Multilayer packaging materials commonly used today are primarily composed of petroleum-derived plastics, because of their mechanical properties, low production costs, and excellent gas barrier performance. However, these plastics raise significant environmental and energy-related concerns due to their non-biodegradability and limited recyclability. To address these challenges, cellulose, a biodegradable and sustainably sourced polymer, offers a promising alternative. Cellulose can be processed into micro- and nanomaterials and fabricated into free-standing films and coatings that exhibit excellent oxygen barrier properties. Despite their excellent barrier properties, cellulose is sensitive to moisture, resulting in poor water vapor and oxygen barrier performance under high relative humidity conditions. The objective of this work is to develop a biodegradable material suitable for sustainable packaging applications. This presentation illustrates a unique atomic layer deposition (ALD) method for mitigating moisture sensitivity in films consisting of cellulose nanocrystals and mircofibrillated cellulose. We show how ALD treatment of cellulose films enhances their hydrophobicity and reduces oxygen and water vapor transport rates. This approach presents a viable strategy for enhancing the moisture resistance and barrier properties of cellulose-based films, making them more suitable for practical packaging applications. The successful development of such materials could significantly reduce the environmental impact of conventional plastic packaging by providing a sustainable, biodegradable alternative with comparable performance.
