Biobased self‐healing thin film coatings based on poly(itaconic acid esters)

Paper used for packaging applications is often coated with thin polymer coatings to improve the properties, like printability and barrier properties, respectively. Today, these coatings are still often based on petroleum-based polymers. In this study, the fabrication of biobased thin film coatings is described. Poly(itaconic acid ester)s, which are prepared by emulsion polymerization, are used as water-based coatings for paper. The thermal properties of the polymers are tuned by the side chain of the monomers (diethyl itaconate vs. dibutyl itaconate). Different formulations based on the polymer emulsion and additives, like rheology modifiers, are prepared and their film formation is studied. The usage of a rheology modifier results in excellent film formation. These polymer coatings feature an additional function - they are capable of self-healing. The healing ability is studied in scratch healing tests, in which almost complete recovery can be observed after healing at 100 °C. Moreover, the restoration of optical properties/aesthetics is studied. In gloss measurements before and after damage as well as after a healing time the complete recovery of the gloss can be observed. Furthermore, the barrier properties against fat are studied.