Effect of chitosan on the surface properties of cellulose-based paper obtained from the flax plant

The effects of chitosan, starch, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were studied to improve the surface properties of cellulose-based paper obtained from local raw materials. Polymers are incorporated into the paper canvas by spraying. The results showed that the addition of chitosan to paper webs made from cellulose fibers has improved surface properties compared to the effects of other additives. The effect level of starch was similar to that of chitosan, but it resulted in a lower water absorption potential of paper than chitosan at the same concentration. In many other properties, particularly for printing papers, the most important property being surface smoothness, chitosan treated papers are superior to starch or PVA treated papers.