A method for producing a fiber based article

Abstract

There is provided a method for producing a moulded fiber based article. There is also provided a moulded fiber based article.

Description

[0001] A METHOD FOR PRODUCING A FIBER BASED ARTICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a method for producing a fiber based article. The disclosure relates particularly, though not exclusively, to a method for producing a fiber based article by moulding a fiber stock.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

[0006] Pollution caused by single use plastic containers and packaging materials is epidemic, scarring the global landscape and threatening delicate ecosystems and the life forms that inhabit them. Single use containers migrate along waterways to the oceans in the form of Styrofoam and expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging, to-go containers, bottles, thin film bags and photo-degraded plastic pellets. Sustainable solutions for reducing plastic pollution are gaining momentum. However, continuing adoption requires that these solutions not only be good for the environment, but also competitive with plastics from both a performance and a cost standpoint.

[0007] By way of brief background, molded paper pulp (molded fiber) has been used since the 1930’s to make containers, trays and other packages, but experienced a decline in the 1970s after the introduction of fossil based plastic foam packaging. Paper pulp can be produced from old newsprint, corrugated boxes and other plant fibers. Today, molded pulp packaging is widely used for electronics, household goods, automotive parts and medical products, and as an edge / corner protector or pallet tray for shipping electronic and other fragile components.

[0008] Cellulose fiber-based packaging products are biodegradable, compostable and, unlike fossil based plastics, do not migrate into the ocean. However, presently known fiber technologies are not well suited for use with meat and poultry, prepared food, produce, microwavable food, or as lids for beverage containers such as hot coffee. In particular, selectively integrating one or more oil, water, vapor, and / or oxygen barriers into the slurry, and / or selectively applying one or more of the barrier layers to all or a portion of the surface of the finished packaging product, can be cumbersome, time consuming, and expensive. Depending on molded pulp application, oil, grease, water, water vapor, oxygen and / or other gas or liquid barrier properties are needed in different container types. Use of suitable slurry chemicals can improve process efficiency, mechanical properties, barrier properties and / or surface coatability and therefore, make production of molded pulp products more competitive against products made from planar board.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method for producing a moulded fiber based article, the method comprising providing a fibre stock comprising cellulosic fibers; introducing to the fiber stock

[0011] (i) cationic alpha-glucan; or

[0012] (ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan; and moulding the fiber stock.

[0013] In a second aspect the present invention provides a moulded fiber based article, wherein the moulded fiber based article comprises

[0014] (i) cationic alpha-glucan, or

[0015] (ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, and optionally alkyl ketene dimer, or wherein the moulded fiber based article is produced with the method according to the present invention.

[0016] In a third aspect the present invention provides a use of cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, and in addition optionally alkylene ketene dimer for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article.

[0017] It has now been surprisingly found that moulded, such as thermoformed, fiber based articles comprising cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan has increased oil resistance. It was surprisingly found that the cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan acts as oil barrier in the fiber based article. It is also believed that the cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alphaglucan and anionic alpha-glucan acts also as a grease barrier in the fiber based article.

[0018] It has been found that the cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan gives oil resistance, i.e. penetration time and / or uptake of a moulded fiber based article compared to a moulded fiber based article without the cationic alpha- glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan. It is also believed that grease resistance is obtained.

[0019] It has been also surprisingly found that moulded, such as thermoformed, fiber based articles comprising cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan, and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) has even further increased oil resistance. Without bounding to any theory it is also believed that grease resistance is increased.

[0020] Without bounding to any theory, it is believed that the moulded fiber based articles comprising the cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan, and optionally alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), will clog structure of the fiber based article so that grease and oil components cannot substantially penetrate the structure.

[0021] The fiber based articles of the present invention are at least partly biodegradable and compostable, preferably mostly biodegradable and compostable, more preferably almost totally biodegradable and compostable, most preferably biodegradable and compostable.

[0022] It has been also surprisingly found that moulded fiber based articles having oil and grease resistance can be produced with a simple method. It has been found that moulded fiber based articles having oil and grease resistance can be produced by introducing to a fiber stock comprising cellulosic fibers the cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alphaglucan and anionic alpha-glucan, and optionally introducing AKD to the fiber stock.

