Sustainable lignin-derived hydrophobic coatings with enhanced UV-blocking and antioxidant properties for packaging materials
摘要
The development of fluorine-free and sustainable hydrophobic coatings remains a critical challenge. In this work, Kraft lignin was chemically modified through carboxylation followed by octadecylamine (ODA) grafting to yield a hydrophobic derivative (CLODA). Structural analyses by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques confirmed successful modification, while lignin’s inherent UV-blocking and antioxidant properties were retained. Spray-coated CLODA dispersions generated superhydrophobic surfaces with water contact angles exceeding 150°, demonstrating excellent adhesion across diverse substrates, including plastic, glass, filter paper, hardwood, and softwood. When applied to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films, CLODA markedly enhanced water resistance while simultaneously imparting UV-protective and antioxidant functionalities. These improvements effectively address the intrinsic limitations of PVA films, expanding their potential for sustainable, multifunctional packaging. Overall, CLODA coatings combine hydrophobicity with bioactive properties, offering a promising route toward environmentally friendly, high-performance packaging materials.