MULTI-COMPONENT SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING A MATERIAL

Description

Background of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-component system for producing a material, in particular a coating material for preferably biomass, comprising a component A and a component B arranged separately therefrom to inhibit the reaction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a material produced by means of such a multi-component system and a method for producing such a material, in particular a coating material for preferably biomass.

[0002] Biomass is defined as organic mass or matter that occurs naturally. Biomass includes biomass of plant or animal origin that can be used for energy production and from which biogas is produced through microbial decomposition in biogas plants. Furthermore, biomass includes, in particular, fodder plants such as corn and grass, which are stored as livestock feed in the form of silage. Both the silage and the biomass used in biogas plants are stored outdoors in silos for a period of several months. The exclusion of atmospheric oxygen is important to allow natural lactic acid fermentation to take place, thus preserving the biomass.

[0003] Traditionally, the biomass is covered with polyethylene (PE) plastic film, arranged in several layers on top of each other and weighted down with sandbags and tires. This type of covering is largely done manually, is very labor-intensive, and even dangerous, especially in tall silos. Furthermore, in very large biomass storage facilities that are wider than the film, the films must be overlapped. It is difficult to prevent air from entering these overlapping areas. Due to structural change in agriculture, there will be an increasing number of such large biomass storage facilities in the future.

[0004] Another problem with conventional covering is that several million square meters of plastic or plastic film, and thus fossil fuels, are consumed each year. After use, the plastic film is contaminated with biomass residues and can only be recycled with extensive cleaning efforts. Instead, the films are burned in waste incineration plants, producing climate-damaging carbon dioxide. Illegal dumping is often preferred. When stored outdoors for extended periods, the films decompose under the influence of UV light, forming problematic microplastics. Even in the field of open-air fruit and vegetable cultivation, large areas of land are covered with PE mulch film as biomass to accelerate harvests or suppress weeds.

[0005] For environmental reasons, fossil fuels should be conserved and plastic avoided in these and other areas. This is becoming increasingly important and is pursued in many climate policy and social goals.

[0006] DE 10 2004 024 635 A1 discloses molded articles based on cross-linked gelatin and a process for producing such molded articles. An aqueous gelatin solution is prepared, the dissolved gelatin is partially cross-linked, the molded article is produced starting from the gelatin solution containing the partially cross-linked gelatin, and the gelatin contained in the molded article is then cross-linked. Aldehydes and / or dialdehydes, among others, are used as cross-linking agents for cross-linking. Furthermore, the molded article additionally contains a plasticizer, such as glycerin, oligoglycerols, oligoglycols, and sorbitol.

[0007] From the final report of the research project "Multifunctional, sprayable, and biodegradable films based on renewable raw materials in agricultural and horticultural crop production," FKZ 22010307 (07NR103). Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Center for Environmental Sciences UZU. Halle, March 2012. URL: https: / / www.fnr-server.de / ftp / pdf / berichte / 22010307.pdf [accessed on February 8, 2021], it is known that gelatin can be used to produce a sprayable mulch film. For this purpose, the gelatin is dissolved in water and cross-linked with glyoxal or glycoaldehyde. Glycerin is also used as a plasticizer.

[0008] EP 0 960 922 A1 discloses a process for producing a protein coating by crosslinking protein-containing material in water with a crosslinker and applying the crosslinked material to a solid. The protein coating serves as a temporary protective layer for solids, such as cars. The protein coating is water-resistant for a certain period of time and can be easily removed by water treatment if necessary. Gelatin can be selected from a range of possible protein-containing materials. A plasticizer is also added to the reaction mixture. Underlying task

[0009] The invention is based on the object of creating a material and providing a corresponding method for producing such a material that can avoid the use of plastic in many areas. In particular, the material is intended to serve as a coating or covering material, preferably for biomass, and for a wide range of other applications. Inventive solution

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention with a multi-component system for producing a material, in particular a coating material for preferably biomass, with a component A and a component B arranged separately therefrom in a reaction-inhibiting manner, according to claim 1. Component A comprises gelatin, water and an elasticizer and / or plasticizer, and component B comprises a crosslinker, wherein the gelatin and the crosslinker are adapted to form a covalent crosslink when the reaction-inhibiting separation is eliminated.

