Starch composites and their reduction of air permeation for self-extinguishable paper

Abstract

A new approach to achieve a self-extinguishable property of paper (cellulosic fiber) based on biocompatible sources such as starch, a promising renewable material in the paper industry, is proposed. Hydrophilic alpha-waxy corn starch and hydrophobic aluminum octenyl succinate modified starch contributed to the selfextinguishable property by blocking the permeation of oxygen and covering the pores of the paper. By controlling the film density according to the size of the hydrophobic starch and the weight ratio of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic starch, the slurry mixture permeated the spacing between fibers. The type and weight ratio of starch affected the morphology, viscosity, and physical properties of the coating process and coated film. A mixed starch blend of 20 wt% hydrophilic starch and 10 wt% hydrophobic starch significantly retarded air permeation of the developed self-extinguishable paper.