Barrier properties of greaseproof paper

Abstract: The barrier properties of greaseproof paper are achieved by extensive beating of the fibres. This treatment results in high costs for energy, both as beating energy and drying energy. A full-scale trial has been performed to investigate the role of the pulp with respect to energy demand and the barrier properties of the final papers. The paper made of 100% sulphite pulp with a low degree of beating showed the lowest energy consumption at a given level of barrier properties such as air permeance, grease resistance and water vapour transmission rate.The papers produced in the full-scale trial have been used as substrates for coating. Greaseproof paper has a closed surface and should therefore be a good base paper for barrier coatings.Chitosan has been used as a barrier coating because of its good oxygen barrier properties. Moreover, chitosan is a renewable material. Coating trials on a bench-scale showed that greaseproof paper can be upgraded to provide a good oxygen barrier. The oxygen barrier could not be achieved on a pilot-scale using the metered size press technique, because of the low coat weight applied.The influence of the base paper on the barrier properties of chitosan-coated paper has been investigated. It was found that greaseproof paper is better than a paper with a higher porosity. The coating seemed to stay more on the surface of the greaseproof papers and to form a continuous coating layer with better barrier properties.