Novel coating of bagasse paper sheets by gelatin and chitosan

Abstract

The increasing need to improve end-user specifications of paper encourages studying of coating bagasse-based paper with chitosan and gelatin in order to acheive good mechanical and barrier properties. The effect of different concentrations of gelatin (0.5-2.5%) on mechanical properties (breaking length, burst index and tear index) of bagasse paper sheets was studied. Also, paper sheets were coated by impregnation in different concentrations of chitosan solution (0.2-2%). Paper coatings using coating blends from 2% gelatin solution containing 0.5% glycerol and 1% chitosan were studied in ratios of 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 0:1 gelatin/glycerol: chitosan. Air permeability and mechanical properties of coated paper was studied. Scanning electron microscope study indicates that the distribution of gelatin/glycerol/ chitosan onto the coated paper is uniform. In general, both water-soluble gelatin and chitosan coatings had a positive impact on the final properties of the coated paper.