Studies of pectin/polyvinylpyrrolidone blends exposed to ultraviolet radiation

The new biodegradable blends composed of natural pectin and synthetic polymer: polyvinylpyrrolidone were obtained by casting from aqueous solutions. The molecular interactions between components have been studied by FTIR. The blends were exposed to UV-irradiation and the changes in chemical structure were investigated using absorption spectroscopy (FTIR and UV–Vis). The morphology of sample surfaces before and after exposure to UV was observed by atomic force microscopy. Insoluble gel, formed as a result of photocrosslinking, was appointed gravimetrically. The relation between the blend composition and the efficiency of observed photoreactions has been considered.