Application of polyhydroxyalkanoate granules for sizing of paper

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are characterized by the chemistry of the biodegradable inclusions inside the microbial membrane. They are produced by a wide variety of bacteria, where they function as energy and carbon storage materials. This intracellular Bioplastic forms a stable latex suitable for surface treatments of paper such as sizing and coating. In this work, we compare native granules and artificial granules made from market poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), P(3HB-co-3HV), for their ability as sizing agent. Paper sizing was assayed by measuring the resistance of sized paper to penetration by aqueous fluids. Our results indicate that the sizing effect of PHAs is dependent on several factors, such as, paper drying temperature, drying time, pressure, and polymer composition, that is, homopolymer, random copolymer, and texture of granules. The sizing efficiency of the copolymer is generally poor compared to the PHB homopolymer. In addition to water permeability, the tensile strength of sized paper was measured and physical properties of granule suspensions were recorded using SEM microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering.