Nanocomposite Binder Systems for Dispersion Coatings that Enable Biodegradable, Paper-Based Packaging with Enhanced Barrier Properties

Paper is the largest material used in the packaging industry due to its low handling costenvironmentally friendly nature recyclability and low weight. The global demand for paper andboard in 2016 was $279 billion and is expected to reach $518 billion by 2022. Compared to plasticpaper and paperboard are produced from cellulose which is the most abundant natural material.However hydrophilicity and porosity of paper-based products create significant challenges for usein packaging. For paper-based materials to be used in packaging surface modification is requiredwhich typically involves the use of synthetic polymers and fillers. Since most petrochemical-basedpolymers lack biodegradability their use detracts from the environmental benefits of paper-basedpackaging. Most polymeric coatings used in paper packaging such as polyethylene inhibit theability of the material to be recycled. There is a major need for recyclable and biodegradable paper- based packaging that has barrier properties competitive with plastics and laminated paper.Renuvixhas developed a unique technology that transforms plant oils into vinyl monomers that canpolymerize into valuable polymers. In the Phase I project the technology was used to producebiodegradable soy-based nanocomposite binder systems for paper coatings. Renuvix'snanocomposite systems have shown barrier properties better than commercial synthetic papersizing agents. By conducting the proposed research the scalability of the technology will have beendemonstrated. Renuvix will test alternative raw materials such as high-oleic soybean oil in thepolymer production and evaluate the impact of various formulation ingredients on the barrierproperties of coated papers.