Effect of surface treatment with biodegradable materials on properties of linerboard made from old corrugated containers (OCC)

Abstract

Linerboard produced from old corrugated containers (OCC) shows lower strength properties in comparison with linerboard produced from virgin fibers. This study determined the influence of surface treatment with polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) (as synthesized biodegradable polymers), chitosan, and anionic starch (as biobased and biodegradable polymers) on properties of sheets produced from OCC. The polymers were applied from aqueous biodegradable dispersion, by using a laboratory-scale coater. This research investigated the burst index, tensile index, stiffness, water resistance, air resistance, and water absorption. The results showed that paper surfaces treated with water-soluble polymers increased the mechanical properties. In addition, PVOH increased the burst index value 136% and EVOH increased the tensile index, tear index, and stiffness values by 84.3%, 108.6%, and 22.43%, respectively. The anionic starch increased air resistance to 34.7% and chitosan decreased water absorption to 12.3%.