Preparation of double-effect water-proof and oil-proof paper based on carboxylated nanocellulose emulsified acrylate polymer

The materials utilized in paper packaging are derived from natural plant fibers , making them both environmentally friendly and biodegradable. However, traditional paper has been vulnerable to water and oil, which has limited its widespread use. In this research, a low-fluorine acrylate emulsion with a short carbon chain (CNF-C 6 FA) was created by employing carboxylated nanocellulose (TOCNF), dodecyl phenol ethoxylate , and sodium dodecyl sulfate as emulsifiers through semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization . When combined with a specific amount of polyvinyl alcohol , this emulsion is applied to the paper surface to enhance the paper's hydrophobic and lipophobic properties. The findings revealed that paper coated with 5 g/m 2 of CNF-C 6 FA achieved an oil-proof grade of 10 and a Cobb value of 13 g/m 2 , signifying a significant enhancement. It was discovered that TOCNF, acting as an emulsifier, not only maintained emulsion stability through steric hindrance , three-dimensional network structures, or vacancy effects but also conferred exceptional waterproof and oil-repellent properties to the paper. This can be attributed to TOCNF reinforcing the fluorocarbon groups in a directional arrangement, resulting in a dense and smooth coating layer on the paper's surface. The utilization of TOCNF as an emulsifier to produce environmentally friendly, waterproof, and oil-proof paper presents a promising approach for its high-value application.