Plasma Coating Improved Cellulose Film Water Resistance
Researchers demonstrated a method to reduce water absorption in wood-pulp films, a step toward sustainable packaging.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Materials Science
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On September 8, 2026, researchers published findings in Applied Surface Science demonstrating that dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatments reduce liquid water absorption in cellulose nanofibril films to under 1%. This research-stage development aims to address the inherent moisture sensitivity of wood-derived materials.
Why it matters
Cellulose nanofibril films are sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, but they naturally attract water and suffer from poor moisture barrier performance. Improving their durability is essential for creating viable, eco-friendly food and product packaging.
The team achieved a reduction in liquid water absorption to below 1% using dielectric barrier discharge plasma to deposit organosilicon fragments on the film surface. Static-mode deposition and multilayer formation were used to tune the surface chemistry for improved moisture resistance.
The players
North Carolina State University
A public research university recognized for its extensive work in forestry, wood science, and sustainable materials.
Masaryk University
A public university based in the Czech Republic known for its research in plasma physics and surface engineering.
University of Quebec in Rimouski
A Canadian academic institution focusing on northern research and environmental engineering.
The details
Cellulose nanofibril films, which are materials derived from wood pulp, generally possess high moisture affinity that prevents them from functioning as effective barriers. By applying dielectric barrier discharge plasma—a method that uses ionized gas to alter surface characteristics without heating the bulk material—the researchers deposited organosilicon fragments, which are silicon-based organic compounds, to create a hydrophobic, or water-repellent, barrier on the film surfaces.
Timeline
September 8, 2026: The study was published in the journal Applied Surface Science.
The Tech Race
This development sits within the global push to replace petroleum-based plastics with bio-based alternatives derived from wood pulp. The research aims to overcome the traditional performance gap where cellulose-based films previously failed as effective moisture barriers.
This technology remains in the research stage and is not currently available for commercial packaging applications. Future scalability will depend on the team's ability to refine coating speeds and energy requirements to match the efficiency of existing plastic manufacturing processes.
The takeaway
This study demonstrates that plasma treatment can effectively modify the surface chemistry of cellulose films to repel water. Observers should monitor future updates regarding the energy efficiency and production speed of this treatment process to see if it reaches industrial scale.
Further reading
For broader context on current developments in bio-based materials, visit the Materials Science section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Renewable Carbon News.
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