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Published on: February 19, 2016
Zein/chitosan complex particle-stabilized polyacrylate latex with high waterproof performance: A bio-based solution
Sitong Li1, Jianhua Zhou1, Xingyuan He1
1College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China.
None:
Non-degradable plastic packaging materials have caused severe pollution, sparking growing interest in paper-based alternatives. However, a key limitation of paper packaging is its poor water resistance. To overcome this, water-resistant packaging paper is usually produced by coating it with waterproof agents. Yet, conventional fluorinated waterproof agents present considerable health risks due to the potential migration of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate/ester (PFOS). Therefore, high-performance fluorine-free alternatives are urgently needed. In this study, the bio-based fluorine-free polyacrylate latex was prepared via Pickering emulsion polymerization method using zein/chitosan (MCS) complex particle as a stabilizer. We systematically investigated the influence of MCS dosage and the mass ratio of lauryl methacrylate (LMA) to isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) on emulsion. When the MCS dosage was 6% and the mass ratio of LMA to IBOMA was 6:4, the latex particles had the smallest average size and the optimum stability. Through an impregnation process, the waterproof paper was produced and its properties were investigated. SEM and AFM analysis showed that a coating film emerged on the waterproof paper's surface. The waterproof paper exhibited outstanding waterproof performance, evidenced by a WCA of 138 ± 0.96° and a Cobb60 value of 16.1 ± 0.23 g/m2. Furthermore, the waterproof paper showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with its tear index improved by 35%, and its tensile strength and elongation at break improved by 150% and 180%, respectively. Moreover, the soil experiment confirmed that the waterproof paper retained the biodegradability of the base paper, meeting the environmental requirements for packaging materials. The aging test proved that the waterproof paper had enhanced aging resistance compared with the base paper. Due to its superior waterproof, barrier, mechanical and degradable performances, the waterproof paper offers a promising eco-friendly alternative in the field of sustainable food packaging.
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