[0001] The present invention relates generally to methods of treating cellulosic-compound
containing materials, and more specifically to methods of making cellulose-based materials more
hydrophobic using a composition which esterifies available hydroxyl groups, where such a
composition is useful in modifying/coating surfaces of cellulose-based materials including
packaging products.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Cellulosic materials have a wide range of applications in industry as bulking agents,
absorbents, and printing components. Their employment is preferred to that of other sources of
material for their high thermal stability, good oxygen barrier function, and chemical/mechanical
resilience (see, e.g., Aulin et al., Cellulose (2010) 17:559-574). Of great relevance is also the fact
that these materials are fully biodegradable once dispersed in the environment, and that they are
totally nontoxic. Cellulose and derivatives thereof are the material of choice for environmentally
friendly solutions in applications such as packaging for foodstuff and disposable goods.
[0003] The many advantages of cellulose are nonetheless countered by the hydrophilicity of
the material, which shows a high affinity for water and are easily hydrated (see, e.g., Aulin et al.,
Langmuir (2009) 25(13):7675-7685). While this is a benefit for applications such as absorbents
and tissues, it becomes an issue when the safe packaging of watery material (e.g., foodstuffs) is
required. Long term storage of food, especially ready made meals which contain a significant
amount of water, is made problematic in cellulose trays as they would first become soggy and
then ultimately disrupt under the hydration of their fibers.
[0004] This problem is usually addressed in the industry by coating the cellulose fiber with
some kind of hydrophobic organic material, for example a resin or a polymer, which would
physically shield the underlying hydrophilic cellulose from the water in the contents. Materials
such as PVC are routinely used for this purpose and are physically attached (i.e., spray coated) on
the surfaces to be treated.
(0005] A similar problem is encountered when sealing foodstuff in its container by means of a
film. This film requires even more stringent properties than the container itself. On top of the
resistance to mechanical stress, the film must be thin enough to be peeled off, should ideally be
transparent, heat resistant, and impermeant to gases such as C0 and oxygen, non toxic, and
hydrophobic. Again, plastic in the form of polymers and resin is the present solution of the
industry.
[0006] The need to come up with more environmentally friendly, as well as renewable,
packaging solutions has cast a shadow over the use of plastic. New materials have been designed
which are either derived from natural sources or semi-synthetic sources and therefore are
renewable and/or biodegradable. Materials such as poly-lactic acid (PLA) and poly
hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) are the present golden standard for biodegradable "plastics." However,
they suffer the drawbacks of heat instability and water sensitivity which severely limit their use
in the packaging industry. It would be desirable to design a coating which is both heat resistant
and hydrophobic, without sacrificing biodegradability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present disclosure relates to methods of treating cellulosic materials, including
treating cellulose-containing materials with a composition that provides increased hydrophobicity
while maintaining biodegradability of the cellulosic components. The methods as disclosed
provide for esterification of available hydroxy! groups on cellulose and do not require the use of
Lewis acids or separate catalysts to convert said hydroxyls to esters, where such hydroxyl groups
are "masked" by bulky organic chains. The coating may be applied to pre-formed materials.
[0008] In embodiments, a method for treating a surface of a cellulose-containing (or
cellulosic) material is disclosed including applying to the surface a composition containing an
alkanoic acid derivative having the formula (I) or (II):
R-CO-X Formula (I)
X-CO-R-CO-Xi Formula (II),
[0009] where R is a straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radical
having from 6 to 50 carbon atoms, and where X and Xi are independently CI, Br, or 0(CO)OR,
wherein when the alkanoic acid derivative comprises formula (II) X or X is the same or
different; a base, and a first solvent, heating the applied composition on the surface; rinsing the
surface with a second solvent; and drying the rinsed surface; where the composition esterifies at
least a portion of the hydroxyl groups available via the cellulose of the material.
[0010] In one aspect, the cellulose-containing material exhibits greater hydrophobicity
relative to the cellulose-containing material without the treatment.
[0011] In one aspect, the base is organic. In a related aspect, the organic base includes
aziridines, azetidines, piperazines, piperidines, pyridines, bipyridines, terpyridines,
dihydropyridines, morpholines, N-alkylmorpholines, l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes, 1,8-
diazabicycloundecanes, 1,8-diazabicycloundecenes, dimethylated pentylamines, trimethylated
pentylamines, pyrimidines, pyrroles, pyrrolidines, pyrrolidinones, indoles, indolines, indanones,
benzindazones, imidazoles, benzimidazoles, imidazolones, imidazolines, oxazoles, isoxazoles,
oxazolines, oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, carbazoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, naphthyridines,
triazines, triazoles, tetrazoles, triethylamines, pyrazoles, pyrazolines, and combinations thereof.
[0012] In another aspect, the first and second solvents include pentane, hexane, heptane,
octane, petroleum ether, naphtha, kerosene, petroleum, paraffin oil, benzene, toluene, xylene,
mesitylene, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloro-ethane,
chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, tetrabromoethylene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane,
methylcyclohexane, anisole (methyl phenyl ether), tert-butyl methyl ether, dibenzyl ether, diethyl
ether, dioxane, diphenyl ether, methyl vinyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, triisopropyl ether, diethylene
glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme), diethylene glycol monobutyl
ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME, monoglyme), ethylene
glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme), triethylene glycol
monomethyl ether, acetone, diisobutyl ketone, methyl n-propyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone,
methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl
acetate, and combinations thereof.
