Grantee Research Project Results
Planet-friendly and scalable approach towards 100% recyclable water- and oil-resistant paper
EPA Grant Number: SV840382Title: Planet-friendly and scalable approach towards 100% recyclable water- and oil-resistant paper
Investigators: Rabnawaz, Muhammad , Ganapathi, Anurag
Institution: Michigan State University
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Phase: II
Project Period: April 1, 2022 through March 31, 2024
Project Amount: $99,768
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2022) Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Awards , P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources
Description:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics are contaminating water, air, and soil and have consequently posed a threat to human and environmental health. PFAS are used in various packaging applications such as food wrappers and molded fiber containers because PFAS offers good water and oil resistance. However, PFAS are highly toxic, they persist in the environment, and also bioaccumulates. Microplastics stem from the degradation of plastics in the environment (particularly in oceans and waterbodies), where plastics are exposed to light, moisture, and mechanical abrasions. The plastic-coated paper substrate used in the packaging industry is a primary source of microplastics. Therefore, the aim of this project is to develop a PFAS-free and microplastics-free scalable approach to fabricate 100% recyclable water- and oil-resistant paper coatings.
Approach:
The aim of this Phase II project is to develop novel coating materials for paper substrates, thus providing an environmentally friendly and economically feasible approach to impart paper-based materials with oil and water resistance. First, water-borne coating solutions will be prepared from these novel coating materials. Paper substrates will be coated with these water-borne solutions and will subsequently be subjected to performance analysis such as water and oil resistance, gas/moisture barrier, and mechanical properties. The performance of coated paper will be compared with that of commercial benchmarks (e.g., coffee cups, disposable plates, and food containers). After use, the recyclability of the coated paper will be tested using standards protocols. To accomplish the desirable water and oil resistance, we will use a multi-pronged strategy involving chemical composition, surface chemistry, and processing techniques.
Expected Results:
This project will offer an inexpensive approach towards water and oil repellent coatings. The obtained coated paper will find a wide range of applications in the packaging industry such as food wrappers, disposable cups, molder fiber containers, and therefore, will offer an exciting alternative to conventional plastics, plastic-coated paper, and PFAS-coated fiber/paper. Thus, the phase II award will enable the researcher to develop effective solutions for the alarming environmental threat posed by the proliferation of PFAS and microplastics.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 2 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
PFAS, packaging, microplastics, drinking water, food wrappers
Progress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase I:
Functionalized Membranes for Removal of PFAS | 2021 Progress Report | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.