Protecting from Oxygen (and from other gases)

As mentioned in previous chapters, the benefits provided by innovation in the paper and board business are connected with the possible chemical modification of fibres, with coupling with other materials (composites), as well as with special surface treatments. Today paper and board can substitute polymers by virtue of their enhanced ability to act as barriers to gases, while displaying an active, antimicrobial, photocatalytic, etc. behaviour. The desired barrier effect is primarily against oxygen. Considerable interest was aroused in the past by substances like artificial or natural antioxidant additives, capable to act as a barrier to oxygen by preventing its action, as well as by solution…