Oil Resistance Research Articles

Convertibility and Barrier Performance of Novel Bio‐Based Extrusion‐Coated Paperboards

ABSTRACTConventional fossil fuel–based plastics for food packaging currently cause environmental concerns owing to poor recyclability and degradability, and new strategies are being developed to address these issues. One strategy involves the use of bioresources to produce bio‐based plastics that exhibit similar performance with enhanced sustainability. However, the understanding of the properties of these materials remains limited. Consequently, the convertibility and barrier properties of three extrusion‐coated paperboards before and after creasing were examined in this study. Each coating was composed of a partially bio‐based polymer:low‐density polyethylene (Bio‐PE) and two polybutylene succinate (PBS) grades. All materials demonstrated high oil resistance and low water absorbency (Cobb1800). Certain creased samples of Bio‐PE unexpectedly exhibited a higher barrier to oxygen than the unconverted material, whereas the results for the PBS grades were more consistent. In contrast, Bio‐PE provided a superior barrier to water vapour compared with PBS. The tests indicated that conversion did not reduce the material barrier properties, as confirmed by the negligible surface damage observed using scanning electron microscopy. The issues encountered were attributed to deviations in the production quality of Bio‐PE and insufficient adhesion of both PBS films to the substrate. Although further research is required for improving the coating uniformity and adhesion to substrate, the materials exhibit potential to advance the sustainable packaging.

Exceptional anti-fouling, self-cleaning and high-flux ZIF-8@polyacrylonitrile based nanofiber composite membrane via in situ growth of seaweed-like ZnIn2S4 for efficient separation of emulsified oily wastewater.

The membrane separation technique encounters the problems of low permeability and weak anti-fouling ability during the large-scale treatment of emulsified oily wastewater. To address this issue, the high-flux and photocatalytic self-cleaning polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based nanofiber composite membrane (ZnIn2S4/ZIF-8@PAN) was constructed via the electrospinning of PAN@ZIF-8 nanofiber membrane with rivet-like structure and in situ growth of highly porous seaweed-like ZnIn2S4 in the hydrothermal process. The intrinsic hydrophilicity, porous and hierarchical structure of ZnIn2S4 effectively regulated the transport channel, superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic feature (WCA: ∼ 0 °, UOCA: up to 155.9 °), and ultra-low oil adhesion behavior of composite membrane, thus achieving superior separation flux of diverse surfactant-stabilized O/W emulsions (up to 5062.7 ± 189.4 L·m-2·h-1) and separation efficiency of 99.11 ± 0.18 %. As evidenced by the results of Hermia model and dynamic oil adhesion experiment, the ZnIn2S4/ZIF-8@PAN composite membrane displayed exceptional oil resistance and anti-fouling ability under harsh conditions, retaining its high separation efficiency (separation flux: 4408.1 L·m-2·h-1, rejection rate: 99.03 %) for O/W emulsions after 10 consecutive separation cycles. Furthermore, we discovered that the composite membrane offered favorable self-cleaning performance towards photocatalytic degradation of various organic dyes under exposure to visible light, with degradation efficiency up to 96.88 % within 120 minutes. The DFT calculation, EIS impedance, and free radical inhibition experiments demonstrated that the well-matched band structure and intimate contact interface between ZIF-8 and ZnIn2S4 facilitated the efficient transfer and separation of photo-induced charge carriers. Such PAN multifunctional composite membrane has great potential in the field of complex oily wastewater treatment.

Surface Fluorination of Silicone Rubber with Enhanced Stain Resistance and Slip Properties.

