High hydrophobic silanized paper: Material characterization and its biodegradation through brown rot fungus. (1st April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perdoch, Waldemar; Mazela, Bartłomiej; Tavakoli, Mehrnoosh; Treu, Andreas
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 160(2023)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2023-04-01
• Subjects: Biodegradability -- Silylated biopolymers -- Paper and packaging waste management; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.02.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: Achieving high waterproofing in modified cellulose sheets using silylated starch. Accelerating to biodegradation rate of starch-modified cellulose material by water. Increasing service life and decay acceleration by fungi for modified paper. Abstract: Modifying natural polymers with silicones gives new possibilities for packaging products and waste management. In this study, the innovative papers produced were altered following the reaction of polysaccharides and organosilicon compounds. The susceptibility of the studied material to biodegradation caused by a brown-rot fungus was assessed. Strength properties by tensile strength and dynamic mechanical analysis and hydrophobic properties by water uptake test and water contact angle analysis were evaluated. Moreover, elemental analysis by ICP method was controlled. The durability against fungi and the hydrophobic properties were increased by the modification. The fungal decay resistance of the silanized paper was reduced by water storage, which allows for managing paper waste. Cellulose-based paper treated with starch-modified methyltrimethoxysilane showed potential as a packaging material due to its reduced water uptake. Possible application areas could be corrugated boxes, cellulose thermoformed products for electronics, and food packaging. However, the water-repellent effect is limited to short-term exposure in humid conditions.