Lotus-like paper/paperboard packaging prepared with nano-modified overprint varnish

Paper/paperboard has great advantages over plastics as packaging material in terms of cost and sustainability. However, the application of paper/paperboard packaging is limited due to their inferior water resistance performance. Here we report a functional overprint varnish prepared with the aim to significantly abate the wettability of the printed packaging. The prominent water repellency of the varnish is rendered by its unique nano-structured morphology, a technology bio-mimicking lotus surface. The frost formation on the applied packaging is also inhibited. Moreover, the transparency and the application process of the varnish are retained. We expect such varnish has high potential for expanding the application field of paper/paperboard packaging, especially for uses requiring a strict standard of water resistance.

Graphical abstractAs the most consumption packaging material, the application of paper/paperboard largely confined due to the inferior water resistance performance. This paper provides a preparation method of a functional overprint varnish in aim to significantly abate the wettability of the printed packaging. The prominent water repellency of the varnish, as well as its inhibition of frost formation, is rendered by its unique nano-structrured bio-mimicking lotus-like morphology. Meanwhile the transparency and the application process of the varnish are well preserved.Download full-size imageHighlights► A lotus-like paper surface rendered by functional overprint varnish. ► Nano-structrured superhydrophobic surface with high transparency. ► Extremely water resistant property to the paper and paperboard packaging. ► The unique function of anti-fouling ► A strong ability to restrain and delay frost formation.