[0023] The appended claims define the scope of protection.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In a first aspect the present invention provides a method for producing a moulded fiber based article, the method comprising providing a fibre stock comprising cellulosic fibers; introducing to the fiber stock

[0026] (i) cationic alpha-glucan; or

[0027] (ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan; and moulding the fiber stock.

[0028] In one embodiment the method further comprises introducing alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) to the fiber stock. In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) is cationic 1 ,3-alpha-glucan. In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan is linear cationic alpha-glucan.

[0029] In one embodiment to the fiber stock is introduced alpha-glucan comprising

[0030] (i) cationic alpha-glucan

[0031] (ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan

[0032] (iii) anionic alpha-glucan

[0033] (iv) amphoteric alpha glucan

[0034] (v) complex of amphoteric alpha-glucan and cationic alpha-glucan

[0035] (vi) complex of amphoteric alpha glucan and anionic alpha-glucan

[0036] (vii) complex of net cationic and net anionic amphoteric alpha-glucans

[0037] (viii) interpenetrating polymer network of cationic alpha-glucan

[0038] (ix) interpenetrating polymer network of anionic alpha-glucan

[0039] (x) interpenetrating polymer network of cationic and anionic alpha-glucan

[0040] (xi) other than1 ,3-alpha-glucans such as dextran, pullulan, glycogen ora mixture thereof

[0041] (xii) crosslinked cationic alpha-glucan

[0042] (xiii) crosslinked anionic alpha-glucan

[0043] (xiv) crosslinked amphoteric alpha-glucan

[0044] (xv) cationic alpha-glucan copolymer

[0045] (xvi) anionic alpha-glucan copolymer

[0046] (xvii) amphoteric alpha-glucan copolymer

[0047] (xviii) grafted alpha-glucan

[0048] (xix) graft copolymer of alpha-glucan

[0049] (xx) nonionic alpha-glucan of any of the aforementioned or a mixture thereof, or

[0050] (xxi) a mixture of at least two of the aforementioned alpha-glucans.

[0051] In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD are introduced as a mixture to the fiber stock, or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and AKD are introduced as a mixture to the fiber stock. The cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD can be introduced to the fiber stock in any order. The complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and AKD can be introduced to the fiber stock in any order.

[0052] In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD are introduced separately but simultaneously to the fiber stock, or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and AKD are introduced separately but simultaneously to the fiber stock.

[0053] In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD are introduced sequentially to the fiber stock, or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan of option (ii) and AKD are introduced sequentially to the fiber stock.

[0054] In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) is introduced to the fiber stock prior introducing AKD to the fiber stock.

[0055] In one embodiment the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) is introduced to the fiber stock after introducing AKD to the fiber stock.

[0056] In one embodiment the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) is introduced to the fiber stock prior introducing AKD to the fiber stock.

[0057] In one embodiment the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) is introduced to the fiber stock after introducing AKD to the fiber stock.

[0058] In one embodiment cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) are introduced as a mixture to the fiber stock.

[0059] In one embodiment cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) are introduced separately but simultaneously to the fiber stock.

[0060] In one embodiment cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) are introduced sequentially to the fiber stock. The cationic alpha-glucan can be introduced to the fiber stock prior or after introducing of the anionic alpha-glucan to the fiber stock.

[0061] In one embodiment AKD is introduced to the fiber stock prior, after or between introducing the cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) to the fiber stock. The cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) can be introduced to the fiber stock in high amounts. The complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) can be introduced to the fiber stock in high amounts.

[0062] In one embodiment dry amount of the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) is 25-75 kg, such as 25-40 kg, 45-55 kg or 60-75 kg per ton of dry fiber stock.

[0063] In one embodiment dry amount of the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan of option (ii) is 25-75, such as, 25-40 kg, 45-55 kg or 60-75 kg per ton of dry fiber stock.

[0064] In one embodiment dry amount of the alkyl ketene dimer is 0.1-40 kg preferably 1-10 kg, more preferably 1 .5-8 kg, even more preferably 1 .5-6 kg, yet even preferably 1 .5-4.5 kg per ton of dry fiber stock.

