Influence of beeswax-chitosan biocoatings on physical and barrier properties of kraft paper

• Published in: Cellulose (London) 2024-09, Vol.31 (13), p.8235-8248
• Main Authors: Dhakane-Lad, Jyoti, Jalgaonkar, Kirti, Bharimalla, Ashok Kumar, Dukare, Ajinath, Mahawar, Manoj Kumar, Jagajanantha, P., Ambare, Manoj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beeswax; Bioorganic Chemistry; Ceramics; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chitosan; Composites; Emulsions; Food packaging; Glass; Mass ratios; Natural Materials; Organic Chemistry; Original Research; Particle size; Physical Chemistry; Polymer Sciences; Stability; Sustainable Development; Water absorption; Water vapor; Zeta potential
• ISSN: 0969-0239; 1572-882X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10570-024-06111-4

Oil-in-water emulsions of different mass ratios of beeswax:chitosan (1:1, 3:1, and 5:1) in water were prepared using a high shear homogenizer for paper coating. The emulsions were analysed for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity, and creaming stability. The results showed that emulsions containing a 3:1 mass ratio of beeswax:chitosan were most stable with a minimum particle size (435 ± 18 nm), maximum zeta potential (− 33 ± 1 mV), and creaming stability (> 95%) during storage. Furthermore, kraft paper was coated with the emulsions, and its mechanical, and barrier properties were evaluated. The tensile and tear indices in the machine direction, burst index, folding endurance in the cross direction, and oil resistance significantly improved by 40%, 86%, 36%, 230%, and 220%, respectively. Compared with the control, the kraft paper coated with the most stable emulsions (3:1, beeswax:chitosan) showed a significant reduction in porosity (11%), water absorption (84%), and water vapour permeability (38%). The results suggested that the developed biocoatings can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic coatings, and the coated kraft paper can potentially be used in fast/oily food packaging.