Nanocellulose-polypyrrole-coated paperboard for food packaging application

Currently, studies on packaging that improves the shelf life of perishable food while reducing the waste that is produced upon disposal are encouraged. Thus, exploration of the property improvement of paperboard (Pb) packaging is of interest since this type of packaging is biodegradable and recyclable. This work emphasizes the added value of (2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibres (TOCN) and polypyrrole (PPy) coating on such paperboard. The mechanical properties and reduced gas permeability of the coated paperboard (CPb) were significantly improved due to the dense network formed by TOCN and polypyrrole particles. These results suggest that surface coating by polypyrrole particles may be utilized for the manufacture of multilayer paperboard containers in industrial applications to reduce packaging waste generated by the often added conventional plastic.