Danupong Narapakdeesakul, Waranyou Sridach, and Thawien Wittaya

pp. 705 - 713

Abstract

This work describes the synthesis of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) lignin derivatives and their performance for
the production of linerboard coating. OPEFB lignin derivatives were synthesized by the reactions of OPEFB lignin and
soy bean oil with two proportions (OPEFB lignin: soy bean oil at 1:1 and 1:2). The formation of the derivatives was confirmed
by FTIR analysis. OPEFB lignin derivative-based coatings were produced by mixing of oxidized starch solution and 5% lignin
derivatives with the addition of 1% arabic gum (w/w of the derivatives) as the stabilizer. It was found that the OPEFB lignin
derivative-based coatings had low viscosity similar to commercial wax. OPEFB lignin derivative-coated linerboards had
a better (p<0.05) water resistance than the linerboard coated with commercial wax. However, an inverse trend was found for
the contact angle. The results showed that increasing the soy bean oil content for synthesizing did not affect the water
resistance of coated linerboards (p>0.05). The mechanical properties, including ring crush, tensile and bursting strength of
linerboards coated with OPEFB lignin derivatives and commercial wax were not different (p>0.05). The results point out that
the OPEFB lignin derivatives had a performance suitable for use as linerboard coating. It provided a better water resistance
of the coated linerboards, and was also more environmental friendly.