[0013] In one aspect, the cellulose-based material comprises a cellulose selected from the
group consisting of nanocellulose, cellulose nanofibres, whiskers or microfibril, microfibrillated
or nanofibril cellulose, cotton or cotton blends, sugarcane cellulose, and combinations thereof. In
a related aspect, the cellulose-based material includes a carton for food storage, a shopping bag,
eating utensil, container for holding hot or cold beverages, cup, plate, a bag for food storage, a
bottle for carbonated liquid storage, a bottle for non-carbonated liquid storage, f m for wrapping
food, a garbage disposal container, a food handling implement, a fabric fibre (e.g., cotton or
cotton blends), a water storage and conveying implement, a storage and conveying implement for
alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks, an outer casing or screen for electronic goods, an internal or
external piece of furniture, a curtain, upholstery, and combinations thereof.
[0014] In embodiments, a method for treating a surface of a cellulose-containing (or
cellulosic) material is disclosed, including applying to the surface a composition containing a
derivatizing agent which includes acid chlorides, acid bromides, acid iodides, anhydrides,
ketenes, diketenes, chlorocarbolic acid esters, carbonic acid diesters, 2,5-diketooxazolidines,
isatinic anhydride, isocyanates, carbamoyl chlorides, thiocyanates, thiocarbamoyl chlorides,
sulfonyl chlorides, sulfonic acid anhydrides, N-chlorosulfonamides, sulfinic acid chlorides, Nchlorosulfinamides,
and combinations thereof; a base; and a first solvent, heating the applied
composition on the surface; rinsing the surface with a second solvent; and drying the rinsed
surface; where the resulting surface of the cellulose-based material exhibits a water contact angle
of about 100°.
[0015] In a related aspect, the composition esterifies at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups
available via the cellulose of the material, and the esterified hydroxyl groups are stable up to at
least about 200° C. In one aspect, the esterified hydroxyl groups are stable at temperatures
between about -100° C to about 250° C. In a further related aspect, the surface of the cellulosebased
material exhibits a water contact angle of between about 60° to about 120°. In another
related aspect, the surface treatment is chemically stable at temperatures of between about 200° C
to about 250° C. In one aspect, the esterified hydroxyl groups are stable at temperatures between
about -100° C to about 250° C. In another related aspect, the water vapor permeability of the
treated surface is between about 10 Barrer units to about 20 Barrer units. In a further aspect, the
oxygen permeability of the treated surface is between about 10 Barrer units to about 20 Barrer
units. In another related aspect, the portion of the available hydroxyl groups on the cellulose
surface which are esterified by the composition is between about 35 to about 40%, about 40% to
about 50%, about 50% to about 60%, about 60 to about 70%, about 70% to about 80%, about
80% to about 90%, and about 90% to about 100%. In embodiments, the portion of the available
hydroxy 1groups is about 70%.
[0016] In embodiments, the compositions esterifies at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups
available via the cellulose of the material with the dicarboxylic acid derivative (see, e.g., linker of
Formula (I)) to increase both mechanical and thermal stability. In one aspect, the esterified
hydroxyl groups are stable at temperatures between about -100° C to about 300° C. In further
related aspect, the surface of the cellulose-based material exhibits a water contact angle of
between about 60° to about 120°. In another related aspect, the surface treatment is chemically
stable at temperatures of between about 200° C to about 300° C.
[0017] In a related aspect, the composition crosslinks adjacent cellulose chains by
esterification with both ends of a dicarboxylic acid derivative (Formula (II)) to increase both
mechanical and thermal stability. In one aspect, the esterified hydroxyl groups are stable at
temperatures between about -100° C to about 300° C. In a further related aspect, the surface of
the cellulose-based material exhibits a water contact angle of between about 60° to about 120°. In
another related aspect, the surface treatment is chemically stable at temperatures of between
about 200° C to about 300° C.
[0018] In embodiments, the composition applied to the cellulose-based (or cellulosic) material
is a biodegradable product. In a related aspect, the product includes a carton for food storage, a
shopping bag, eating utensil, container for holding hot or cold beverages, cup, plate, a bag for
food storage, a bottle for carbonated liquid storage, a bottle for non-carbonated liquid storage,
film for wrapping food, a garbage disposal container, a food handling implement, a fabric fibre, a
water storage and conveying implement, a storage and conveying implement for alcoholic or non
alcoholic drinks, an outer casing or screen for electronic goods, an internal or external piece of
furniture, a curtain and upholstery.
[0019] In embodiments, a method for treating a surface of a cellulose-containing (or
cellulosic) material is disclosed including applying to the surface a composition containing an
alkanoic acid derivative having the formula (I) or (II):
R-CO-X Formula (I)
X-CO-R-CO-Xi Formula (II),
[0020] where R is a straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radical
having from 6 to 50 carbon atoms, and wherein X and X are independently CI, Br, or 0(CO)OR;
a base; and a first solvent, heating the applied composition on said surface; rinsing the surface
with a second solvent; and drying the rinsed surface; where the resulting treated cellulosecontaining
material exhibits properties including a water contact angle of about 100°, is stable up
to at least about 200° C, an oxygen permeability of less than about 10 Barrer units, a water
vapour permeability of less than about 20 Barrer units, and combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Figure 1 shows an illustration of the surface of a cellulosic material before and after
treatment as disclosed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Before the present composition, methods, and methodologies are described, it is to be
understood that this invention is not limited to particular compositions, methods, and
experimental conditions described, as such compositions, methods, and conditions may vary. It is
also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for purposes of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention
will be limited only in the appended claims.
[0023] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and
"the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
references to "a derivitizing agent" includes one or more derivitizing agents, and/or compositions
of the type described herein which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon
reading this disclosure and so forth.
[0024] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention
belongs. Any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used
in the practice or testing of the invention, as it will be understood that modifications and
variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the instant disclosure.
[0025] It is well known that esters are organic molecules with a high biodegradability as
bacterial enzymes readily break them down. They are however relatively stable to chemical
agents such as heat.
