Effect of size press coating of cationic starch/ nanofibrillated cellulose on physical and mechanical properties of recycled papersheets

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of size press coating on two types of recycled papers using different types of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and cationic starch (CS) on physical and mechanical properties. Wheat straw was used as a cellulose source, and NFC was obtained through oxidative and enzymatic pretreatments. Recycled fluting and coreboard papers were coated with cationic starch/NFC blends at various concentrations of NFC (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) using a three-time repetitive size press application, followed by one-time drying section, and compared to uncoated papers. The application of a coating suspension containing 4% periodate-oxidized NFC on both paper surfaces resulted in a significant improvement in the tensile index, burst index, and internal bond strength of the papersheets, with increases of up to 60.6%, 96.3%, and 119.9%, respectively. Furthermore, significant decreases in air permeability were also observed with reductions of 75% and 81.6% for coreboard and fluting papers, respectively. Compared to other pretreatment methods, periodate oxidation resulted in higher viscosity values in NFC samples. Therefore, the application of periodate-oxidized NFC with a size press resulted in a significant improvement in the mechanical and barrier properties of papers made from recycled pulps.