Silicone rubber (SR) holds significant potential for everyday wearable devices due to its inherent sweat resistance and flexibility. However, its broader applicability is constrained by poor oil resistance and a suboptimal slip performance. In this study, we developed an SR with durable oil resistance and enhanced slip properties by forming a covalently bonded barrier layer on its surface through a one-step in situ fluorination reaction using F2/N2. The fluorination process exploration revealed that low concentrations of F2 preferentially produce thermodynamic products containing Si-F bonds, while higher F2 concentrations favor the formation of C-F bonds and Si-F bonds with similar contents in the surface layer, as confirmed by theoretical simulations. This fluorine-containing surface modification significantly reduces the friction coefficient from 0.68 to 0.38 and imparts fascinating amphiphobic properties, increasing water and oil contact angles by 31.7 and 23.2°, respectively, compared to pristine SR. As a result, the fluorinated SR demonstrates superior slip performance and enhanced stain resistance, particularly against challenging contaminants like chili oil, even after frictional wear owing to the robustness of the covalently bonded surface layer. Additionally, the outstanding oil barrier properties of the fluorinated SR confer excellent antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, positioning it as a highly promising material for everyday wearable applications.

Construction of Self-Cleaning Membrane Integrating Underwater Superoleophobicity, Photocatalysis, and Antibacterial Activity for Water Purification.

The treatment of oily wastewater and oil/water mixtures has received more and more attention. In this study, a Zn-MOF (ZIF-8) decorated polyimide (PI) nanofiber membrane with triple self-cleaning performance was constructed, and the decoration of ZIF-8 on the PI membrane improved the hydrophilicity of the composite membrane, which further enhanced the underwater oil resistance, and the mechanical properties of the membranes improved significantly with the increase of in situ growth time. In addition, the inherent photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of ZIF-8 endowed the membranes with fantastic performance. When the in situ growth time was 24 h, the degradation efficiency for methylene blue was nearly 90% within 60 min under visible light. The ZIF-8@PI membrane has significant antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This triple self-cleaning is an important step forward in both the multifunctional application and sustainable development of materials.

'Crown-Roots' Structure Formed by Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanofibers for All-Natural, Biorenewable Barrier Material.

Degradable and cost-effective cellulose fiber-based materials are ideal substitutes for traditional plastics. However, organic additives used to enhance water and oil resistance often contain toxic substances that may migrate into food, posing health risks. In this study, inspired by tree structures, lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers (LCNFs) are used to form a "crown-roots" structure to enhance the water, oil, and gas resistance, as well as mechanical performance of composites. Mechanically fibrillated LCNFs (M-LCNFs), representing the tree roots, are blended with bamboo pulp and bagasse pulp to prepare cellulose fiber substrate. LCNFs films, representing the crown, are produced via a sol-gel method to improve the substrate's barrier properties. The LCNFs gel, representing the trunk, bonds the films to the substrate via hydrogen bond. The resulting material shows exceptional behaviors including 1) excellent water and oil resistance (Cobb value and WVTR decreased by 75.27% and 16.43% compared to the substrate, with a maximum kit value of 12), 2) outstanding mechanical performance (tensile index is 103.19 N·m g-1), and 3) good natural degradability. This material holds significant potential for industries with high safety standards, such as food, cosmetics, and medicine.

Design of Compostable and Recyclable Modified Soybean Oil-Coated Paper with Enhanced Water and Oil Resistance

Design of Compostable and Recyclable Modified Soybean Oil-Coated Paper with Enhanced Water and Oil Resistance

Development and characterization of biodegradable water- and oil-resistant coatings based on derivatized cellulose, sodium alginate, and shellac for paper-based packaging.

As environmental awareness grows, developing non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable water- and oil-resistant coating layers using bio-based materials for paper-based packaging has become a key field of research. In this work, sodium alginate (SA) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used as the oil-resistant coating layer, while shellac (LAC) and ethyl cellulose (EC) formed the water-resistant coating layer, to produce a water- and oil-resistant coated paper. The effect of the mass ratio of these materials on performance was analyzed, demonstrating that the interaction between SA and CMC enhances the compactness of coating, thereby improving oil resistance. Similarly, the addition of LAC to EC increases coating compactness, which improves water resistance. The resulting coated paper has excellent water resistance (Cobb value: 3.42 g/m2) and oil resistance (Kit rating: 12/12) and shows no leakage after holding hot water and hot oil for 30 min, indicating good resistance to both. Additionally, the coated paper demonstrates good mechanical properties, thermal stability, biodegradability and recyclability. The materials used are widely available and low-cost, and the preparation method is straightforward, making this research highly valuable for advancing paper-based packaging materials.