[0026] In embodiments, the present disclosure shows that by treating the surface of cellulose
fibers with long chain alkanoic acid derivatives the resulting surface is made strongly
hydrophobic, as the cellulosic hydroxyl groups are masked by bulky organic chains (see, e.g.,
FIGURE 1). Moreover, if the alkanoic acid chain is bifunctional having two carboxyl groups at
either end, the resulting diester can function as a crosslink between isolated cellulosic fibers and
increase the thermal and mechanical resistance of the cellulosic fiber itself. These organic chains,
once removed by bacterial enzymes, are easily digested as such. The derivatized surface displays
a great deal of heat resistance, being able to withstand temperatures as high as 250° C and is
obviously more impermeant to gases than the naked film underneath. The material is also
transparent and resistant to mechanical damage as it is bound together by covalent bonding. In
embodiments the material is semi-transparent, non-transparent and various colors. The material is
therefore an ideal solution to the problem of derivatizing the hydrophilic surface of cellulose, in
any embodiment in which cellulose materials may be employed.
[0027] As used herein, "cellulosic" means natural, synthetic or semisynthetic materials that
can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments, which may be used for making such
objects or films or filaments, that is structurally and functionally similar to cellulose, e.g.,
coatings and adhesives (e.g., carboxymethylcellulose). In another example, cellulose, a complex
carbohydrate (C6Hi 0O5) that is composed of glucose units, which forms the main constituent of
the cell wall in most plants, is cellulosic.
[0028] As used herein, "hydrophobicity" means the property of being water-repellent, tending
to repel and not absorb water.
[0029] As used herein, "cellulose-containing material" or "cellulose-based material" means a
composition which consists essentially of cellulose. For example, such material may include, but
is not limited to, a carton for food storage, a bag for food storage, a shopping bag, eating utensil,
container for holding hot or cold beverages, cup, plate, a bottle for carbonated liquid storage, a
bottle for non-carbonated liquid storage, film for wrapping food, a garbage disposal container, a
food handling implement, a fabric fibre (e.g., cotton or cotton blends), a water storage and
conveying implement, alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks, an outer casing or screen for electronic
goods, an internal or external piece of furniture, a curtain and upholstery.
[0030] As used herein, "water contact angle" means the angle measured through a liquid at
which a liquid/vapor interface meets a solid surface. It quantifies the wettability of the solid
surface by the liquid. The contact angle is a reflection of how strongly the liquid and solid
molecules interact with each other, relative to how strongly each interacts with its own kind. On
many highly hydrophilic surfaces, water droplets will exhibit contact angles of 0° to 30°.
Generally, if the water contact angle is larger than 90°, the solid surface is considered
hydrophobic.
[0031] As used herein, "water vapour permeability" means breathability or a textile's ability to
transfer moisture. There are at least two different measurement methods. One, the MVTR Test
(Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) in accordance with ISO 15496, describes the water vapor
permeability (WVP) of a fabric and therefore the degree of perspiration transport to the outside
air. The measurements determine how many grams of moisture (water vapor) pass through a
square meter of fabric in 24 hours (the higher the level, the higher the breathability).
[0032] As used herein, "oxygen permeability" means the degree to which a polymer allows
the passage of a gas or fluid. Oxygen permeability (Dk) of a material is a function of the
diffusivity (D) (i.e., the speed at which oxygen molecules traverse the material) and the solubility
(k) (or the amount of oxygen molecules absorbed, per volume, in the material). Values of oxygen
permeability (Dk) typically fall within the range 10-1 0 x 10_ " (cm2 ml 0 2)/(s ml mmHg). A
semi-logarithmic relationship has been demonstrated between hydrogel water content and oxygen
permeability (Unit: Barrer unit). The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has
specified permeability using the SI unit hectopascal (hPa) for pressure. Hence Dk = 10~" (cm2
ml 0 2) /(s ml hPa). The Barrer unit can be converted to hPa unit by multiplying it by the constant
0.75.
[0033] As used herein "biodegradable," including grammatical variations thereof, means
capable of being broken down especially into innocuous products by the action of living things
(e.g., by microorganisms).
[0034] As used herein, "neat" means there is substantially no other molecule present in the
substance including the absence of a solvent.
[0035] The process as disclosed includes a one step reaction involving a solvent (e.g.,
toluene), an alkanoic acid derivative (e.g., acid halide) and a base such as pyridine to be placed
on a cellulosic-containing surface and heated, in embodiments, for a period of minutes to hours
(it should be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that the time period and temperature used
in the reaction may vary depending on the reactants and may be adjusted accordingly). In
embodiments, any resulting gases are vented. The process as disclosed ensures that the hydroxyl
groups on the surface are permanently attached (covalently linked) to the alkyl groups and may
only be degraded by bacterial enzymatic intervention or very harsh acid or base extremes.
[0036] The acid derivatives suitable for the practice of the present invention are those having
the general formula:
[0037] R-CO-X Formula (I) or X-CO-R-CO-X, Formula (II),
[0038] wherein CO is the carbonyl group C=0, R is selected from straight-chain, branchedchain,
or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 6 to 50 carbon atoms and X
and X independently represent the specific acid derivative substituent, such as CI, Br or
0(CO)OR in case of anhydrides. In one aspect, X and X may be the same or different.
[0039] In embodiments, the linkers themselves may be linked in structures such as:
MFC-X1-CO-R-CO-X2-MFC Formula (III),
[0040] wherein CO is the carbonyl group C=0, R is selected from straight-chain, branchedchain,
or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 6 to 50 carbon atoms and X
and X represent the specific acid derivative substituent, such as CI, Br or 0(CO)OR in case of
anhydrides. In one aspect, X and X may be the same or different, wherein MFC is
microfibrillated cellulose.
