SUSTAINABLE FOOD PACKAGING MATERIALS BASED ON HEMICELLULOSE COATED PAPERS

This paper presents investigations on the utilization of xylan hemicellulose and its derivatives (hydrophobized and acetylated xylan) combined with chitosan biopolymer to improve the barrier and strength properties of paper. In this context, coatings based on hardwood xylan hemicellulose in different combinations, were used for surface treatment of paper. The results demonstrated improved barrier properties to water, gases, oil, and grease, as well as enhanced resistance to microbial attacks and increased mechanical strength of the coated papers. Based on these results, it can be concluded that xylan hemicellulose is a promising biopolymer to substitute synthetic polymers in the treatment of papers for food packaging applications