Research Articles

The effectiveness of Gum Arabic (GA) as a compatibilizer was evaluated in sodium lignosulfonate (LS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) composite film systems. This study aimed to improve the morphological integrity and mechanical stability of films, while achieving sustainability objectives. The goal was to obtain mechanically reinforced and morphologically homogeneous biodegradable films through GA-assisted phase stabilization. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as the water interaction performance, of films were investigated. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the band intensity attributed to hydrogen bonding increased with the addition of GA, indicating enhanced molecular interactions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that GA increased morphological defects such as microphase separation and aggregation, especially at low concentrations. While 25% GA helped fill the pores, it did not completely eliminate structural defects. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in tensile strength of up to 63% associated with such defects. Water sorption and dissolution tests showed that mass loss in aqueous media reached 75% due to the solubility of LS and GA. However, higher GA content moderately reduced this loss by minimizing defect sites. GA failed to act as a compatibilizer under tested formulation and processing parameters but contributed to the film’s surface homogeneity as a physical filler.