Mechanical properties of paper sheets coated with chitosan nanoparticle

Chitosan were selected as cellulose raw material to prepare coating solutions. The morphology, physical characteristics and chemical surface properties of the coatings are discussed in this paper. Different concentrations of chitosan (1–5% w/w) and deposited solution layer (0.5–1.00 μm) were used to obtain coated papers with thicknesses varying between 0.062–0.068 μm. The percentages of coating agent impregnated inside paper were also calculated from the apparent density of coated paper and the density of self-supported films prepared in the same conditions but deposited on an inert and smooth Plexiglass support. These percentages of impregnation ranged from 4.8 to 63.3% and increased as following: chitosan < chitosan nanoparticle. The resulting absorption rates indicated significant differences as a function of the nature of coating agent and confirmed results obtained for the percentage of impregnation. To explain differences in the behaviour of coating solutions, it was finally concluded that not only their viscosity must be taken into account but also their affinity toward paper.