[0041] In other aspects, other linkers may include:
O R CO— X, x co— R CO— X
3
X4
Formula (IV) Formula (V),
[0042] wherein CO is the carbonyl group C=0, R is selected from straight-chain, branchedchain,
or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 6 to 50 carbon atoms, and X,
Xi_ X3, and X4 independently represent the specific acid derivative substituent, such as CI, Br or
0(CO)OR in case of anhydrides. In one aspect, X, X| ,X3, and X may be the same or different.
[0043] In a related aspect, X 3 and X4 represent derivatives that may allow crosslinking to each
other after the MFC has been modified by X and X,
[0044] In embodiments, the crosslinkers above may be used to conjugate a mixture of
different celluloses, including the introduction of ligands that may allow crosslinking of said
difference celluloses. In one aspect, the resulting mixture may provide more favorable physical
or chemical properties to the surface. In another aspect, linkers may include:
— CO— CO— X2
R Formula (VI)
[0045] wherein CO is the carbonyl group C=0, R \ and R are independently selected from
straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals having from about 6 to
50 carbon atoms, and X and X2 independently represent the specific acid derivative substituent,
such as CI, Br or 0(CO)OR in case of anhydrides. In one aspect, Ri and R2 may be the same or
different. In another aspect, Rl and R2 may be the same or different, wherein R2 comprises
reactive groups that allow crosslinking to other R groups, R| or to cellulose. In a related aspect,
Xi_ and X2 may be the same or different.
[0046] In one aspect the cellulose material is pretreated to add additional OH groups to the
cellulose surface which in turn are esterfied by the alkanoic acid derivatives to increase
mechanical and thermal stability as well increase tensile strength.
[0047] In embodiments, the compositions esterifies at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups
available via the cellulose of the material with the dicarboxylic acid derivative (see, e.g., linker of
Formula (I)) to increase both mechanical and thermal stability. In one aspect, the esterified
hydroxyl groups are stable at temperatures between about -100° C to about 300° C. In further
related aspect, the surface of the cellulose-based material exhibits a water contact angle of
between about 60° to about 120°. In another related aspect, the surface treatment is chemically
stable at temperatures of between about 200° C to about 300° C.
[0048] In embodiments, the compositions above crosslink adjacent cellulose chains by
esterification with both ends of a dicarboxylic acid derivative (see, e.g., linker of Formula (II)) to
increase both mechanical and thermal stability. In one aspect, the esterified hydroxyl groups are
stable at temperatures between about -100° C to about 300° C. In further related aspect, the
surface of the cellulose-based material exhibits a water contact angle of between about 60° to
about 120°. In another related aspect, the surface treatment is chemically stable at temperatures of
between about 200° C to about 300° C.
[0049] In embodiments, the method as disclosed may be used on any cellulose-based surface,
including but not limited to, a film, a rigid container, a fabric or the like. In addition, the method
may include the use of a carboxylic acid halide or analog (e.g., anhydride, ketenes and the like), a
suitable nonprotic, non-nucleophilic solvent in which the reaction may proceed (e.g., toluene,
xylene, dioxane, aliphatic and aromatic esters and esters) and a non-nucleophilic base to
neutralize any evolved acidity (e.g., but not limited to, pyridine). In embodiments, the solvent
may be brought to between about 100° C to aboutl20° C under stirring. The non-nucleophilic
base, which may be present at between about 5% to about 10% of the reaction volume, may be
added to the acid halide, which acid halide may be present at between about 5% to about 10%,
whereby the combined materials (i.e., modifying mixture) above is ready to be applied to a
cellulose-containing surface (i.e., the substrate). The substrate which may be dried prior to
application (e.g., at about 100° C), may be treated with the modifying mixture by dipping, for
example, and allowing the surface to be exposed to the mixture for about 2 minutes to about 5
minutes. The surface may then be removed from the mixture and rinsed with water or a hydropolar
organic solvent solution (e.g., 70% EtOH) to remove traces of the reactants, which
solutions would be apparent to one of skill in the art. The substrate may be air dried or heated to
dry the surface, after which the modified material is ready for use.
[0050] In general, it has been found that acyl groups containing fewer than about 6 carbon
atoms in chain length do not produce satisfactory water-repellency. Accordingly, chain lengths
greater than 6 carbon atoms may be used to practice the invention as disclsoed. In embodiments,
chain lengths may be 8-50, 10-40, and 10-30 carbon atoms. In embodiments, the carbon atom
chain lenghth may be 10-20 carbon atoms. Exemplary of compounds wherein R (including and/or R2) is selected from aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals are caprylyl chloride, decanoyl
chloride, lauroyl chloride, palmitoyl chloride and myristoyl chloride. Exemplary of compounds
wherein R is selected from cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radicals is cyclohexanecarboxylic acid
halide. Generally, however, straight-chain acyclic aliphatic acid halides or anhydrides may be
used for this process as they are usually cheaper and more readily available, and also because the
branched-chain and cyclic hydrocarbon radicals are not easily biodegradable. In some
embodiments, it may be desirable to employ a mixture of two or more acid anhydrides, and such
embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, acid bromides and acid iodides
react in similar ways to the acid chlorides and may be substituted therefor. However, because the
bromides and iodides are generally more expensive and less readily available, the equivalent acid
chlorides may be used. For the practice of the present methods, ordinary commercial grade acid
chlorides have been found wholly suitable, the only necessary precaution being to prevent
exposure of the easily hydrolyzable acid anhydrides to moisture.
