Date of Defense
4-15-2025
Date of Graduation
12-2025
Department
Chemical and Paper Engineering
First Advisor
Mert Atilhan
Second Advisor
James Springstead
Abstract
Researching alternatives for non-biodegradable materials is an important focus of the paper industry's initiative for sustainable manufacturing. Many oil and grease resistant packages utilize PFAS or other synthetic polymers as a cheap solution. To improve oil and grease resistant characteristics of paper-based packaging, starch-based coatings can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. The charge, molecular weight, and plant source are important starch properties that impact the effectiveness and application of the coating. The scope of this project is to identify the key starch properties impacting oil and grease resistance in coatings to economically scale starch coatings for industrial manufacturing in partnership with Ecolab to create a sustainable material which can reduce the use of harmful synthetic polymers.
Recommended Citation
Pastoriza, Andres, "Optimal Starch Properties for Improved Oil and Grease Resistant Coatings" (2025). Honors Theses. 3997.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3997
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Restricted