Karmactive Team
Can plant-based plasma polymers really transform paper into water-resistant packaging that naturally biodegrades?
Photo Source: Fraunhofer IST
Scientists at Fraunhofer IST have configured rotationally symmetric electrodes generating nitrogen plasma fields at 70°C to deposit oregano oil, chia oil, and bark extracts onto cellulose surfaces.
The USD 416.5 billion paper packaging market expects to reach USD 503.1 billion by 2028 as consumers push for plastic alternatives.
Photo Source: Envato Elements pic (FMT)
How does a specialized electrode geometry prevent ambient air interference while maintaining coating uniformity at high-speed industrial processing?
Photo Source: Sciencedirect
Laboratory tests reveal olive oil precursors successfully penetrating paper microstructure and forming covalent bonds with cellulose fibers, creating water-repellent yet biodegradable surfaces.
Moving box prototypes coated with polyphenolic bark compounds demonstrated remarkable water resistance while maintaining structural integrity through extended rain exposure.
Photo Source: Fraunhofer IST/HAWK
The plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process achieves oxygen transmission rates below 100 cm³/(m²•day), meeting strict food packaging requirements.
Which natural compounds in bark extractives could provide both water resistance and antibacterial properties for next-generation packaging?
Photo Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (CC BY 2.0)
Technical University of Darmstadt and Thünen Institute researchers collaborate to optimize coating parameters across different paper grades, aiming to replace conventional plastics that persist in soil for 400+ years.
Photo Source: CGTN pic (FMT)