Combined mechanical and chemical modifications towards super-stretchable paper-based materials

Paper-based packaging materials have sparked a growing interest due to their biodegradability, recyclability and renewability. One of the main factors limiting the use of paper-based packaging materials is their somewhat poor extensibility which in turn has detrimental effects for the final shaping properties of the material. However, this problem might be solved by combining facile chemical treatment of fibers and modification of fiber network structure. In this study, bio-based water dispersions were introduced onto cellulose fibers followed by in-plane compaction of paper handsheets. The mechanical properties of the resulting composites were investigated by using tensile tester, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and 2D formability tester. For example, such treatment of a paper handsheet increased its ductile properties (up to 20% elongation at break) even with moderate polymer addition (up to 4 wt.%based on fiber dry mass). Moreover, despite induced deformations tensile strength index improved by 30% (up to 67 Nm/g). Finally, most promising samples were converted in press forming experiments with fixed blank. Main results and possible applications for the developed composite materials will be discussed.