Atomic layer deposition of thin inorganic coatings onto renewable packaging materials

There is a need for better packaging materials made from renewable resources. Fibre-based packaging materials have many advantages, such as sustainability, recyclability and stiffness vs. weight ratio. Besides the fibre-based materials, renewable materials - such as biopolymers - play still a minor role. For this to grow there are obstacles to overcome, such as inadequate barrier properties and sensitivity towards moisture. The purpose of this presentation is to summarize our work done concerning the ALD deposition onto biopolymer films and biopolymer-coated fiber-based substrates, and - besides gas and vapour barrier - look also at other important material properties, such as heat sealability and biodegradation