[0065] In one embodiment pigment material is introduced to the fiber stock. In one embodiment the pigment material is introduced to the fiber stock at the same time as cationic alphaglucan of option (i) or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) are introduced sequentially to the fiber stock.

[0066] In one embodiment the pigment material is introduced to the fiber stock before addition of the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) In one embodiment the pigment material is introduced to the fiber stock after addition of cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) or the complex of cationic alphaglucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii).

[0067] In one embodiment the pigment material and cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) are introduced as a mixture to the fiber stock.

[0068] In one embodiment the pigment material comprises talc, kaolin clay, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide or a mixture thereof.

[0069] In one embodiment sizing chemical, fixative, retention aid, drainage aid, wet strength agent, dry strength agent or a mixture thereof is introduced to the fiber stock, preferably before introducing cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and optional alkyl ketene dimer to the fiber stock. In one embodiment the sizing chemical comprises alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), rosin or a mixture thereof.

[0070] In one embodiment ASA, rosin or a mixture thereof is introduced in an amount of 0.1 - 4%, preferably 0.5-1 .5% based on dry weight of the fiber stock.

[0071] In one embodiment the retention aid comprises cationic polyacryl amide (CPAM), cationic starch, polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (PAE), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylamine (PVAm), poly ethylenimine (PEI) or a mixture thereof.

[0072] In one embodiment the fixative, drainage aid or a mixture thereof comprises aluminium sulphate (ALS), polyaluminium chloride (PAC), poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDACMAC), cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyamine (PA), polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polyvinylamine (PVAm), silica sol or a mixture thereof.

[0073] In one embodiment the wet strength agent comprises polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE), glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM), starch or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment the wet strength agent is added after addition of a sizing agent but before addition of the composition to the fiber stock.

[0074] In one embodiment the dry strength agent comprises cationic starch, polyamidoamine- epichlorohydrin (PAE), polyamine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or a mixture thereof.

[0075] In one embodiment consistency of the fiber stock comprising cellulosic fibers is 0.1 %-10 %, preferably 0.1 %-5 %, more preferably 0.2 %-1.0 %.

[0076] The moulding, i.e. moulding step or moulding process, can be any suitable method known in the art.

[0077] In one embodiment the moulding comprises wet forming, wet moulding, vacuum forming, vacuum forming coating, vacuum moulding, extrusion forming, extrusion moulding, compression molding, thermoforming, dry moulding, hot pressing, hot press drying, hot moulding, heat pressing, heat moulding, thermomoulding or a combination thereof

[0078] In one embodiment the moulding is thermoforming, preferably heat pressing, hot pressing, hot press drying, thermomoulding, compression moulding or a combination thereof. In one embodiment the moulding is a combination of vacuum forming, wet moulding and moulding using both heat and mechanical pressure, such as thermoforming, compression moulding, hot press drying or thermoforming drying.

[0079] In one embodiment the fiber stock is moulded to a sheet.

[0080] In one embodiment the fiber stock is formed to a sheet, preferably thermoformed to a sheet.

[0081] In the context of the present application by term “sheet” is meant an article having smaller thickness than length and width.

[0082] In the context of the present application by term “two-dimensional, 2D, article” is meant a 2D-article originally been made to planar shape and has a smaller thickness than length and width. The 2D-article can be folded or bended to a three-dimensional, 3D, article.

[0083] In the context of the present application by term “three-dimensional, 3D, article” is meant an article having three dimensions.

[0084] In the context of the present application a sheet is not considered to be a three-dimensional, 3D, article.

[0085] In one embodiment the sheet is formed to a three-dimensional, 3D, article.

[0086] In one embodiment the fiber stock is moulded to a three-dimensional, 3D, article.

[0087] In one embodiment the fiber stock with or without foam is vacuum formed, extrusion formed, injection formed, blow formed, wet pressed and / or drained by help of vacuum, unrestrained and / or restrained dried, compacted in one or more directions, polymer impregnated, polymer laminated, polymer coated or a combination thereof, to a two-dimensional, 2D, sheet having thickness of 0.1 mm - 10 mm, preferably 0.3 mm - 2 mm. In one embodiment the 2D sheet is further thermoformed (i.e. dry moulded, i.e. dry formed) to a three- dimensional, 3D, article having preferably length and width of 5 cm - 50 cm, depth of 2 cm -20 cm and wall thickness of 0.1 mm - 2 mm.

