Sustainable Cellulose‐Based Coatings and Their Impact on Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Paper

ABSTRACT The fabrication of cellulose‐based barrier paper by coating base paper with regenerated cellulose is presented. Various concentrations of cellulose solutions and coating weights, akin to conventional polymeric coatings, are employed. The coated papers' properties, including morphological changes, mechanical properties, and barrier properties, are evaluated and compared to the reference base paper. It is observed that cellulose concentrations of 6 and 9 wt.% in the coating solution provide good paper coverage, evidenced by a reduction in porosity. The oxygen barrier properties surpass those typically achieved with laminated/extruded polyolefins or cellulose esters. Additionally, enhanced grease barrier properties against hot oil are attained. The tensile indices of the coated papers decrease, likely due to the wetting and redrying process during coating. However, the strain at break shows a slight improvement, and no significant difference is noted in the tear index compared to the reference.