All Issue

2026 Vol.58, Issue 1 Preview Page

Original Paper

Influence of Sizing Treatment on the Hydrophobicity and Strength Properties of Cellulose-Based Paper Materials for Liquid Packaging
Liu Hao1
,
Guihua Yang2†
,
He Ming3‡
,
Wang Shaoguang4
,
Jiang Qimeng5§
,
Chenyue Yu1
,
Chen Jiachuan2
1State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Graduate Student
2State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Professor
3State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Associate Professor
4Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd., Senior Engineer
5State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Lecturer
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: ygh@qlu.edu.cn (Address: State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, China)
‡Co-Corresponding Author: E-mail: heming8916@qlu.edu.cn (Address: State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, China)
§Co-Corresponding Author: E-mail: qmj@qlu.edu.cn (Address: State Key Laboratory of Green Papermaking and Resource Recycling, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, China)
28 February 2026. pp. 43-53
PDF XML Citation
Abstract

The non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastic packaging materials have caused pollution to the human living environment. With the implementation of global plastic ban, the research of cellulose-based paper materials as alternative to plastic for liquid packaging have become a key focus. In this work the effects of sizing treatment on the hydrophobicity and strength of cellulose-based paper materials for liquid packaging was investigated. The sizing process parameters were optimized based on the strength properties, water absorption Cobb value and hydrophobicity contact angle of the cellulose-based paper materials after sizing treatment. The results indicated that the single alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) sizing exhibited optimal hydrophobic performance compared to the single rosin sizing. The cellulose-based paper materials obtained the enhancement of hydrophobicity when the AKD dosage was 1.5 wt% (based on oven-dry pulp fiber), with a minimum Cobb value of 21.9 g/m2 and a maximum contact angle of 118.6°. For the mixed sizing of rosin/AKD, a decrease of the mass ratio of rosin is beneficial to improve the hydrophobicity of the paper materials, and the optimal strength and hydrophobicity were achieved at mass ratio of rosin 30% : AKD 70% in the mixed sizing process, with a tensile strength of 7.62 KN/m, a bursting strength of 491.2 kPa, a tearing strength of 220 mN, a Cobb value of 20.0 g/m2 and a contact angle of 121.2°. Furthermore, the sequence of adding rosin and AKD in the mixed sizing process had no influence on the performance of the cellulose-based paper materials. It is expected that a theoretical reference for the development of high-performance cellulose-based liquid packaging materials will be provided.

Keywords
Cellulose-based materials
hydrophobicity
rosin
alkyl ketene dimer
sizing
References
1

Shenoy, R., Shetty, P., & Wagle, S. (2021). New eco-friendly coating formulations to improve strength and physical properties of recycled paper boards for sustainable packaging applications. Journal of Korea TAPPI, 53(3), 36-48.

10.7584/JKTAPPI.2021.06.53.3.36
2

Liu, S. N. (2024). Methods and strategies for reducing and restricting plastic use in takeout packaging under the new plastic restriction order. China Packaging, 44(11), 15-18.

10.3969/j.issn.1003-062X.2024.11.003
3

Liu, F. S. (2024). Hydrophobicity, gas barrier modification, and antibacterial preservation properties of polyvinyl alcohol-based food packaging films [Ph.D. dissertation, South China University of Technology].

4

Lee, J. M., Lee, Y. J., Son, Y. B., Kim, J. H., & Kim, H. J. (2022). Analysis of feasibility and reliability of the circulation screen test method for evaluation of recyclability of paper packaging materials. Journal of Korea TAPPI, 54(5), 66-77.

10.7584/JKTAPPI.2022.10.54.5.66
5

Fang, S. B., & Ryu, J. Y. (2022). The effect of calendering treatment on the friction coefficient of recycled linerboard from aseptic carton. Journal of Korea TAPPI, 54(6), 116-124.

10.7584/JKTAPPI.2022.12.54.6.116
6

Du, X. Y., Zhang, X., Hou, L. L., Zhang, H. J., Cheng, Y., Chen, L. H., Chen, X. M., & Mo, L. H. (2025). Research progress on the influence of cellulose coating on the barrier properties of paper-based food packaging materials. Transactions of China Pulp and Paper, 40(2), 88-102.

10.11981/j.issn.1000-6842.2025.02.88http://zgzzxb.ijournals.cn/zzxb/ch/reader/view_abstract.aspx?file_no=202502011&flag=1
7

Cheng, Z., Ning, M., Wen, X. H., Nong, X. M., Li, Y. T., Tan, X. Q., Xiao, N. Y., Zhong, L., Chen, Z. H., & Chen, Q. F. (2025). Applications status and development trend of paper-based packaging in food field. China Pulp & Paper, 44(7), 74-86.

10.11980/j.issn.0254-508X.2025.07.009
8

Tan, X. Y., Jing, Y. F., Chai, Y., Chen, C., & Jiang, L. (2025). Research status of construction and application of superhydrophobic cellulose paper-based functional materials. China Dyeing and Finishing, 51(6), 66-73.