Enhancement of Oil-Resistance in Acrylic Dispersions

Acrylic dispersions are favoured due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and versatile chemical properties. Given the inherent advantages of acrylic dispersions, their application as packaging lamination adhesives necessitates improved chemical resistance, especially oil resistance. To address this need, we systematically explored the incorporation of oil repellent additives into acrylic formulations. By analysing the compatibility of these additives and their impact on oil resistance performance, our research aims to provide insights into optimizing acrylic adhesives for more effective use in packaging applications.

Research and development of new intelligent foaming and discharging agent system

The application of classic foaming agent faces several issues, including excessive use of defoaming agent, inadequate defoaming, pipeline blockage due to silicone oil precipitation, and high development cost of the foaming agent. To address the aforementioned issues, a novel intelligent foaming agent was created. This resulted in the development of a new intelligent foaming and discharging agent system. The study focused on analyzing key performance indicators of the foaming agent system, including temperature resistance, salt resistance, oil resistance, phase transition temperature point, foaming ability, foam half-life, liquid carrying capacity, and self-defoaming ability. The experimental findings indicate that TS-1 and ESAB exhibit favorable foaming performance and stability under the conditions of 90 °C temperature, 20 × 104 mg/L salinity, and 40% condensate oil content after a 1:1 mixture. Additionally, they are capable of undergoing phase transition within the temperature range of 12 to 15.2 °C. The Waring blender stirring method resulted in the foaming agent solution, which had a concentration of 3 g/L, reaching a volume of 487 mL. The foam’s half-life was 20 min, and the liquid carrying rate was 91.7%. After a duration of 20 min, the rate of self-defoaming was 81.6%. The addition of the self-developed synergist facilitated the defoaming process, which was successfully accomplished within a time frame of 10 min. Moreover, the self-defoaming rate achieved a remarkable 100%. The foam drainage agent system may autonomously react to variations in ambient temperature and achieve phase transition behavior through temperature stimulation. This is accomplished by utilizing the natural temperature difference between the bottom hole and the wellhead during foam drainage gas recovery operations. This innovation presents a novel concept for the foam drainage agent used in recovering drainage gas. It simplifies the operation of gas recovery in oil and gas wells, provides solutions for further smartening up oil and gas fields. It holds immense theoretical and practical importance.

Effects of addition of clay and alumina nanoparticles on flame-retardant, thermal, and mechanical properties of polyolefin elastomer/magnesium hydroxide composite

This study aims to develop extreme cold temperature resistance and non-halogenated flame retardant sheathing material for Arctic shipboard cables. A series of polyolefin elastomer (POE)/magnesium hydroxide (MHO)-nanosized clay (CL) and POE/MHO-nanosized alumina (AL) composites were prepared by melt-blending and their flame-retardant, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. The results reveal that the AL showed a synergistic effect in improving flame-retardant and tensile properties, oil resistance, and thermal stability of the POE/MHO. Notably, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and limit oxygen index of the POE/MHO composite with 1.2 phr AL increased by 54.9%, 39.5%, and 5.2%, respectively. Crucially, except for POE/MHO-CL1.2 phr, the glass transition temperature of all composites remained below −66 °C. Overall, 1.2 phr AL content is deemed optimal for the desired properties.