[0011] Furthermore, the object is achieved with a material produced by means of such a multi-component system in which component A and component B are mixed together.

[0012] According to the invention, the gelatin of component A is a first reactive component and the crosslinker of component B is a second reactive component. Within this two-component reactive system, the two reactive components react chemically with each other when, in particular as soon as, their reaction-inhibiting separation is eliminated. For this purpose, the gelatin and the crosslinker have functional groups that react chemically with each other, thus forming a covalent crosslink between the molecules of the gelatin and the crosslinker. This makes it possible to produce a polymer material that is surprisingly stable. Furthermore, the polymer or material is based on gelatin, a natural raw material, and is therefore biodegradable. This means that fossil raw materials can be saved and plastic avoided. The polymer forms the material according to the invention, which is suitable for many areas of application.Surprisingly, it has been shown that the material produced in this way, thanks to its structure of covalent bonds, is chemically, physically, and biologically so stable that premature biodegradation is prevented, but later degradation is still possible. Components A and B form a network through chemical cross-linking that positively influences the chemical, physical, and biological stability of the resulting material to such an extent that proteolysis is reduced. Thus, the material is very stable for a certain period of time and is subsequently biodegraded. In terms of its mechanical properties, the material is stable, deformable within a certain range, and, in particular, even elastically deformable.

[0013] Gelatin, as the first reactive component or main reactive component of component A, is known to be derived from collagen. Thus, gelatin as its main component comprises denatured or hydrolyzed collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein made up of linearly linked individual amino acids. Gelatin and collagen do not differ from one another in terms of their amino acid sequence. The functional groups within the amino acid sequence are mainly amino groups and carboxylic acid groups. The polymer is thus formed by covalent crosslinking of the functional collagen groups of the gelatin with component B. According to the invention, gelatin with a Bloom value of 50 to 400 Bloom, particularly preferably 120 to 330 Bloom, is preferably used. The Bloom value is a key figure used to describe the gelling power of gelatin. The higher the Bloom value, the higher the gelling power.

[0014] Another component of Component A is water, which is preferably sterile. After mixing with water, the gelatin within Component A is present as an aqueous solution or suspension. This increases the reactivity of the gelatin, which has proven beneficial for the crosslinking reaction.

[0015] Another component A is an elasticizer and / or plasticizer. An elasticizer and / or plasticizer is an agent that imparts a certain degree of elasticity and / or plasticity to the polymer formed during crosslinking. It has been found that an agent that is suitable for this purpose is one whose molecular structure is adapted to form van der Waals bonds, hydrogen bonds, and also covalent bonds with the gelatin and / or the crosslinker. The elasticizer and / or plasticizer is therefore incorporated to a certain extent into the network structure of the material. In particular, the elasticizer and / or plasticizer is selected such that the crosslinking reaction between the gelatin and the crosslinker proceeds more quickly than any covalent crosslinking of the elasticizer and / or plasticizer.It has been found that elasticizers and / or plasticizers with functional hydroxy groups are particularly well suited for this purpose. This creates a material that is elastic and / or plastic, but also easily tearable, similar to the consistency of a pizza base. Such mechanical properties offer a particular advantage, especially when the material is used as a covering material for biomass. In this case, the silage covering material can be easily removed mechanically along with the silage when the silage is removed and shredded when mixed with the silage without sticking together.

[0016] Component B contains the crosslinker or hardener, which has at least one functional group capable of covalent crosslinking with the functional collagen groups of the gelatin. Various mono- or polyfunctional crosslinkers are suitable for this purpose. Criteria for selecting the crosslinker are water solubility, reactivity, mixing ratio, and hazardous substance labeling. The crosslinker is preferably provided in an aqueous solution. This means that both components A and B are in aqueous solution, and good miscibility of the reactive components is achieved. A particularly uniform reaction across all components present in aqueous solution is ensured. To further improve this, component B is particularly preferably provided in a diluted aqueous solution.