10.3969/j.yinran.202504013https://yira.cbpt.cnki.net/WKD/WebPublication/paperDigest.aspx?paperID=a7da25f1-f45c-4512-813c-2cd7d08b85f3
9

Jo, H. M., Lee, Y. H., Kim, D. H., Lee, S. H., & Lee, J. Y. (2021). Hydrophobization of cationic cellulose nanofiber using rosin sizing agent. Journal of Korea TAPPI, 53(5), 90-96.

10.7584/JKTAPPI.2021.10.53.5.90
10

Ahuja, A., Samyn, P., & Rastogi, V. K. (2024). Paper bottles: Potential to replace conventional packaging for liquid products. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(13), 13779-13805.

10.1007/s13399-022-03642-3
11

Chen, H. Q., Jiang, B. H., & Cai, Z. Q. (2015). Preparation and properties of paper-plastic laminating adhesive used for medical packaging materials. Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 26(9), 1065-1069.

10.1002/pat.3533
12

Xu, H. X. (2023). Analysis of factors affecting bleached sulfate softwood pulpboard PFI refining method. Papermaking Equipment and Materials, 52(1), 4-7.

10.3969/j.issn.1672-3066.2023.01.002https://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/periodical/CiBQZXJpb2RpY2FsQ0hJU29scjkyMDI2MDMwNjE2NTI1NxIOaHVuenoyMDIzMDEwMDIaCHh4eThuaGph
13

Choi, Y.-H., & Shin, S.-J. (2024). Use of quaternary amine pretreatment cellulose nanofibers as rosin retaining agent. Journal of Korea TAPPI, 56(4), 28-35.

10.7584/JKTAPPI.2024.8.56.4.28
14

Shen, Z. H., Kwon, S., Oh, K., Abhari, A. R., & Lee, H. L. (2019). Facile fabrication of hydrophobic cellulosic paper with good barrier properties via PVA/AKD dispersion coating. Nordic Pulp & Paper Research Journal, 34(4), 516-524.

10.1515/npprj-2019-0040
15

Kim, D. H., Jo, H. M., Lee, S. H., & Lee, J. Y. (2022). Evaluation of hydrophobicization of cationic cellulose nanofibers depending on the type of rosin sizing agents. Journal of Korea TAPPI, 54(2), 51-57.

10.7584/JKTAPPI.2022.04.54.2.51
16

Cai, Q. H. (2007). Research status of paper sizing agents. International Papermaking.

17

Huang, X. (2024). “Paper replacing plastic” drives new demand as paper companies accelerate specialty paper capacity expansion. Securities Times.

18

Zhou, P. Y., Jing, Y., & Fang, G. G. (2024). Analysis of the morphology and properties of fiber cells and fine components of wheat straw chemo-mechanical pulp. Transactions of China Pulp and Paper, 39(S1), 1-6.

https://oversea.cnki.net/kcms2/article/abstract?v=MXvIvFkaDQx-8fiSQct0m2ps6m1yAIP4V7UefxZW6OjWJYSRgsNmFb2fUcAGu3cNVf61x5CMAuSgH0DkpZRyP6YXwbDdFPXlWvMYoCpBPQKBSpzfn9wPe7Voxe3cP2GUEqlCToPbHIYWCZi890XhRiNyKHv7C8s4qmSqtQXTAxJlotI4mlkFhw==&uniplatform=OVERSEA
19

Tan, X. S. (2011). Preparation and application of cationic dispersed rosin resin [Master’s thesis, South China University of Technology].

20

Zhang, Z. J., Zhou, D., & Dong, R. Y. (2005). Fracture toughness of paper. Southwest Pulp and Paper, 34(5), 45-47.

https://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/periodical/CiBQZXJpb2RpY2FsQ0hJU29scjkyMDI2MDIwMjE0MTYxMhINeG56ejIwMDUwNTAxORoIYm9pYjIzYWk%3D
21

Hu, X. G., Jiang, H., Li, S. Y., & Zhu, W. (2024). Analysis and research on express packaging paper boxes based on durability. Labor Praxis, 2(1), 22-25.

https://www.jgcm.ac.cn/syyfx/en/article/id/b22060db-a0c0-434c-ae4b-6e2f9b46df48?viewType=citedby-info
22

Nair, R. R., Hyun, J. H., Kim, J., Jung, K. O., & Kim, D. (2025). Recent progress in the development of cellulose-derived organic-nanopolymer and coordination network platforms for application as optical chemosensors. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, 8, 30.

10.1007/s42114-024-01078-z
23

Jiang, S., & Yang, W. (2018). The ultimate instrument for testing paper absorbency—The automatic Cobb value tester. Papermaking Equipment and Materials, 47(4), 12-14.

10.3969/j.issn.1672-3066.2018.04.004
24

Pak, H., & Kim, J. H. (2023). Static and dynamic contact angle measurements using a custom-made contact angle goniometer. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 37(8), 4117-4124.

10.1007/s12206-023-0728-7
Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 58
  • No :1
  • Pages :43-53
  • Received Date : 2025-12-09
  • Revised Date : 2026-02-02
  • Accepted Date : 2026-02-02
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2026.2.58.1.43
Journal Informaiton Journal of Korea TAPPI Journal of Korea TAPPI
Online Submission
  • scopus
  • NRF
  • KOFST
  • crossref crossmark
  • crossref cited-by
  • crosscheck
  • orcid
Journal Informaiton Journal Informaiton - close