[0088] In one embodiment the fiber stock is wet moulded and the wet moulded fiber stock is moulded to a three-dimensional, 3D, article.

[0089] In one embodiment temperature of mould(s) in heat pressing, hot pressing, hot press drying, thermoforming or thermomoulding is 100 °C - 400 °C, preferably 130 °C - 220 °C. In one embodiment mechanical pressure applied on fiber stock or two- or three-dimensional fiber based article in heat pressing, hot pressing, hot press drying, heat compression, hot compression, thermoforming or thermomoulding is 0.1 bar - 1000 bar, preferably 1-250 bar and pressure can alternate during heat pressing, hot pressing, hot press drying, heat compression, hot compression, thermoforming or thermomoulding depending on manufacturing technology, equipment and moulded fiber product application.

[0090] In one embodiment the moulding is thermoforming, heat pressing, thermomoulding, wet or dry moulding and / or wet or dry forming to form densifying or a combination thereof, to a three dimensional article.

[0091] In one embodiment the fiber stock comprising (i) the cationic alpha-glucan; or (ii) the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan is vacuum forming coated on a vacuum forming coated fiber stock that is substantially free, preferably free of (i) the cationic alpha-glucan; or (ii) the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, followed by moulding the fiber stocks.

[0092] In one embodiment the fiber stock comprising (i) the cationic alpha-glucan; or (ii) the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan is vacuum forming coated on 2- 10 vacuum forming coated fiber stock that are substantially free, preferably free of (i) the cationic alpha-glucan; or (ii) the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, followed by moulding the fiber stocks.

[0093] In one embodiment the fiber stock comprising cellulosic fibers comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a mixture thereof. Preferably the fibers are plant origin comprising recycled, chemical and / or mechanical hardwood and softwood pulps, sugar cane (such as bagasse), bamboo, marley, wheat, maize, corn, oats, barley, rice, rye, tomato, sorghum, rape seed, palm oil plants, flax, hemp, ramie, cotton, kenaf, jute, banana, cannabis, peat, moss or a mixture thereof.

[0094] In a second aspect the present invention provides a moulded fiber based article, wherein the moulded fiber based article comprises

[0095] (i) cationic alpha-glucan, or

[0096] (ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, and optionally alkyl ketene dimer, or wherein the moulded fiber based article is produced with the method according to the present invention. In one embodiment the moulded fiber based article comprises alkyl ketene dimer.

[0097] In one embodiment amount of the cationic-alpha glucan of option (i) in the moulded fiber based article is 0.5 wt.%-10 wt.%, preferably 2 wt.%-8 wt.%, more preferably 4 wt.%-8 wt.%, even more preferably 5 wt.%-7 wt.%, based on the dry weight of the moulded fiber based article.

[0098] In one embodiment amount of the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan of option (ii) in the moulded fiber based article is 0.5 wt.%-10 wt.%, preferably 2 wt.%-8 wt.%, more preferably 4 wt.%-8 wt.%, even more preferably 5 wt.%-7 wt.%, based on the dry weight of the moulded fiber based article.

[0099] In one embodiment amount of the alkyl ketene dimer is 0.1- 8 wt.%, preferably 0.1- 4 wt.%, more preferably 0.1-1 wt.%, even more preferably 0.15-0.4 wt.%, based on dry weight of the moulded fiber based article.

[0100] In one embodiment the moulded fiber based article comprises pigment material.

[0101] In one embodiment the moulded fiber based article is thermoformed fiber based article, preferably hot pressed, hot pressed dried, heat pressed, heat compression moulded, hot compression moulded fiber based article or thermomoulded fiber based article.

[0102] In one embodiment amount of the fiber in the moulded fiber based article is 50 wt.%-99 wt.%, preferably 80 wt.%-97 wt.%, more preferably 90 wt.%-97 wt.%, based on dry weight of the moulded fiber based article.