[0051] In embodiments, acid derivatives (or derivatizing agents) include acid chlorides, acid
bromides, acid iodides, anhydrides, ketenes, diketenes, chlorocarbolic acid esters, carbonic acid
diesters, 2,5-diketooxazolidines, isatinic anhydride, isocyanates, carbamoyl chlorides,
thiocyanates, thiocarbamoyl chlorides, sulfonyl chlorides, sulfonic acid anhydrides, Nchlorosulfonamides,
sulfinic acid chlorides, N-chlorosulfinamides, and combinations thereof. In
embodiments, the amount of acid derivative (or derivatizing agent) present in the coating mixture
is about 0.1M to about 1M, aboutlM to about 2M, in embodiments about 2M to about 3M, in
embodiments about 0.1M to about 3M.
[0052] While not being bound by theory, the thickness of the coating as disclosed is
independent of the amount of reagent, and instead relies on the length of the alkyl chain R, as
there is no physical absorption of the coating on the substrate, but a chemical linking reaction,
which may be variable, on the hydroxyl layer of the surface. Further, such reaction (i.e.,
esterification) may not be reiterated once the hydroxyl groups have reacted with the acid
derivative.
[0053] No special preparation of the material is necessary in practicing this invention,
including that no Lewis acids or separate catalysts are required, except that the surface to be
treated should be clean and free of dirt and excess moisture. In embodiments, normally air-dried
material which contains a few percent adsorbed moisture may be used. In some embodiments,
material may be dried prior to treatment (e.g., at about 100° C to about 110° C, for a few minutes)
to remove most of the adsorbed moisture. The degree of water impermeability may be controlled
by selection of the thickness of the cellulose to be treated and also by varying the treatment
conditions, in particular the acid derivative selected, the concentration of acid derivative in the
reaction chamber and the duration of the exposure.
[0054] Depending on the source, the cellulose may be nanocellulose, cellulose nanofibres,
whiskers or microfibril, microfibri Hated, cotton or cotton blends, or nanofibril cellulose.
[0055] In embodiments, the amount of coating applied is sufficient to completely cover at
least one surface of a cellulose-containing material. For example, in embodiments, the coating
may be applied to the complete outer surface of a container, the complete inner surface of a
container, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the complete upper surface of a film
may be covered by the coating, or the complete under surface of a film may be covered by the
coating, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the lumen of a device/instrument may
be covered by the coating or the outer surface of the device/instrument may be covered by the
coating, or a combination thereof. In embodiment, the amount of coating applied is sufficient to
partially cover at least one surface of a cellulose-containing material. For example, only those
surfaces exposed to the ambient atmosphere are covered by the coating, or only those surfaces
that are not exposed to the ambient atmosphere are covered by the coating. As will be apparent to
one of skill in the art, the amount of coating applied will be dependent on the use of the material
to be covered.
[0056] Any suitable coating process may be used to deliver any of the various coatings
applied in the course of practicing this aspect of the method. In embodiments, coating processes
include immersion, spraying, painting, and any combination of any of these processes, alone or
with other coating processes adapted for practicing the methods as disclosed.
[0057] In general, longer chain acid derivatives give greater impermeability, other factors
such as depth of cellulose treated being equal. By increasing the concentration of acid derivative,
for example, to about one molar or increasing the exposure time, an acid derivative may react
more extensively with the cellulose being treated with the net result that again improved waterrepellent
characteristics are exhibited.
[0058] The invention correspondingly provides a method to achieve such coating by
dissolving the modifying agent in a suitable solvent, such as a C4-C8 ether, ester, ketones, amides
or nitriles, or aromatic compound such as xylene or toluene, alongside a non-nucleophilic base
such as pyridine, to absorb the generated acid. The mixture is sprayed on the material to be
derivatized and heated to about 100° C to about 115° C, 120° C to about 210° C or about 120° C
to about 150° C for a variable period (e.g., for about 10 minutes to about 30 minutes, about 30
minutes to about an hour, about 1 hour to about 1.5 hours, about 2 to about 2.5 hours, from about
2.5 hours to about 3 hours or from about 2 hours to about 3 hours). The surface may then be
rinsed with detergent (surfactant) and water or a solvent (e.g., acetone), or mixture thereof, and
dried again. A surfactant may be an ionic (cationic and anionic) surfactant, a non-ionic
surfactant, or a combination thereof.
[0059] Any suitable basic neutralization reagent may be used in accordance with the present
disclosure as long as the base is non-nucleophilic, so as not to react with the acid derivative. In
embodiments, suitable basic neutralization agents may include organic basic agents. Suitable
basic agents may include monocyclic compounds and polycyclic compounds having at least one
nitrogen atom, such as, for example, secondary amines, which include aziridines, azetidines,
piperazines, piperidines, pyridines, bipyridines, terpyridines, dihydropyridines, morpholines, Nalkylmorpholines,
l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes, 1,8-diazabicycloundecanes, 1,8-
diazabicycloundecenes, dimethylated pentylamines, trimethylated pentylamines, pyrimidines,
pyrroles, pyrrolidines, pyrrolidinones, indoles, indolines, indanones, benzindazones, imidazoles,
benzimidazoles, imidazolones, imidazolines, oxazoles, isoxazoles, oxazolines, oxadiazoles,
thiadiazoles, carbazoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, naphthyridines, triazines, triazoles, tetrazoles,
triethylamine, pyrazoles, pyrazolines, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the monocyclic
and polycyclic compounds may be unsubstituted or substituted at any carbon position on the ring.
In embodiments, the amount of base present in the coating mixture may be about 0.1M to about
1M, about 1M to about 2M, about 2M to about 4M, about 0.1M to about 3M, or about 0.1M to
about 5M.
