Approach of new coating formulations based on cationic starch for kraftliner paper
Eco-friendly coating. Green barrier. Kraft paper packaging. Multilayer packaging. Sustainable materials.
Paper's barrier and wettability properties are modified using coatings with petroleum-based products such as polyethylene. Alternatively, natural or modified polymers can be applied in layers as formulations to lessen possible environmental damage. Thus, this work aims to evaluate biodegradable formulations based on cationic starch for application as a coating on kraftliner paper to develop multilayer packaging with barrier properties. Carnauba wax, bentonite, and poly (vinyl alcohol) were tested in formulations with cationic starch for physical and chemical barrier construction. Uncoated kraftliner paper and wet paper were used as controls. The formulations were applied in two layers on 85 g/m² kraftliner paper in a coating machine, followed by drying at 103±2 °C, reaching a weight of 15 g/m². Suspensions were tested for solids content, pH, and viscosity. The physical properties of the coated papers were evaluated, as well as the barrier to water, water vapor, oxygen, and oil/grease, following standard methods. In addition, mechanical strength, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy of the coated papers were performed. Papers coated with cationic starch showed low water resistance. However, carnauba wax formulations showed high contact angle and low dispersed phase in free surface energy. Blends formed with poly (vinyl alcohol) presented an oxygen barrier with high biodegradability potential. Combining natural materials can improve the barrier properties of coated papers to create biodegradable and renewable packaging, targeting the future use of sustainable packaging.