Enhancement of oil resistance of cellulose packaging paper for food application by coating with materials derived from natural polymers

Abstract

Paper is widely used as food packaging because of good mechanical strength and degradability. However, the application scope of paper is limited by a relatively strong affinity for water and oil. In this study, we prepared two types of coated paper and investigated the influence of the air permeability and polarity on the oil resistance of the coated papers. Reducing the air permeability improved the grease resistance of the coated papers. High-surface-energy coatings exhibited enhanced oil resistance because of a high content of polar components that offered high resistance to grease. The mechanical properties of the paper were also improved by applying the coating. These naturally derived materials are an alternative to the fluoride-containing materials that are currently available on the market for improving the wettability of paper and the quality and safety of grease-rich foods. • The oil resistance of cellulose food packaging paper are positively related to the coating weight. • The oil resistance of cellulose food packaging paper is positively related to the polarity of the coating. • Even with relatively low coating weight, the coating with high polarity still has good oil resistance.