[0060] Suitable solvents include non-nucleophilic aliphatic hydrocarbons such as pentane,
hexane, heptane, octane, and petroleum ether, naphtha, kerosene, petroleum, paraffin oil, etc.;
aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene,
diethylbenzene, etc.; halogenated hydrocarbons, such as methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-
dichloro-ethane, chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, tetrabromoethylene, etc.; alicyclic
hydrocarbons, such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, and, methylcyclohexane, etc.; ethers, such as
anisole (methyl phenyl ether), tert-butyl methyl ether, dibenzyl ether, diethyl ether, dioxane,
diphenyl ether, methyl vinyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, triisopropyl ether etc.; glycol ethers, such as
diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme), diethylene glycol
monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME,
monoglyme), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme),
triethylene glycol monomethyl ether etc.; ketones, such as acetone, diisobutyl ketone, methyl npropyl
ketone; methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone etc.; esters, such as methyl formate,
methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, and n-butyl acetate, etc.; carboxylic acids, such as
formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, etc. One or more of these compounds may
be used, alone or in combination. In embodiments, the amount of solvent present may be about
50% to about 99%, about 60% to about 95%, about 75% to about 90% (vol%).
[0061] It will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the selection of cellulose to be treated,
the acid derivative reagent, the reaction temperature (or vapor pressure), and the exposure time
are process parameters that may be optimized by routine experimentation to suit any particular
application for the final product.
[0062] In embodiments, among useful coating agents, such agents may include, but are not
limited to, acid halides, acid anhydrides, esters, ketenes, diketenes, chlorocarbolic acid esters,
carbonic acid diesters, 2,5-diketooxazolidines, isatinic anhydride, isocyanates, carbamoyl
chlorides, thiocyanates, thiocarbamoyl chlorides, sulfonyl chlorides, sulfonic acid anhydrides, Nchlorosulfonamides,
sulfinic acid chlorides, N-chlorosulfinamides.
[0063] The derivatized materials have altered physical properties which may be defined and
measured using appropriate tests known in the art. For hydrophobicity the analytical protocol is
the contact angle measurement, wherein a droplet of water is deposited on the surface and the
angle of the interface measured using one of many commercial instruments available for the
purpose. A specific standardized protocol to follow is defined by the American Society for
Testing and Materials (protocol ASTM D7334 - 08).
[0064] The permeability of a surface to various gases such as water vapour and oxygen may
also be altered by the coating process as the barrier function of the material is enhanced. The
standard unit measuring permeability is the Barrer and protocols to measure these parameters are
also available in the public domain (ASTM std F2476-05 for water vapour and ASTM std F2622-
8 for oxygen).
[0065] In embodiments, materials treated according to the presently disclosed procedure
display a complete biodegradability as measured by the degradation in the environment under
microorganismal attack.
[0066] Various methods are available to define and test biodegradability including the shakeflask
method (ASTM E l 279 - 89(2008)) and the Zahn-Wellens test (OECD TG 302 B).
[0067] In embodiments, the derivatized surface may be characterized for various parameters
pertaining to the newly formed water barrier function as set forth below:
1) Degree of substitution. By comparing the dry weight of the derivatized item
and the dry weight of the untreated substrate, the degree of substitution of the hydroxy groups on
the surface may be determined using the equation:
%S = (W2-W,)/(MW - 1 - MWX )/DOH * 100,
where W2 and Wi are the weight per unit area after and before treatment,
respectively, MW is the molecular weight of the derivatizing agent, MWx is the weight of the
moiety attached to the C=0 group in the molecule and D0 H is the density of the hydroxyl groups
on the cellulose surface. Typical results obtained by the methods described herein are in the
range of about 60% to about 80% substitution, with a minimum requirement of about 50%.
2) Contact angle. The contact angle between a water droplet and the surface is an
indicator of hydrophobicity of the surface itself. It may be measured by standard techniques as
recited above. Typical results obtained by the methods as described herein are around 90°, with
ranges of about 70° to about 110°.
3) Water vapor transmission rate (see above), which may be used to determine
water barrier function. The derivatization leads to an improvement of this parameter by at least
two fold compared to a non-derivatized surface. Typical results obtained by the method as
described herein are 670 g/m 2 24h (compared to > 1200 g/m 2 24h for untreated surfaces).
4) Heat stability of barrier function. The barrier function is retained at
temperatures up to about 200° C using the methods as described herein. This may be determined
by heating triglycerides in a coated tray to said temperature and verifying the amount of
absorption of the triglycerides onto the tray itself.
[0068] Materials suitable for treatment by the process of this invention include various forms
of cellulose, such as cotton fibers, plant fibers such as flax, wood fibers, regenerated cellulose
(rayon and cellophane), partially alkylated cellulose (cellulose ethers), partially esterified
cellulose (acetate rayon), and other modified cellulose materials which have a substantial portion
of their hydroxyl groups available for reaction. As stated above, the term "cellulose" includes all
of these materials and others of similar polysaccharide structure and having similar properties.
Among these the relatively novel material microfibrillated cellulose (nanocellulose) (as defined
e.g. in US patent US4374702 and application 20090221812, herein incorporated by reference in
their entireties) is particularly suitable for this application as it can form transparent films of high
specific resistance. In other embodiments, celluloses may include but are not limited to, cellulose
triacetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose acetate propionate, cellulose acetate butyrate,
nitrocellulose (cellulose nitrate), cellulose sulfate, celluloid, inethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, ethyl
methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl
cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl
cellulose, and combinations thereof.
[0069] The covalent modification/coating/cross-linking of the cellulose as disclosed, in
addition to increasing its hydrophobicity, may also increase its tensile strength and flexibility,
thereby further widening its spectrum of use. All biodegradable and partially biodegradable
products made from or by using the modified cellulose disclosed in this application are within the
scope of the disclosure.
