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Abstract
Instead of low-density polyethylene, the biopolymer, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), can coated on the cellulose substrate to form a water, oil, and grease resistant barrier. However, the polymer is hydrophobic and to disperse in water, various surfactants are required. Particle size can determine if the surfactant concentration and type properly coat each granule and thus stabilize them. PHA granules that have a greater percent of hydroxyhexanoate (C6) content originally had large aggregates displayed in their particle size distribution. The aggregates were indicative of particle instability, so the hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) and concentration were modified to find the most stable surfactant package. The tests concluded that high C6 content granules are stabilized at high HLB values and a concentration of 1% surfactant by polymer weight. Using these findings, the high C6 polymer was able to be included in dispersions without causing coating defects and improved heat sealability.