Replacement of synthetic binders with nanofibrillated cellulose in board coating:Pilot scale studies

Nanofibrillated celluloses have been tested as substitutes for synthetic latex binders in board coating with pilot scale coating and printing trials. Partial replacement of latex with nanofibrillated cellulose increased viscosity of the coating colors especially at low shear rates but at higher shear rates the increase in viscosity was not so pronounced. The substitution of latex with NFC resulted in lower gloss and higher air permeance but mechanical properties and surface strength were practically unaffected. Print gloss decreased due to the addition of nanofibrillated cellulose