Barrier and mechanical properties of biodegradable paper bilayer-coated with plasticized starch and zein

Herein we report the development of bilayer-coated-paper with corn starch as the bottom layer and zein protein as the top layer. Two different methods were used for preparation of the coated paper, namely rod-coating and dip-coating techniques. The effect of the coating methods was studied by investigating the mechanical and barrier properties of the coated paper. A significant decrease of the water vapor and oxygen transmission rates at various temperatures and relative humidity conditions was observed. Considering the growing need for renewable and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, the coated paper described herein may have strong potential for applications in the food packaging sector.