Improving air barrier, water vapor permeability properties of cellulose paper by layer-by-layer assembly of graphene oxide

A paper-based packaging material with improved air barrier and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties was synthesized based on layer-by-layer assembly consisted of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)/graphene oxide (GO) on a filter paper substrate. The effect of the pH of GO suspension on the zeta potential and air permeability (AP) of the modified paper was investigated in detail. The results indicated that the pH of GO suspension resulted in significant difference in the AP of the modified paper. Compare with the pristine paper, the AP of the modified paper with (PEI/GO)(10) multilayer films synthesized at pH 2.5 decreased by 99.99 %, while the WVP increased by 15.82 %. The modified paper as packaging material could prolong the shelf-life of oyster mushroom, indicating the modified paper has huge potential application on the preservation of agricultural products.

Automated summary

In this study, a paper-based packaging material with improved air barrier and water vapor permeability properties was successfully synthesized using a layer-by-layer assembly of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI)/graphene oxide (GO) on a filter paper substrate. By adjusting the pH of the GO suspension, significant reduction in air permeability of the modified paper was achieved. The modified paper not only extended the shelf-life of agricultural products, but also showed great potential for further applications.