[0070] Among the possible applications of the coating technology such items include, but are
not limited to, containers for all purpose such as boxes, trays, shopping bags, pipes and water
conduits, food grade disposable cutlery, plates and bottles, screens for TV and mobile devices,
clothing (e.g., cotton or cotton blends) and medical devices to be used on the body or inside it
such as contraceptives. Also, the coating technology as disclosed may be used on furniture and
upholstery, outdoors camping equipment and the like.
[0071] The following examples are intended to illustrate but not limit the invention.
EXAMPLES
[0072] Example 1. Coating a thin transparent film made of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC).
[0073] The upper and lower surfaces of a thin transparent film made of microfibrillated
cellulose (MFC) were treated with a composition comprising 1ml of lauroyl chloride (neat) and
1ml of pyridine (neat) in 20 ml of toluene (neat). After coating the surfaces of the film with the
composition, the film was heated to about 110° C for about 3 hours. The sample was
subsequently rinsed with acetone and dried. After drying, the sample was assessed for heat
stability, water contact angle, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) test at 24 hours, 50° C
and 50% RH.
[0074] The sample coating was chemically stable up to about 200° C, and showed a water
contact angle of about 100°, which demonstrated that the material was now hydrophobic. The
results of the water vapor transmission test showed superior barrier properties to the uncoated
film, whose water permeability was off the instrument scale.
[0075] Example 2. Coating a food tray made of sugarcane cellulose.
[0076] A food tray of 15 cm by 20 cm in size was treated on its food contact (upper) surface
with a composition comprising 10 ml of myristoyl bromide (neat) and 10 ml of triethylamine
(neat) in 1000 ml of xylene (neat). After coating the surface(s) of the tray with the composition,
the tray was heated to about 140° C for about 3 hours. The tray was subsequently rinsed with
acetone and dried. After drying, the tray was assessed for heat stability, water absorption,
triglyceride permeability and biodegradability.
[0077] The tray coating was chemically stable up to about 250° C, and showed no water
absorption up to 30 days after treatment, while remaining fully biodegradable. The tray did not
show any permeability to a suspension of triglycerides even after heating at temperatures above
the smoke point for the fat (cocoa butter) itself.
[0078] Example 3. Tray coating degree of substitution
[0079] Cellulose containing tray samples were cut into 3 cm2 areas, weighed, dried in a stove
at about 100° C, then weighed again. The samples were coated in 20 ml of dioxane plus 1ml of
pyrimidine and 1 ml of myristoyl chloride, and refluxed for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the
samples were washed in water:acetone, then dried again and weighed. Results are shown in Table
1.
* For myristoyl, substitution about 0.03 (i.e., about 3%).
[0080] Avg. degree of substitution of OH with the hydrophobic coating was determined to be
about 0.68 (i.e., about 70%). See Table 2.
[0081] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it
will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope
of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims. All
references disclosed herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

WE CLAIMS:-
1. A method for treating a surface of a cellulose-containing material comprising:
applying to said surface a composition comprising:
an alkanoic acid derivative having the formula (I) or formula (II):
R-CO-X Formula (I)
X-CO-R-CO-Xi (II) Formula (II),
wherein R is a straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon radical
having from 6 to 50 carbon atoms, and wherein X and X| are independently CI, Br, or
0(CO)OR,
a base, and
a first solvent;
heating the applied composition on said surface;
rinsing said surface with a second solvent; and
drying said rinsed surface,
wherein said composition esterifies at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups available via the
cellulose of the material.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-containing material exhibits greater
hydrophobicity relative to the cellulose-containing material without said treating.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the base is non-nucleophilic.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the base is organic.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the organic base is selected from the group consisting of
aziridines, azetidines, piperazines, piperidines, pyridines, bipyridines, terpyridines,
dihydropyridines, morpholines, N-alkylmorpholines, l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes, 1,8-
diazabicycloundecanes, 1,8-diazabicycloundecenes, dimethylated pentylamines, trimethylated
pentylamines, pyrimidines, pyrroles, pyrrolidines, pyrrolidinones, indoles, indolines, indanones,
benzindazones, imidazoles, benzimidazoles, imidazolones, imidazolines, oxazoles, isoxazoles,
oxazolines, oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, carbazoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, naphthyridines,
triazines, triazoles, tetrazoles, triethylamines, pyrazoles, pyrazolines, and combinations thereof.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second solvents are selected from the group
consisting of pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, petroleum ether, naphtha, kerosene, petroleum,
paraffin oil, benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene, methylene
chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloro-ethane, chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride,
tetrabromoethylene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, anisole (methyl phenyl
ether), tert-butyl methyl ether, dibenzyl ether, diethyl ether, dioxane, diphenyl ether, methyl vinyl
ether, tetrahydrofuran, triisopropyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol
dimethyl ether (diglyme), diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl
ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME, monoglyme), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene
glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme), triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, acetone, diisobutyl
ketone, methyl n-propyl ketone; methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl formate,
methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and combinations thereof.
7. The method of claim , wherein the cellulose-based material comprises a cellulose
selected from the group consisting of nanocellulose, cellulose nanofibres, whiskers or microfibril,
microfibrillated or nanofibril cellulose, sugarcane cellulose, cotton or cotton blends, and
combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellulose-based material is selected from the group
consisting of a carton for food storage, a bag for food storage, a shopping bag, eating utensil,
container for holding hot or cold beverages, cup, plate, a bottle for carbonated liquid storage, a
bottle for non-carbonated liquid storage, film for wrapping food, a garbage disposal container, a
food handling implement, a fabric fibre, a water storage and conveying implement, a storage and
conveying implement for alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks, an outer casing or screen for
electronic goods, an internal or external piece of furniture, a curtain, upholstery, and
combinations thereof.
