Biopolymers for surface engineering of paper-based products

The combination of biopolymer science and technology with surface engineering of paper-based cellulosic materials has a lot of potential in stepping forward to a sustainable future. Various biopolymers such as oxidized starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and polylatic acid have been commercially used to engineer paper surface. The paper-based cellulosic products are widely used for printing/writing and packaging applications. However, the production of these products are currently dependent mainly upon the use of petroleum-based materials including synthetic pigment coating latexes and barrier coating materials. The major challenges associated with some biopolymers are their relatively high costs and unsatisfactory performances. Continuing efforts are being made to enable the increased and value-added use of various biopolymers in paper surface engineering. These polymers can be based on cellulose, hemicelluloses, chitosan, alginate, protein, polylactic acid, and polyhydroxyalkanoate. The biopolymer-engineered paper products can be tailored for use as substitutes for various non-renewable materials including plastics and metals as well. Future development in the area of biopolymers for paper surface engineering is likely to lead to new possibilities and breakthroughs, paving the way for a substantially sustainable and green future.