Review: The potential of nanocellulose composites for sustainable food packaging applications

AbstractThis work addresses the innovative use of nanocellulose (NC) as an environmentally friendly and sustainable substitute for conventional food packaging made of polymers. The review delves into the synthesis approaches of NC/polymer‐mixed composites. The characterization of these composites is discussed, highlighting their mechanical properties, biodegradability, and characteristics of a barrier toward oxygen, moisture, and oil resistance. The review further explores the development of active packaging, which utilizes NC's capacity to preserve and release active ingredients like antioxidants and antimicrobials to lengthen the amount of time that food supplies can be stored. The evolution of intelligent and smart packaging is also explored, showcasing how NC‐based packaging can incorporate indicators for freshness, temperature, pH, and spoilage, offering customers and retailers knowledge accessibility in real time. The opportunities and problems facing NC in food packaging are discussed, and the need for more study and advancement is highlighted to reach its full potential. For those interested in sustainable food packaging solutions, researchers, business professionals, and policymakers will find this thorough review to be highly insightful.Highlights It covers examples of polymer composites filled with NC. Mention the preparation methods and characterization of NC‐based composites. Highlight the promising areas of NC/polymer composite applications in smart food packaging Concludes the challenges and prospects of NC composite in food packaging.

Facile preparation of soybean protein-based oil-resistant paper for food packaging

The use of plastic packaging is harmful to the environment. Due to the advantages of degradability, renewability, and safety of paper packaging materials, replacing plastic with paper has received much attention. However, the poor oil resistance of traditional paper constrains its application. In this research, oil-resistant agent is prepared using soy protein isolate and montmorillonite through physical blending. This oil-resistant agent has advantages of low cost and food safety. Subsequently, food packaging oil-proof paper is obtained by coating the above-mentioned coating on paper. This oil-proof paper has good heat resistance, oil resistance (kit rating is 8/12) and mechanical properties. In addition, it is found that the optimal storage environment for the oil-proof paper. This study provides a feasible method for producing, biodegradable, and eco-friendly food packaging oil-proof paper.

Synthesis of Water-Soluble Polyurethane Using Lignin, Dopamine and Zn2+ and Its Effects on Paper Properties

A novel water-soluble polyurethane copolymer (i.e., LnBPU-[Zn(DOPA)2]) was synthesized through a route mainly using a prepolymer (i.e., BPU), lignin, dopamine and Zn2+ as the raw materials by cross-linking copolymerization. The optimal reaction conditions are as follows: m(Lignin):m(BPU) is 1:4, time is 4 h and temperature is 70 °C. The prepared LnBPU-[Zn(DOPA)2] was turned out to improve the strength, resistance to water, oil and Escherichia coli of fibre when it was evenly coated on the paper with a dose of 15 g/m2. SEM & EDS, FT-IR, GPC confirmed that the crosslinking copolymerization was enhanced by dopamine and Zn2+, which can give the polyurethane copolymer better strength and water and oil resistance. This study provided an efficient and green approach for preparing lignin-based polyurethane, and contributes to the application of paper in more fields such as food or medical packaging.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ СВОЙСТВ РЕЗИН НА ОСНОВЕ СКЭПТ, НАПОЛНЕННЫХ ПОЛИАКРИЛОНИТРИЛОМ

The article studies rubber mixtures based on EPDM with polyacrylonitrile (PAN), including those previously subjected to partial pyrolysis. Pyrolysis, oil resistance, coke number and physico-mechanical parameters of the studied rubbers were studied. It is shown that the introduction of PAN makes it possible to improve the resistance of rubbers to high-temperature heating and the oil resistance of vulcanizates.

Exploration of advanced omics tools and resources for the improvement of industrial oil crops.

