Water Resistance, Compression Strength and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Corrugated Board Coated with Bio-Based Materials

Abstract

Water resistance is a major concern for corrugated board and this property can be enhanced through coating with bio-based materials. This research investigated the water resistance, compression strength and dynamic mechanical properties of corrugated board coated with bio-based materials. Four types of bio-based materials were observed—namely, hydrophobic modifi ed starch, zein, stearic acid and beeswax. Low-level concentrations of all bio-based materials (1–3%, w/w) were investigated. The results showed that the water contact angles of corrugated boards coated with hydrophobic starch, stearic acid and beeswax increased signifi cantly, ranging from 3 to 9%. In the case of zein coating, the water contact angle decreased with respect to its concentration. Further testing of the compression strength of coated corrugated boards indicated a signifi cant decrease of edge crush test for most treatments, except for hydrophobic starch coating. However, the fl at crush test values remained unchanged. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the storage modulus of corrugated boards increased after coating.