Development of starch-nanocellulose composites for using in surface treatment of paper

The main role of surface sizing is to increase the surface strength of paper. Starch is commonly used as surface sizing agents, but there are still some limitations. In this study, nano-bacterial cellulose (NBC) produced by Acetobacto xylinum was used as a reinforcing material in starch-based composites. The suspensions of NBC starch-based composites were prepared by the additions of 0.10-10.00% w/w NBC into starch solution and were used as surface sizing agents. The structures and properties of NBC starch-based composite films were characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The mechanical properties and barrier properties of cellulosic paper with surface sizing by the NBC reinforced starch-based composite suspensions were investigated. With the addition of NBC at 1.00%, the mechanical properties in terms of burst index, tensile index, and folding endurance were increased by 10%, 10%, and 44%, respectively. Furthermore, the air resistance of surface sized paper was significantly improved by 56%, as compared to the surface sized paper without NBC addition. According to the results of mechanical properties and air resistance, it was suggested that the optimal NBC dosage in starch-based composite was 1.00%.