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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141045
Title: PAPER/POLYMERIZED VEGETABLE OIL COMPOSITES:BIODEGRADATION BEHAVIOR AND USE AS DEGRADABLE AGRICULTURAL MULCH FILM

Author
item Shogren, Randal
item HOCHMUTH, ROBERT - UNIV. FLORIDA
item ROUSSEAU, RANDALL - MEADWESTVACO CORP

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/29/2002
Publication Date: 3/23/2003
Citation: SHOGREN, R.L., HOCHMUTH, R.C., ROUSSEAU, R.J. PAPER/POLYMERIZED VEGETABLE OIL COMPOSITES:BIODEGRADATION BEHAVIOR AND USE AS DEGRADABLE AGRICULTURAL MULCH FILM. AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY ABSTRACTS. 2003. Abstract p. 57.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Kraft paper was coated with different types of vegetable oil-based polyesters in order to increase wet strength, decrease biodegradation rates and create an alternative to non-degradable polyethylene mulch films. Paper saturated with natural polyunsaturated oils and then oxidatively polymerized (Co catalyst) completely biodegraded to carbon dioxide and water in 3-4 months as determined by respirometry in topsoil at 30 degrees C. Weight loss data from test burial studies showed that degradation rates decreased as unsaturation of the native oil increased. Degradation rates were also decreased by adding preservatives/fungicides such as ZnO, Cu octoate or chlorothalonil to the oil although rather large amounts (greater than 4%) were required. Paper coated with polyesters formed by the reaction of epoxidized soybean oil with polycarboxylic acids were much slower to degrade than the oxidatively polymerized oils. Paper coated with natural soybean oil or linseed oil, cobalt octoate and carbon black were effective as black polyethylene film in controlling weeds and increasing watermelon yields during field trials over 3 spring seasons in Florida. Similar films having a heavier paper stock and added ZnO preservative were effective weed barriers for the first year's growth of poplar trees in Missouri. Portions of this work were conducted under CRADA 58-3K95-M-879 between USDA/ARS and MeadWestvaco Corporation.