New types of biodegradable polymers and nanocellulose for modification of wood fibers: Effects on barrier properties against oil/grease and on paper strength properties

Objective:
The main objective is to identify and report on new types of natural and biodegradable polymers that might add novel and unique oil/grease barrier properties to paper products

Background:
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for grease/oil resistant paper and paperboards. The demand is attributed to the continuously growing packaging markets for food items such as bakery products, pet food and fast foods.
A great deal of fundamental work has been performed in the area of how water interacts with paper and paperboard e.g. sizing (hydrophobicity). However, in the area of oil/grease resistance of paper and board, despite the fact that there are many applications, not that much work has been done (only a few publications in the literature on this phenomenon).

Activities:
1. The project will first focus on identification and chemical characterisation of new types of environmentally friendly polymers
2. The adsorption behaviour of these polymers will be studied withb the aid of silica surfaces (often used as model surfaces for wood fibers) using analytical techniques like ellipsometry, QCM-D and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
3. Paper sheets coated/treated with these polymers will be prepared.
4. The enhanced barrier properties against oil/grease and strength properties will be evaluated with standardised and specially developed techniques.

This diploma work is a cooperation between KTH and BIM Kemi AB. The experimental work will be done at KTH, Stockholm (Fibre Technology group), but in contact with BIM Kemi AB. The project will be finished with a written report in English and the results will be presented at KTH.

We are looking for a candidate studying for a M.Sc. in Chemistry or Chemical/Biotechnology Engineering. Knowledge within the fields of surface chemistry and/or fibre technology is valuable.

For more information, please contact:

Christian Aulin, Ph. D. student
Phone: 08-7908311
E-mail: [email protected]

Professor Lars Wågberg
Phone: 08-7908294
E-mail: [email protected]