Preparation of coated paper reinforced by a blend of anionic-starch-based nanocellulose/chitosan and its properties

Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal whisker (C-CNC) and chitosan (CTS) were used to blend and reinforce anionic starch (AS) to prepare a paper-coating agent, AS-CNC-CTS, which was coated on one side of the surface of offset paper and kraft paper. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the AS-CNC-CTS coating agent can form a layer of dense film on the paper surface and fill the surface pores. And also, owing to the irregular pore structure of the paper, the coating agent penetrated the pores to different degrees. The structure and mechanical properties of the coated paper were analyzed using a Fourier infrared spectrometer, computer-controlled paper-tearing tester and paper tensile strength test machine. Peptide bonding interaction between C-CNC and CTS, hydrogen bonding between C-CNC and CTS, C-CNC and AS, C-CNC and paper fibers, as well as electrostatic attraction between acidified CTS and AS were found. Moreover, the coating agent also had good antibacterial properties, and no mold spots formed throughout the observation period (60d). The gas-barrier properties and oil resistance of the coated paper were further studied using a paper and paperboard air permeability tester and a paper oil-permeability tester. Results showed that the coating agent can significantly enhance the gas-barrier properties and oil resistance of paper. Furthermore, with increased C-CNC content in the coating agent, its barrier properties gradually increased. This finding indicated that the coating preparation had no effect on the crystal region of C-CNC.