Evaluation of water resistance properties of pulp mold depending on the types of raw materials and the additives

Abstract

The pulp mold attract the increasing concern as recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly packaging materials. In order to broaden the applicability of the pulp mold as substitutes of the expanded styrofoam, the properties of various raw materials for the pulp mold were evaluated and the way for improving water resistance properties of the pulp mold were also tested by applying some additives. The higher value in the fines contents and in the water retention value were shown for the TMP (thermomechanical pulp), which resulted in the bulkier pulp mold with the higher moisture absorption property. In case of water resistance properties, the pulp mold made of white ledger stock showed the higher value in water contact angle and very slow water absorption rate. The addition of oil palm EFB fiber showed the improvement in the water resistance of the pulp mold made of UBKP. The effects of various additives on theimprovement in thewater resistance properties of the pulp mold were tested by using AKD, PVAm, epoxy resin. The application of AKD leaded to the higher increase in the water resistance. The results in this study showed the effects of AKD for the pulp mold could be improved and optimized by the application with fixing agent and by the ageing treatment after production.