Recently, researchers at Penn State University have developed an inexpensive biomaterial that can be used in packaging and as a renewable barrier coating to replace plastic packaging, and the researchers have also developed many other applications for the material, and they predict a significant reduction in pollution with this new material.

       The fully degradable polysaccharide electrolyte composite is made up of almost equal amounts of treated cellulose pulp from wood, cotton, chitosan and chitosan. Chitosan is derived from chitin, which is the main component of the exoskeletons of arthropods and crustaceans; chitin is mainly derived from lobsters, crabs and leftover shells left over from people eating shrimp.

       "The material is surprisingly strong, and its insoluble adhesive properties are useful for product packaging and other applications, such as making better performing, completely natural wood fibre composites, and even for flooring." Jeffrey Catchmark, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and principal investigator at Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, said the environmentally friendly barrier coatings have a wide range of applications, from waterproof paper to coatings for ceiling tiles and wall panels to food coatings used to preserve freshness.

       The amazingly strong and long-lasting bond between carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan is key to the material's performance, he explains. The two very inexpensive polysaccharides have different kinds of molecular charges in them that stick together, which provides the basis for the complexes to create impermeable films, coatings, adhesives and more.

       A recent study published in Green Chemistry shows the good performance of polysaccharide electrolyte composite coatings. The paperboard composed of nanostructured fibre particles of carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan has strong oil and water barrier properties. The coating is not only resistant to toluene, n-heptane and salt solutions, but also enhances the mechanical properties in dry and humid environments as well as the barrier properties to water vapour.

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