Achieving a Superhydrophobic, Moisture, Oil and Gas Barrier Film Using a Regenerated Cellulose–Calcium Carbonate Composite Derived from Paper Components or Waste

It has been a persistent challenge to develop eco-friendly packaging cellulose film providing the required multiple barrier properties whilst simultaneously contributing circular economy. Typically, cellulosic made from nanocellulose materials presents severe limitations, such as poor water/moisture resistance and lacking water vapour properties, related primarily hydrophilic hygroscopic nature of cellulose. In this work, alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) starch, both eco-friendly, non-toxic, cost-effective materials, were used achieve novel cellulose–calcium carbonate composite films regenerated paper components, including waste, using ionic liquid solvent. AKD starch applied first into solution dope mix, secondly, alone was coated hot aqueous suspension onto surface substrate precooling technique. The interactions between characterised by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) X-ray Diffraction (XRD) showing formation ketone ester structure hydroxyl groups presence calcium particles in seen enhance crystallinity. initial high-water oxygen transmission rates untreated base could be decreased significantly 2.00 0.14 g m−2 d−1, 3.85 × 102 0.45 cm3 respectively. addition, applying subsequent heat treatment coating, contact angle markedly increased reach levels superhydrophobicity (>150°, roll-off < 5°). absorption, grease-permeation, tensile strength ultimately improved 41.52%, 95.33%, 127.33%, respectively, compared with those an pure film. resulting composite-based coating formulation can considered provide future bio-based economy film, for example, packaging, construction agriculture industries, complement or replace oil-based plastics.