Barrier composition, its use, and paper article.

Description

1 / 9 Barrier composition, its use, and paper article. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a recyclable barrier composition, with inputs of renewable and biodegradable origin, comprising a bio-binder, a cellulose-derived polymer, a polysaccharide, and a plasticizer. Said composition is suitable for application on paper substrates, with good sealing and grease barrier properties. The use of the composition for application on paper and paper packaging is also disclosed, as well as a paper article comprising the barrier composition of the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The growing demand for sustainable solutions has driven significant advances in the development of renewable materials for various types of applications, including applications in the paper and packaging industry. In this context, there is a constant search for the replacement of fossil-based inputs with renewable, biodegradable and recyclable inputs.

[003] In particular, the development of grease barrier formulations, which prevent grease impregnation into paper or paper packaging, represents a substantial challenge, as it combines the need for high performance and the use of inputs that are sustainable and have the same properties as commonly used non-renewable inputs.

[004] Currently, some materials are traditionally used to create barriers to grease and oil, such as synthetic polymers, for example, polyolefins, and waxes derived from non-renewable sources. Due to their chemical characteristics and development technologies, these materials offer superior mechanical and sealing properties; however, they are Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, p. 11 / 22 2 / 9 frequently associated with negative environmental impacts due to their fossil origin and low biodegradability.

[005] On the other hand, alternative inputs based on renewable sources, such as biopolymers, cellulose, natural waxes, and polysaccharide-based compounds, present significant technical challenges. Although they are biodegradable and compatible with the growing demands for sustainability, they often fail to achieve the required performance in terms of grease impermeability and paper sealing. Furthermore, the incorporation of this type of material can negatively impact the industrial processability, production costs, and recyclability of coated paper.

[006] In this context, an applicable example for the development of barriers is the use of renewable, bio-based polymers. For the most part, bio-based polymers are hydrophilic, and their barrier properties against gases, for example, and their mechanical properties depend heavily on ambient humidity, which can reduce their performance as packaging materials compared to synthetic polymers. Furthermore, their molecular weight, rheological properties, and physical characteristics, such as time-dependent crystallization behavior, can impact processing, requiring process adjustments. Therefore, it is common practice to blend bio-based polymers with other synthetic materials to improve their performance in terms of hydrophobicity and processing.

[007] In view of this, the present invention reveals an alternative recyclable barrier composition, with inputs of renewable and biodegradable origin, comprising a bio-binder, a cellulose-derived polymer, a polysaccharide and a plasticizer, with good sealing and properties. Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 12 / 22 3 / 9 grease barrier, which can be used on different types of paper and paper packaging.

[008] Some inputs used in the present invention are commonly employed for use in plastic film formulations and for the purpose of promoting resistance or improving other physical properties of these plastic films.

[009] An example of a document is the article by Li X., et al, entitled “Chemical and Enzymatic Fiber Modification to Enhance the Mechanical Properties of CMC Composite Films”, in which a formulation comprising a cellulose-derived polymer (carboxymethylcellulose), a polysaccharide (alginate) and a plasticizer (glycerol), among other ingredients, was blended with a flexible polymer to form a plastic film and evaluate its strength.

[010] Another example is the paper by Tong Q. et al, entitled “Effects of glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol and fructose plasticizers on mechanical and moisture barrier properties of pullulan-alginate-carboxymethylcellulose blend films”, in which there is a combination of different inputs, including a cellulose-derived polymer (carboxymethylcellulose), polysaccharides (alginate and pullulan) and plasticizer (glycerol), to improve the properties of a formed plastic film.

[011] As can be seen, the prior art documents, which reveal the use of some inputs used in the present invention, do not refer to their use in a paper product, nor do they refer to barrier and sealing properties for this type of application. Therefore, the properties promoted by the combination of the ingredients of the present invention, applied to a paper substrate, are not expected in the prior art. Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, p. 13 / 22 4 / 9

[012] Furthermore, with regard to sustainable formulations for grease barriers in paper, document BR 10 2023 009775 8 discloses a biodegradable barrier composition comprising a sealing agent, a bio-binding agent and an anti-blocking agent, with good grease barrier and sealing properties. This document discloses the use of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), a non-renewable input, as the preferred sealing agent and also as a grease and oxygen barrier promoter.