[0103] In one embodiment amount of the pigment material in the moulded fiber based article is 0.01 wt.%-10 wt.%, preferably 0.5 wt.%-5 wt.%, based on dry weight of the moulded fiber based article.

[0104] In one embodiment the moulded fiber based article comprises a sizing chemical, fixative, retention aid, drainage aid, wet strength agent, dry strength agent or a mixture thereof.

[0105] In one embodiment amount of the a sizing chemical, fixative, retention aid, drainage aid, wet strength agent, dry strength agent or a mixture thereof in the moulded fiber based article is 0.01 wt.%-5 wt.%, preferably 0.1 wt.%-2.0 wt.%, based on dry weight of the moulded fiber based article. In one embodiment the moulded fiber based article comprises food packages, food service items, drink packages, drink service items, goods packages, goods service items, preferably food service and packaging items such as oven proof trays, microwave proof trays, clamshell boxes, other food boxes, soup cups, fresh meat and poultry trays, plates or cup lids.

[0106] In one embodiment the moulded fiber based article is produced with the method according to the present invention.

[0107] In a third aspect the present invention provides a use of cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, and in addition optionally alkylene ketene dimer for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article.

[0108] In one embodiment the alkyl ketene dimer is used in addition to the cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article.

[0109] In one embodiment pigment material is used in addition to the cationic alpha-glucan or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan and optional alkyl ketene dimer for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article.

[0110] In one embodiment a sizing chemical, fixative, retention aid, drainage aid, wet strength agent, dry strength agent or a mixture thereof is used in addition to the cationic alpha-glucan or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, optional alkyl ketene dimer and optional pigment material for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article.

[0111] EXAMPLES

[0112] Example 1 , option (i) according to the present invention

[0113] Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) 2 kg of active chemical per ton of dry end product, or AKD 2 kg of active component per ton of dry end product and cationic alpha-glucan (CAG) 40 kg per ton of dry fiber are introduced to the fiber stock in order as shown in Table 1 . Consistency of the fiber stock was adjusted to 0.2-0.3 %. After each introduction of a chemical to the fiber stock the fiber stock is mixed for 10 minutes. Example 2, option (ii) according to the present invention

[0114] The chemicals are introduced to the fiber stock in the order as shown in Table 2. Consistency of the fiber stock was adjusted to 0.2-0.3 %. In the Table 2, AKD denotes alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), CAG denotes cationic alpha-glucan and AG denotes anionic alphaglucan. The amount of the AKD was 2 kg of active chemical per ton of dry end product. Amount of the CAG was 40 kg per ton of dry fiber. The amount of AG was 20 kg per ton of dry fiber. After each introduction of a chemical to the fiber stock the fiber stock is mixed for 10 minutes.

[0115] Preparation of two-dimensional, 2D, article / sheet according to the present invention

[0116] After introducing the chemicals according to Example 1 or Example 2 to the fiber stock the fiber stock is vacuum formed to dryness of 20 - 30 % using dynamic drainage analyzer under 200 - 650 mBar vacuum against planar round shaped 10 cm in diameter, forming wire with 200 - 400 micron openings. Wet 2D article / sheet with grammage of 200 - 800 g / m2 as dry is hot press dried and thermoformed to 0.2 - 1 .2 mm thickness between 130- 200 °C metal plates until dryness of 94 - 99% is reached.

[0117] The 2D fiber moulded article may be hot pressed and / or thermoformed to a density of 0.5 g / cm3-1 .5 g / cm3, preferably 1 .0 - 1 .2 g / cm3 and thickness of 0.1 - 1 .2 mm, preferably 0.3 - 0.8 mm.

[0118] Preparation of three-dimensional, 3D, article according to the present invention

[0119] After introducing the chemicals to the fiber stock according to the Example 1 or Example 2 a 3D shaped forming wire with suction mould is dipped into the fiber stock and fiber stock material is drawn / formed against the 3D wire with 200 - 500 micron openings under up to 900 mBar vacuum. Formed 3D article is lifted up from the fiber stock and vacuum suction assisted drainage is continued until dryness of wet moulded 3D article is 33 % on average. Wet moulded 3D article is then transferred on to heated counter mould (130-200 °C) and hot press dried and thermoformed to 0.2 - 1 .2 mm thickness and final dryness of 90 - 96%.

