Investigation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as thermal barrier and strengthening agents in pigment-based paper coatings

In response to food packaging improvements, this study investigates changes in mechanical and thermal barrier properties of pigment-based paper coatings when cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are added to the formulation. Stable dispersions of all coating components were formed between pH 7–9 (zeta potential > |30 mV|) except CNF, which favored stable dispersions at higher pH. Hydrodynamic diameters (Dh) of CNC and CNF decreased when interacting with calcium carbonate ions (Ca2+ and CO32-); however, latex binder and dispersant diameters were unaffected by the presence of CaCO3 in solution. Thermal barrier performance was quantified by measuring ΔT across coated samples, with and without nanoparticle additives. Both CNC and CNF additives significantly contributed to the ΔT measured, with the best result recorded for 2 wt% CNF, pH 7, and a drying rate of 25 °C/min. This sample recorded 37 ± 6 °C higher than the ΔT for baseline coatings (without additive). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed a higher storage modulus for all samples containing CNC and/or CNF compared with the baseline coating, suggesting a material with greater resistance to deformation from applied load. Higher dissipation energy was also observed; however, lower tan delta values suggest improved mechanical properties with both additives.