9. A method for treating a surface of a cellulose-containing material comprising:
applying to said surface a composition comprising:
a derivatizing agent selected from the group consisting of acid chlorides, acid
bromides, acid iodides, anhydrides, ketenes, diketenes, chlorocarbolic acid esters, carbonic
acid diesters, 2,5-diketooxazolidines, isatinic anhydride, isocyanates, carbamoyl chlorides,
thiocyanates, thiocarbamoyl chlorides, sulfonyl chlorides, sulfonic acid anhydrides, Nchlorosulfonamides,
sulfinic acid chlorides, N-chlorosulfinamides, and combinations
thereof;
a base, and
a first solvent;
heating the applied composition on said surface;
rinsing said surface with a second solvent; and
drying said rinsed surface,
wherein the resulting surface of the cellulose-based material exhibits a water contact
angle of about 100°.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said composition esterifies at least a portion of the
hydroxyl groups available via the cellulose of the material, and wherein said esterified hydroxyl
groups are stable up to at least about 200° C.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the portion of the available hydroxyl groups esterified
on the surface of the cellulose of the material is greater than about 40%.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the portion of the available hydroxyl groups esterified
on the surface of the cellulose of the material greater than about 50%.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the portion of the available hydroxyl groups esterified
on the surface of the cellulose of the material is between about 60-90%.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of
aziridines, azetidines, piperazines, piperidines, pyridines, bipyridines, terpyridines,
dihydropyridines, morpholines, N-alkylmorpholines, l,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octanes, 1,8-
diazabicycloundecanes, 1,8-diazabicycloundecenes, dimethylated pentylamines, trimethylated
pentylamines, pyrimidines, pyrroles, pyrrolidines, pyrrolidinones, indoles, indolines, indanones,
benzindazones, imidazoles, benzimidazoles, imidazolones, imidazolines, oxazoles, isoxazoles,
oxazolines, oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, carbazoles, quinolines, isoquinolines, naphthyridines,
triazines, triazoles, tetrazoles, triethylamines, pyrazoles, pyrazolines, and combinations thereof.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and second solvents are selected from
the group consisting of pentane, hexane, heptane, octane, petroleum ether, naphtha, kerosene,
petroleum, paraffin oil, benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, ethylbenzene, diethylbenzene,
methylene chloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloro-ethane, chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride,
tetrabromoethylene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, anisole (methyl phenyl
ether), tert-butyl methyl ether, dibenzyl ether, diethyl ether, dioxane, diphenyl ether, methyl vinyl
ether, tetrahydrofuran, triisopropyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol
dimethyl ether (diglyme), diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl
ether, 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME, monoglyme), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene
glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme), triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, acetone, diisobutyl
ketone, methyl n-propyl ketone; methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl formate,
methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, and combinations thereof.
16. The method of claim 9, where the cellulose-based material comprises a cellulose
selected from the group consisting of nanocellulose, cellulose nanofibres, whiskers or microfibril
cellulose, microfibrillated or nanofibril cellulose, sugarcane cellulose, cotton or cotton blends,
and combinations thereof.
17. A product resulting from the process of claim 1, wherein the surface of the cellulosebased
material exhibits a water contact angle of between about 60° to about 120°.
18. The product of claim 17, where the surface treatment is chemically stable up to
temperatures of between about 200° C to about 300° C.
19. The product of claim 17, wherein the water vapour permeability of the treated
surface is between about 10 Barrer units to about 20 Barrer units.
20. The product of claim 17, wherein the oxygen permeability of the treated surface is
between about 10 Barrer units to about 20 Barrer units.
21. The product of claim 17, wherein the portion of the hydroxyl groups esterified on the
surface of the cellulose-based material is greater than 40%.
22. The product of claim 17, wherein the portion of the hydroxyl groups esterified on the
surface of the cellulose-based material is greater than 50%.
23. The product of claim 1 , wherein the portion of the hydroxyl groups esterified on the
surface of the cellulose-based material is between about 60-90%.
24. The product of claim 1 , wherein the product is biodegradable.
25. The product of claim 17, wherein the product is selected from the group
consisting of a carton for food storage, a bag for food storage, a shopping bag, eating utensil,
container for holding hot or cold beverages, cup, plate, a bottle for carbonated liquid storage, a
bottle for non-carbonated liquid storage, film for wrapping food, a garbage disposal container, a
food handling implement, a fabric fibre, a water storage and conveying implement, a storage and
conveying implement for alcoholic or non alcoholic drinks, an outer casing or screen for
electronic goods, an internal or external piece of furniture, a curtain, upholstery and combinations
thereof.
26. A method for treating a surface of a cellulose-containing material comprising:
applying to said surface a composition comprising:
an alkanoic acid derivative having the formula (I) or formula (II):
R-CO-X Formula (I)
X-CO-R-CO-X, Formula (II),
wherein R is a straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon
radical having from 6 to 50 carbon atoms, and wherein X and XI are
independently CI, Br, or 0(CO)OR;
a base, and
a first solvent,
heating the applied composition on said surface;
rinsing said surface with a second solvent; and
drying said rinsed surface,
wherein the resulting treated cellulose-containing material exhibits properties selected from
the group consisting of a water contact angle of about 100°, is stable up to at least about 200°
C, an oxygen permeability of less than about 10 Barrer units, a water vapour permeability of
less than about 20 Barrer units, contains hydroxyl groups esterified on the surface of the
cellulose-containing material is greater than about 40%, and combinations thereof.