Improved barrier performance with microfibrillated cellulose, TAPPI Journal March 2025

Application: The present work shows how MFC can be used to improve barrier performance, applicability, and drying properties of water-based barrier coatings. It is possible to reduce the coat weight and still obtain better barrier performance against grease and water, for example, even on a porous paper. This will have a strong impact on the packaging’s sustainability and raw materials costs and help obtain a plastic:fiber ratio that meets the limits set by regulations.

Author: Otto Soidinsalo, Anne Opstad, and Hans Henrik ENRIK Øvrebø

ABSTRACT: In this work, the impact of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) on the properties of water-based barrier coatings intended for food packaging have been explored. Commercially available MFC was used for improving the rheology and water retention of three different commercially available dispersion coatings (acrylic, styrene acrylic, and polylactic acid). Coatings were applied by rod to paper, and barrier properties were tested by measuring air permeability and water barrier properties. Results clearly showed that addition of MFC to water-based dispersion coatings improved the barrier performance of the final coatings.