Cellulose-based high barrier coatings via aqueous casting
Innovative cellulose-nanocrystal-based coatings offering superior barrier performance through aqueous casting. Optimized formulations enhance barrier properties with biodegradable polymers, targeting applications in sustainable packaging and materials.
Overview
This innovative research focuses on developing cellulose-nanocrystal-based coatings with enhanced barrier performance through aqueous solution casting. By optimizing formulations where the primary solids content is cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and a minor fraction of biodegradable polymers, the resulting coatings offer superior barrier properties. These coatings are particularly suitable for applications in sustainable packaging, leveraging the natural crystallinity of CNCs and the interstitial filling properties of polymers to enhance performance.
Technical specifications
- Primary Composition: CNCs (>90%) combined with biodegradable or biobased polymers (<10%)
- Key Feature: High barrier performance due to the crystalline nature of CNCs and enhanced interstitial filling by polymers
- Additive Screening: Utilizes Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSPs) to identify suitable biodegradable additives
- Potential Additives: Biodegradable or bio-based polymers that comply with recycling and regulatory standards
- Coating Characterization: Evaluates barrier performance, mechanical properties, adhesion, and appearance
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future validation plans involve screening and characterizing coatings with potential biodegradable additives to enhance performance.
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public land‑grant research university with a comprehensive academic portfolio and a large research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus U.S. Department of Energy national user facility and shared core laboratories with user access. The university provides a chemical process scale‑up pilot plant on Michigan’s lakeshore, a research and technology park, and a Grand Rapids health innovation campus linking researchers with clinical partners. A statewide extension network supports field deployment and workforce training across Michigan’s manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, while dedicated tech transfer and corporate engagement teams—supported by an affiliated research foundation—accelerate IP, licensing, startups, and sponsored research.
Inquire about this partnering listing
delivered to your inbox.