[013] In contrast, the present invention does not use PVOH or any other non-renewable agent and uses a cellulose polymer and a polysaccharide as a substitute for it, which are known to lack sealing properties. Surprisingly, in the composition of the present invention, the synergistic combination of these ingredients with other renewable ingredients was able to promote good sealing and grease barrier properties, proving to be a promising and renewable alternative for a wide variety of applications in paper and paper packaging. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[014] The present invention relates to a barrier composition comprising 60 to 70% by weight of bio-binder, 15 to 20% by weight of cellulose-derived polymer, 5 to 10% by weight of plasticizer and 5 to 10% by weight of polysaccharide, wherein the composition is sealable and provides a barrier to grease.

[015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises about 70% by weight of bio-binder, about 15% by weight of cellulose-derived polymer, about 10% of plasticizer and about 5% of polysaccharide. Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 14 / 22 5 / 9

[016] In one embodiment of the invention, the bio-binder is a formulation comprising starch syrup, dextrin and modified starch.

[017] In one embodiment of the invention, the cellulose-derived polymer is carboxymethylcellulose and has a Brookfield viscosity of 200 to 800 mPa.s, measured at 10%, 60°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm.

[018] In one embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the plasticizer is glycerol.

[019] In one embodiment of the invention, the polysaccharide is sodium alginate and has a viscosity at 1% of 100 to 200 mPa.s, at 20°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm, and a molecular weight (Mw) of about 15000 to 25000 Da.

[020] In one embodiment of the invention, the viscosity of the barrier composition is from about 1000 cp to about 1800 cp, preferably about 1200 cp, measured at 30%, 20°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm.

[021] The use of the barrier composition of the present invention for application in paper and paper packaging, preferably food packaging or coating packaging for pharmaceutical compositions, is also described.

[022] A paper article comprising the barrier composition of the present invention is also described in one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[023] The composition of the present invention comprises 60 to 70% by weight (dry basis) of bio-binder, 15 to 20% by weight (dry basis) of cellulose-derived polymer, 5 to 10% by weight (dry basis) of plasticizer and 5 to 10% by weight (dry basis) of polysaccharide, wherein the composition exhibits good sealing and grease barrier properties. Therefore, it is a sealable composition that provides a grease barrier in Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 15 / 22 6 / 9 paper substrates, preventing them from being impregnated with grease and impairing the use of this paper.

[024] The term “sealing” refers to the adhesion of two surfaces by applying heat and pressure for a given period of time. The sealing of a paper package can be compromised if the adhesion is low.

[025] The term “barrier” refers to a physical or chemical formation on a substrate capable of preventing or resisting the passage of oils and fats, gases or light; more specifically, the present invention refers to a grease barrier, which can be understood as a barrier to oils and fats. The barrier properties of a packaging should not be confused with its chemical resistance, which is associated with its ability not to be solubilized, altered or softened when in contact with an agent.

[026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises about 70% by weight of bio-binder, about 15% by weight of cellulose-derived polymer, about 10% of plasticizer and about 5% of polysaccharide.

[027] All the inputs included in the composition of the present invention are water-soluble and do not require a specific production procedure, i.e., they can be obtained by methods commonly used in the field. The cellulose-derived polymer and the polysaccharide provide the grease barrier property, the bio-binder confers the sealing property, and the plasticizer acts to improve the grease barrier performance at the crease. The crease simulates the folds that occur in the paper, either at the time of filling or in the handling of the packaging, from manufacturing to consumer use, which impair the grease barrier property due to physical reasons. For this reason, the measurement of the property of Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 16 / 22 7 / 9 barrier on the crease, proves the improved performance of the grease barrier on the paper.

[028] In one embodiment of the invention, the bio-ligand is a formulation comprising starch syrup, dextrin and modified starch.

[029] In one embodiment of the invention, the cellulose-derived polymer is carboxymethylcellulose and has a Brookfield viscosity of 200 to 800 mPa.s, measured at 10%, 60°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm.

[030] In one embodiment of the invention, the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the plasticizer is glycerol.

