Synergistic enhancement of hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of cellulose paper by (3-glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxy and rosin.

Cellulose-based paper is inherently poor in hydrophobicity and mechanical strength, limiting its practical applications in daily life such as packaging materials, water-resistant labels, and disposable tableware. This study aimed to develop an effective and eco-friendly strategy to address these limitations by enhancing the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of cellulose paper. To achieve this, an internal sizing agent was prepared by combining (3-glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxy (GPS) with natural rosin. This sizing agent was applied to cellulose paper, and its effectiveness was evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the successful introduction of rosin and GPS into the cellulose fiber network, forming covalent bonds. The variation in the microstructure and surface elemental distribution of the sizing cellulose paper was further analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was conducted to evaluate the improved thermostability of the sizing cellulose paper. These structural improvements, including covalent bond formation and gap filling, contributed to the enhanced hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of the paper. This study provides a convenient and cost-effective approach to enhancing the functional properties of cellulose paper, offering new possibilities for its practical applications in eco-friendly packaging materials, disposable paper products, and high-performance paper-based packaging.