Graphene Barrier Coating for Paper Packaging

Purpose and goal

The main goal was to develop a cohesive graphene film on paperboard with improved adhesion, electrical conductivity and barrier properties suitable for paper packaging applications. Altogether, this goal was fulfilled.

Expected results and effects

High concentration aqueous graphene dispersions were prepared. Graphene coated paperboards showed improved barrier properties compared to paperboards with coatings not containing graphene. The electrical conductivity was on par with graphene coated paperboard samples produced in previous investigations.

Planned approach and implementation

We took the following approach: a) characterization of several commercially available graphene grades and selection of a suitable starting material; b) development of stable high concentration aqueous dispersions of graphene, by optimizing the formulation and the dispersion process; c) production of graphene coating from dispersion on paperboard substrates; d) evaluation of the electrical- and barrier properties of the coatings. We believe our approach was successful, and our proof of concept - the coated paperboard - showed promising qualities for future development work.