Effects of Montmorillonite, Kaolinite, Protein, and AKD on Nanocellulose-based Barrier Coatings for Packaging, PaperCon2017

Nanocellulose materials derived from renewable sources have high surface areas, crystallinity, mechanical strength, tunable chemistry, and are resistant to solvents. These characteristics can dramatically impact many commercial markets including packaging, composites, and coatings. However, nanocellulose-based materials are generally susceptible to the presence of high humidity or moisture. Through this work, we develop a new pathway for sustainable packaging materials by formulating a multi-component nanocellulose barrier coating. Our research introduces additives such as high-aspect ratio nanoclay, kaolin clay, alkylketene dimer (AKD), and protein into the nanocellulose formulation in order to prepare a uniformly-distributed coating layer. Formulations with nanocellulose and additives with specialized functionalities were obtained in the laboratory and applied on three different packaging papers using a Mayer rod. Coated paper samples were characterized to determine surface, barrier, and mechanical properties. The developed bio-based coatings presented a hydrophobic surface and a more complex and tortuous path, which was found to block gas, moisture, water, and oil permeation, while simultaneously improving stiffness and preserving the look and feel of the paper. 

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