Water-stable cellulose fiber foam with antimicrobial properties for bio based low-density materials

New bio-based packaging materials are highly interesting for replacing conventional fossil based products for a more sustainable society. Waterstable cellulose fiber foams have been produced in a simple one-batch foam-forming process with drying under ambient conditions. The cellulose fiber foams have a low density (33–66 kg/m3) and can inhibit microbial growth; two highly valuable features for insulating packaging materials, especially in combination with stability in water. Cationic chitosan and/or polyvinylamine have been added during the foamforming process to give the foams water-stability and antimicrobial properties. The structural and mechanical properties of the cellulose fiber foa…