ECO-FRIENDLY COATINGS FOR BARRIER PERFORMANCE

Authors: Molly Green, Mayara Santana

SUNY Campus: SUNY ESF

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 26

Timeslot: Session D 3:00-4:00 PM

Abstract: Bioproducts derived from natural sources offer a sustainable approach to enhancing packaging performance while improving recyclability. Coatings formulated with renewable polymers can reduce packaging material requirements and transform food sector by-products into value-added, film-forming components. This project investigates the barrier functionalities of bioproducts from the cellulose sector to develop packaging solutions with improved resistance to water and oil. Carboxymethylcellulose (Ticalose CMC 15 Fine Powder, Ingredion) was prepared at 9% consistency, and a formulation combining 8% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and 2% nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was created, resulting in a 10% consistency. These formulations were applied in two layers on 320 g/m² uncoated cartonboard (provided by WestRock) using a laboratory-scale RK control coater. The first layer served as a primer, alternating between CMC and CMC+CNC formulations, while the second layer consisted solely of CMC. The applied weights were 4 g/m² for the first layer and 2 g/m² for the second layer. Oil repellency was assessed using the Kit test (TAPPI T 559), with uncoated paper serving as the control (Kit value = 0). Most coated samples achieved the maximum rating of 8, demonstrating a significant improvement in oil resistance. Notably, the sample featuring a dual-layer coating—where the first layer consisted of CMC+CNC and the second layer contained only CMC—achieved a Kit value of 9, indicating enhanced barrier performance. Water resistance, evaluated using the Cobb test (TAPPI T 441), was found to be unsatisfactory across all tested layer configurations. The uncoated paper exhibited a Cobb value of 62 g H₂O/m², while all coated samples showed increased water absorption, ranging from 80 to 100 g H₂O/m². This increase is attributed to the hydrophilic nature of the applied components.