Effect of epichlorohydrin treatment on the coating process and performance of high-barrier paper packaging

The fabrication of coated papers using hydrophilic and biodegradable polymers is important for developing sustainable packaging materials with high barrier and superior mechanical properties. However, water, which is used as the solvent in the paper coating process using hydrophilic polymers, deforms the shape of the paper and deteriorates performance. Therefore, we propose a new coating process that treats Kraft paper (KP) with epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a binder before the coating process. Crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol is coated on the ECH-treated KP using a solution casting method. ECH maintains the shape of the paper and improves coating uniformity; significantly enhances interfacial interactions, which increases barrier properties and sealing strength; and extends the shelf life of biscuits by reducing oxygen and moisture permeability. An ecotoxicity test using Lolium multiflorum demonstrates an insignificant phytotoxicity level for the as-prepared coated papers. Thus, ECH-treated KP is a potential candidate for high-barrier food packaging.