[0120] The 3D article may be hot press dried and thermoformed to a wall thickness of 0.2 mm-1 .2 mm, such as 0.5 mm- 0.8 mm, length of 5 cm-50 cm, width of 5 cm-50 cm and depth of 2 cm-20 cm. Oil resistance test

[0121] Oil test was performed using the test method based on standard ASTM F119-82:2015.

[0122] Cobb test

[0123] Cobb test was performed using the test method based on standard ISO 535.

[0124] Results of the oil resistance test and Cobb test

[0125] Table 1 shows results of the oil resistance tests and Cobb tests of moulded fiber based article produced according to the option (i). As shown in the Table 1 , oil penetration time at 50 °C and Cobb were improved when cationic alpha-glucan was used with AKD.

[0126] Table 1.

[0127] Table 2 shows results of the oil resistance tests and Cobb tests of moulded fiber based article produced according to the option (ii). As shown in the Table 2, oil penetration time at 50 °C was improved when cationic alpha-glucan was used with AKD. The oil penetration time was further improved when a complex of cationic and anionic alpha-glucan was used with AKD.

[0128] Table 2.

[0129] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using equivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention. Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for producing a moulded fiber based article, the method comprising providing a fibre stock comprising cellulosic fibers; introducing to the fiber stock(i) cationic alpha-glucan; or(ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan; and moulding the fiber stock.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in option (i) the cationic alpha-glucan is cationic 1 ,3-alpha-glucan.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises introducing alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) to the fiber stock.

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD are introduced as a mixture to the fiber stock, or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and AKD are introduced as a mixture to the fiber stock.

5. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD are introduced separately but simultaneously to the fiber stock, or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and AKD are introduced separately but simultaneously to the fiber stock.

6. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the cationic alpha-glucan of option (i) and AKD are introduced sequentially to the fiber stock, or the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) and AKD are introduced sequentially to the fiber stock.

7. The method according to any of claims 1 -6, wherein dry amount of the cationic alphaglucan of option (i) is 25-75 kg, such as 25-40 kg, 45-55 kg or 60-75 kg per ton of dry fiber stock.

8. The method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein dry amount of the complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan of option (ii) 25-75 kg, such as 25-40 kg, 45-55 kg or 60-75 kg per ton of dry fiber stock.

9. The method according to any of claims 1-8, wherein dry amount of the alkyl ketene dimer is 0.1-40 kg, preferably 1-10 kg, more preferably 1.5-8 kg, even more preferably 1.5- 6 kg, yet even further preferably 1.5-4.5 kg per ton of dry fiber stock.

10. The method according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the fiber stock is formed to a sheet.

11. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the sheet is formed to a three- dimensional, 3D, article.

12. The method according to any of claims 1-11 , wherein the fiber stock is moulded to a three-dimensional, 3D, article.

13. The method according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the fiber stock is wet moulded and the wet moulded fiber stock is moulded to a three-dimensional, 3D, article14. The method according to any of claims 1-13, wherein the moulding comprises wet forming, wet moulding, vacuum forming, vacuum moulding, extrusion forming, extrusion moulding, thermoforming, dry moulding, hot pressing, hot press drying, hot moulding, heat pressing, heat moulding, thermomoulding or a combination thereof.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein pigment material is introduced to the fiber stock.

16. The method according to any of claims 1-15, wherein sizing chemical, fixative, drainage aid, wet strength agent or a mixture thereof is introduced to the fiber stock17. A moulded fiber based article, wherein the moulded fiber based article comprises(i) cationic alpha-glucan, or(ii) complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alpha-glucan, and optionally alkyl ketene dimer, or wherein the moulded fiber based article is produced with the method according to any of claims 1-16.

18. The moulded fiber based article according to claim 17, wherein the moulded fiber based article comprises food packages, food service items drink packages, goods packages, preferably oven proof trays, microwave proof trays, clamshell boxes, other food boxes, soup cups, fresh meat and poultry trays, plates or cup lids.

19. Use of cationic alpha-glucan or complex of cationic alpha-glucan and anionic alphaglucan, and in addition optionally alkylene ketene dimer for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article.

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