Development of Grease Resistant Packaging Paper Using Cellulose Nanocrystals and Sodium Alginate

Abstract

A biodegradable packaging paper with excellent grease resistance was produced using cellulose nanocrystals and sodium alginate. This study aims to reduce the porosity of paper by filling the pores with cellulose nanocrystals and using sodium alginate as a binder. Different types of papers, including filter paper, copy paper, and supercalendered paper, were used. Pure cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanocrystals/sodium alginate solutions at different concentrations and ratios (2:8, 5:5, and 9:1 by weight ratio) were applied to papers by coating and impregnation techniques. The resulting papers were then characterized with atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for the surface morphology. The grease barrier and the mechanical property were investigated in accordance with TAPPI standards. The results demonstrated that the copy paper coated with 2:8 of cellulose nanocrystals/sodium alginate showed excellent grease barrier properties. Within 48 h of the test period for grease to penetrate the coated paper, almost 100% of the grease barrier was achieved when the coating weight was set at 4 g/m2. The roughness of the paper surface significantly decreased, thereby resisting the penetration of oil from one side to another. Moreover, the mechanical property of both cellulose nanocrystals- and cellulose nanocrystals/sodium alginate-coated papers was improved due to the addition of cellulose nanocrystals as a reinforced filler.