In this study, starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/titanium oxide (TiO2) nanocomposite films were synthesized using a casting method. The characteristics of the starch/PVA nanocomposite films were evaluated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The physical properties such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at fracture (%E), degree of swelling (DS), solubility (S), and water vapor absorption of the prepared nanocomposite films were studied. The results of the investigation of the physical properties for the films indicated that compared with films without added TiO2 nanoparticles, the mechanical properties and water resistance were enhanced up to 1.14-1.52 times by the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles. In order to extend the application area of the nanocomposite films containing TiO2 nanoparticles, the photocatalytic activity of films with/without TiO2 nanoparticles was also examined by monitoring the degree of decomposition of BPA and 2,4-D. All the tested nanocomposite films revealed photocatalytic activity under UV and visible light irradiation although the rate of decomposition was slow compared to the use of UV light irradiation.

Keywords: Starch/PVA nanocomposite films, Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticle, Physical properties, Photocatalytic degradability