Paper Coated with Polymerized Vegetable Oils for Use as Biodegradable Mulch

Technology Descripton:

The invention relates to a biodegradable, water resistant, agricultural mulch that is produced from paper and a cross-linked drying oil. These mulches are inexpensive to produce and are also water-resistant, mechanically stable, and highly effective as weed barriers. The reactivities of various drying oils permit the development of a broad spectrum of coating systems and coating properties. Polyethylene (PE) films are used extensively in agriculture as greenhouse covers, forage covers and agricultural mulch. PE films are ery difficult to recycle due to contamination with dirt and debris, as well as loss in mechanical properties from UV catalyzed oxidation. Many landfills reject mulch film because of pesticide residues. Thus, it must be treated as hazardous waste. A biodegradable mulch would have the dual advantages of avoiding costs of removal and disposal, as well as contributing humus to the soil.

Reference:

Please refer to Patent Number 6,312,826, which issued November 6, 2001.

Inventor:

Randal L. Shogren
Plant Polymer Research, NCAUR
1815 N. University Street
Peoria, Illinois 61604
(309) 681-6354 / Fax: (309) 681-6691