The rapid advancement in the field of omics approaches plays a crucial role in the development of improved industrial oil crops. Industrial oil crops are important for many sectors like food processing, biofuels, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, making them indispensable contributors to global economies and these crops serve as vital elements in a multitude of industrial processes. Significant improvements in genomics have revolutionized the agricultural sector, particularly in the realm of oil crops. Cutting-edge advancements have facilitated the efficient sequencing of genomes for key commercial oil crops. This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of the genetic makeup of these crops but also empowers breeders with invaluable insights for targeted genetic manipulation and breeding programs. Moreover, integrating transcriptomics with genomic data has assisted in a new era of precision agriculture. This approach provides an in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in traits of interest, such as oil content, yield potential, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Proteomics methods are instrumental in deciphering the intricacies of protein structure, interactions, and function, while metabolomics and ionomics shed light on the intricate network of metabolites and ions within biological systems. Each omics discipline offers unique insights, and their integration holds the promise of enriching our understanding and furnishing invaluable insights for enhancing oil crops. This review delves into the efficacy and constraints of various omics approaches in the context of refining industrial oil crops. Moreover, it underscores the importance of multi-omics strategies and explores their convergence with genetic engineering techniques to cultivate superior oil crop varieties.

Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Oil Resistance of Hydrogenated-Butadiene-Acrylonitrile-Rubber-Based Composites Across Various Temperatures.

The influence of molecular structure (acrylonitrile content) and formulation (carbon black and plasticizer dosage) on the rheological and mechanical properties of HNBR composites was systematically studied, with further discussion on ozone resistance and swelling behavior in transformer oil. The results demonstrated that the curing characteristics and rheological behavior of HNBR composites are closely linked to acrylonitrile content, carbon black, and plasticizer levels. Plasticizers significantly reduced the degree of crosslinking and the Payne effect, while fillers had the opposite impact. Fillers increased the modulus at 100% and 200%, reducing elongation at break, whereas plasticizers enhanced elongation at break while lowering the modulus. The effects of fillers and plasticizers on tensile strength were relatively minor. Both exhibited different influences on mechanical properties at various aging temperatures. Compression set testing revealed that under a 125 °C hot air environment, the compression set was less than 30%, while at -30 °C in cold air, it exceeded 60%. In a 125 °C hot transformer oil environment, the compression set ranged between 30% and 60%. Oil resistance tests indicated that HNBR composites with higher acrylonitrile content showed lower mass change rates in transformer oil, with further reduction achieved by increasing the plasticizer or filler content. Due to their excellent performance and resistance to ozone cracking, HNBR composites have significant potential for applications in high-altitude power grids and military-grade rubber sealing products.

Sustainable barrier coatings for paperboard packaging: Effect of VeoVa-10 on 2-EHA and MMA containing water-based emulsions

Developing environmentally benign barrier coatings may provide a sustainable alternative to the packaging sector and facilitate minimizing the consumption of single-use plastics in packaging. The synthesis of seven different water-based (W/B) emulsions was achieved via seeded emulsion polymerization using 2-Ethylhexylacrylate (2-EHA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and a varying amount of vinyl ester of Versatic™ acid 10 (VeoVa-10) to impart the hydrophobic properties. Potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) was used as an initiator. Antifoaming agent and biocide were also added to improve the application and shelf-life of these coatings. The coatings were evaluated by conducting various analytical tests, including pH measurement, viscosity assessment, determination of solid content, measurement of drying time, evaluation of gloss, water absorption testing using Cobb's Test, and assessment of oil and grease resistance via the Kit Test. The coatings were also analyzed using advanced characterization techniques, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zetasizer Nano ZS, and contact angle analysis. The results indicated that as the amount of VeoVa-10 increases in barrier coatings, the coated paperboard demonstrated improved moisture and oil/grease resistance compared to the control paperboard (uncoated). Furthermore, the coatings were also applied on paperboard trays and stored at 0 °C and 90 °C to confirm their practical usefulness, a careful examination after an hour showed no leakage/seepage of hot and cold water through the coated trays, unlike the uncoated ones. Barrier coatings offer sustainable and eco-friendly options that could positively impact the packaging industry, helping reduce environmental footprints while enhancing packaging performance.

