Polyethylene oxide (PEO) possesses poor mechanical properties, which limits its application. For the purpose of improving the mechanical properties of water-soluble films, blend of polylactic glycolic acid (PLGA) with PEO was prepared by melt blending. The hydrogen bonding between PEO and PLGA was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The crystallization behavior, water solubility, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results showed that there was a hydrogen bonding force between PLGA and PEO, and this force can improve the mechanical strength and water absorption of the film. When the PLGA content reached 20 wt%, the tensile strength and the elongation at break achieved a maximum 26.1 MPa and 771.2%, respectively. Compared to neat PEO, blend with 10 wt% of PLGA had considerably higher water absorption capacity. When the PLGA content was 40 wt%, the film would not disperse in water.

Keywords: polylactic glycolic acid, polyethylene oxide, crystallization, water solubility, mechanical properties