The PhD project is focused on an investigation of the intrinsic barrier properties of various cellulose-based materials for packaging applications.
The chemical modification of cellulosic fibres is being investigated through the utilisation of an environmentally-friendly process, namely mechanochemistry. The reaction is conducted in a vibratory ball-milling apparatus with octadecyl isocyanate in a solvent-free and catalysis-free conditions. The influence of different operational parameters, including time, frequency, reagent ratio and source, is being investigated. The technique results in the production of highly hydrophobic cellulosic powders.
Subsequently, the utilisation of cellulose derivatives as coating solutions for the production of barrier papers is investigated. A particular emphasis is placed on the challenges that arise when converting these products into functional packaging. Furthermore, two processes, namely spray-coating and dip-coating, are presented as potential solutions for the functionalization of complex 3D structures. Given that moulded fibre surfaces are typically rough and porous, two pre-treatments are proposed: the pre-coating of cellulose nano fibres and the partial solubilisation using sulfuric acid. Both pre-treatments assist in preventing the penetration of functional material into the moulded fibre structure, and their benefit to recyclability is presented.
In conclusion, the possibility of integrating all the aforementioned strategies to create functional, fully cellulose-based packaging is proposed.
