rate was also confirmed by weight loss and water-absorption measurements.