Preparation and characteristics of zein/ethyl cellulose composite coating applied in aqueous system

Zein and ethyl cellulose (EC) were used as raw materials to prepare a composite coating applied in aqueous systems with mechanical properties, water stability, water solubility (including room-temperature (RT)/high-temperature and neutral/acidic conditions), and oil resistance as evaluation index. Results showed the most suitable conditions were mass ratio of zein/EC at 1:9, 93 % (v/v) aqueous ethanol, oleic acid as the plasticizer with the amount of 0.3 g/g, and curing temperature at 70 °C. Under these conditions, the tensile strength of composite coating was 4.61 MPa and elongation at break was 21.60 % after 4 weeks of soaking in water. Oil seepage was not observed within 1 week. The water solubility of coating in neutral water was 5.13 % at RT for 24 h, and 3.79 % at 80 °C for 2 min; in acidic water (pH = 4) was 4.54 % at RT for 24 h, and 5.44 % at 80 °C for 2 min. SEM results showed swelling occurred in zein coating after soaking, presenting micropores in soaked zein coating; zein microparticles in composite coating partially broke down and fell off after soaking. Water contact angle results revealed surface hydrophobicity by the following order: EC coating > composite coating > zein coating. FTIR results showed composite coating was physically compounding by hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds.

Investigating the Effect of Nano-Crystalline Cellulose in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Matrix for Improved Thermo-Mechanical Properties

The escalating demand for sustainable rubber products has spurred research into alternative reinforcing fillers, driven by concerns regarding the detrimental effects of using conventional fillers like carbon black and silica. In this investigation, nano-crystalline cellulose (NCC), derived from micro crystalline cellulose (MCC), sourced from sugarcane bagasse via acid hydrolysis, serves as a bio-filler to reinforce Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR) matrices. NBR-NCC nano-composites were prepared using a two-roll mill, varying NCC from 1–5 parts per hundred rubber matrices, followed by hot press curing. NCC and NBR-NCC nano-composites were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), curing characteristics, thermo-mechanical testing, thermal aging and motor oil resistance. Chemical interactions between the NCC and NBR matrix were verified with FTIR. The SEM images of the NCC showed a combination of rod-like and spherical morphologies and a homogenous dispersion of NCC in NBR-NCC nano-composites with some agglomeration, notably at higher percentages of NCC. It is shown that the cure time decreases with increasing NCC loading which mimics a shorter industrial production cycle. The results also showed an increase in tensile strength, hardness, oil resistance and a rise in degradation temperature when compared to NBR at approximately 34%, 36%, 38% and 32 °C, respectively, at 3 phr NCC loading. Furthermore, NBR-NCC nano-composites showed a lower decrease in mechanical properties after aging when compared to NBR. The findings of this research suggest that the NBR-NCC nano-composites may find applications in high oil resistance seals and rubber gloves where higher thermal stability is strictly required.

Effect of nano-aluminum hydroxide on the liquid phase properties and fire-fighting foam performance of the mixed surfactants solution

Short-chain fluorocarbon surfactants show synergistic effects with hydrocarbon surfactants in foaming and foam stability. Nano-aluminum hydroxide (nano-ATH) was added as an additive to the short-chain fluorocarbon surfactant mixture solution, which was found to increase the surface tension and viscosity of the surfactant mixture solution, and decrease the foaming properties of the solution, as measured by Wilhelmy method, Waring Blender method and viscometer. By measuring zeta potential experiments, surfactant molecules were found to be adsorbed on nano-ATH through charge gravity, which increased the desorption energy of nano-ATH. Measuring the visco-elastic modulus of the solution by rheometer, it was found that nano-ATH increased the visco-elastic modulus of the surfactant mixture solution, which improved the foam's resistance to the external disturbances. Observed by the image analysis system on the foam, the uniform distribution of nano-ATH in the liquid film reduced the coarsening and coalescence speed of foam. Through the self-developed oil resistance test, nano-ATH enhanced the oil resistance stability and inhibition of fuel vapor diffusion of the foam by about 12 %; through self-developed foam fire extinguishing and anti-burning tests, nano-ATH shortened the fire extinguishing time of the two-phase foam by 25 %, and showed better fire extinguishing and anti-burning performance than the foam.