Investigation of mechanisms and approaches for improving hydrophobicity of molded pulp biocomposites produced from apple pomace

Cellulose fiber based molded pulp packaging is a sustainable solution to the persistent plastic crisis. This study utilized apple pomace (AP) as renewable source of fibers and cardboard (CF) reinforcement material create biocomposites (boards) at AP:CF ratio 2:1 in 3% solid pulp. For improving water resistance board, two approaches were employed: 1) incorporating rhubarb (RP), chitosan, glycerol into formulation, 2) applying heat resistant, superhydrophobic coatings on board surface. In addition, composition, retention value, morphology pomace, newspaper evaluated for understanding their interactions effect quality derived boards. Response surface methodology was used optimize formulations high low deformation after drying. The optimum formulation consisted 26.9% w/w RP, 0.039% w/v glycerol, 15.7% chitosan coating further enhanced board. developed boards compostable soil. brought new insights using alternative produce resistant various applications.