[031] In one embodiment of the invention, the polysaccharide is sodium alginate and has a viscosity at 1% of 100 to 200 mPa.s, at 20°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm, and a molecular weight (Mw) of about 15000 to 25000 Da.

[032] The composition of the present invention has a viscosity of about 1000 cp to about 1800 cp, preferably about 1200 cp, measured at 30%, 20°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm.

[033] It is important to control the viscosity of the composition, as this can interfere with the application of the barrier to the paper, since controlling the viscosity makes it possible to guarantee the desired basis weight for application.

[034] The composition of the present invention is applied superficially to the paper by means of bars, engraved roller, air knife or other aqueous coating systems.

[035] The composition of the present invention is recyclable and uses inputs obtained from renewable and biodegradable sources. Furthermore, the inputs included in the barrier composition disclosed herein are not of animal origin and are allergen-free.

[036] The barrier composition of the present invention is heat-sealable Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 17 / 22 8 / 9 hot.

[037] Additionally, the barrier composition of the present invention is used for application on paper and paper packaging, preferably food packaging or coating packaging for pharmaceutical compositions. The barrier composition of the present invention can be applied to papers of different basis weights.

[038] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a paper article comprising the barrier composition of the present invention. Said paper item can be placed in contact with greasy foods or oily medicines due to the grease / oil barrier property of the composition. EXAMPLES

[039] The examples presented here are not exhaustive, serve only to illustrate the invention and should not be used as a basis for limiting it. Example 1

[040] In this example, the sealing property of the barrier composition of the present invention was evaluated.

[041] For this test, the composition used was comprised of 70% bioligand, 15% carboxymethylcellulose, 10% glycerol and 5% sodium alginate.

[042] For the sealing evaluation, a laboratory sealer (Hot tack) was used under conditions of 110oC, 0.5s contact time and 340 N pressure.

[043] As a result, a sealing of 0.283 kN / m was observed, with 0.2 kN / m being the minimum value for approval, therefore, a good sealing property was obtained. Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, page 18 / 22 9 / 9 Example 2

[044] In this example, the grease barrier property of the composition of the present invention was evaluated.

[045] For this evaluation, the composition comprising 70% bioligand, 15% carboxymethylcellulose, 10% glycerol and 5% sodium alginate was used.

[046] For this analysis, the measurement was performed on a crease formed in the paper where the composition was applied. For measuring grease permeability, the ISO 16532-2 standard was used and the achievement of kit level 12 was observed, which is the maximum level of grease barrier, demonstrating an excellent barrier property. Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, pp. 19 / 22

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Barrier composition, characterized in that it comprises 60 to 70% by weight of bio-binder, 15 to 20% by weight of cellulose-derived polymer, 5 to 10% by weight of plasticizer and 5 to 10% by weight of polysaccharide, wherein the composition is sealable and provides a barrier to grease.

2. Barrier composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises about 70% by weight of bio-binder, about 15% by weight of cellulose-derived polymer, about 10% of plasticizer and about 5% of polysaccharide.

3. Barrier composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bio-binder is a formulation comprising starch syrup, dextrin and modified starch.

4. Barrier composition according to claim 3, characterized in that the cellulose-derived polymer is carboxymethylcellulose and has a Brookfield viscosity of 200 to 800 mPa.s, measured at 10%, 60°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm.

5. Barrier composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sorbitol, preferably glycerol.

6. Barrier composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the polysaccharide is sodium alginate and has a viscosity at 1% of 100 to 200 mPa.s, at 20°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm, and a molecular weight (Mw) of about 15000 to 25000 Da.

7. Barrier composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the composition has a viscosity of about 1000 cp to about 1800 cp, preferably about 1200 cp, measured at 30%, 20°C, Brookfield RV: 100 rpm.

8. Use of the barrier composition defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that it is for application to paper and paper packaging.

9. Use according to claim 8, characterized by being for application in food packaging or coating packaging for pharmaceutical compositions.

10. Article of paper, characterized in that it comprises the barrier composition defined in any one of claims 1 to 7. Petition 870250006987, dated 01 / 28 / 2025, p. 22 / 22