[0017] Using the multi-component system, the material can be produced on-site and when needed by mixing components A and B. For this purpose, components A and B are only mixed together shortly before use. Immediately after or during mixing, the material is applied to a suitable substrate or introduced into a suitable mold. After the gelatine and the crosslinker, and in particular the elasticizer or plasticizer with the crosslinker, crosslinking occurs, the hardened and thus finished material is formed. The reaction time for components A and B is in the range of seconds to minutes. This means a short waiting time is achieved until hardening, in particular film formation, occurs. At the same time, the reaction time is within a range in which the mixed and still moldable components A and B can be processed until the mixture hardens.The curing or crosslinking rate can be controlled by the amount and type of crosslinker. The crosslinking rate determines the processing time within which the mixture of components A and B can be molded until it is cured. The required processing time depends on the specific application.

[0018] This creates a material that is suitable for many applications and offers a replacement for plastic. The material's property profile can be adapted and varied accordingly depending on the application. Adaptation options include the type of elasticizer and / or plasticizer, the type of crosslinker, the mixing ratio of the respective components A and B, and the mixing ratio of component A to component B. The mixing ratio can therefore be varied within a wide range depending on requirements. More crosslinker leads to a more strongly crosslinked, mechanically, chemically, and biologically stable product. Less crosslinker reduces the property profile accordingly. For temporary applications with correspondingly reduced requirements and properties, component B can also be omitted.

[0019] It has been found that the material produced using the multi-component system according to the invention is stable enough to withstand weather influences such as wind, rain, sun, and the associated influence of UV light. Furthermore, the material prevents the ingress of atmospheric oxygen. This makes the material advantageous as a coating material for biomass, particularly a silage cover. It has also been shown that the material is stable enough as a silage coating to prevent the ingress of atmospheric oxygen until the anaerobic process of lactic acid fermentation is complete. Even after this time, the silage is reliably protected by the material against external influences such as rain or sun. The biological degradation process of the material only begins later, after several months.

[0020] An additional advantage is that the silage cover material can be removed from the silo system together with the silage using a silo removal device. The material can also be fed to livestock along with the silage or fed into the biogas plant for biogas production. This saves time and labor. Conventional uncovering of the silo by manually removing the plastic film from the silage in sections is no longer necessary. Furthermore, the protein content of the gelatin-based material allows for energy recovery both during feeding and in the biogas plant. This makes the material suitable as animal feed with a high physiological calorific value. The amino acids it contains are a valuable feed additive. Furthermore, herbs such as ginger, peppermint, and / or other minerals are preferably added to the multi-component system to increase its attractiveness as animal feed.

[0021] Thus, the invention is preferably also directed to a coating material produced using the multi-component system according to the invention. Biomass, in particular silage, is particularly preferably coated or covered with the coating material. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of such a material for coating biomass. Biomass is preferably understood to mean silage used as animal feed and / or as a biogas substrate. In addition to maize and grass silage, other energy crops are also to be covered. Such energy crops are preferably sugar beets and cereals, such as wheat, rye, and barley.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the biomass is preferably soil and / or a plant substrate to be covered with the coating material according to the invention. The coating material is thus used as a replacement for mulch film and / or substrate film. This increases the soil temperature, suppresses and destroys weeds, and / or prevents soil erosion. Soil, sand, loose rock, or a subsoil in general is thus protected against erosion and weathering. Furthermore, the material exerts a barrier effect such that moisture is retained in the soil and plant substrate, thus protecting the soil and plant substrate from liquid loss. Thus, moisture is stored in the soil. Evaporation that would otherwise occur is reduced. In the simplest case, the material serves as a barrier to retain water in the soil. Furthermore, the material serves as a water reservoir, particularly in drier conditions.Furthermore, depending on the application and method of use, external moisture can also be kept away from the soil and planting substrate. In addition, a fertilizing effect is achieved through the then decomposing covering material. Fixing other mulch material such as straw, bark mulch, wood, etc. using the covering material is also a preferred application. Furthermore, it is preferably to protect seeds from being blown away or washed away. To do this, the material is either applied to the seeds that have already been sown or the seeds are sown together with the material. With this type of matrix-bound application, the seeds are fixed by the material as a matrix and protected against wind displacement and erosion, particularly on sloping banks. This allows surfaces, beds and fields to be planted or greened more evenly, especially on sloping banks or slopes.

[0023] Furthermore, the biomass is preferably a seed. Thus, the material produced with the multi-component system is preferably a coating material for seeds, with which the seeds are coated or enclosed. Thus, the invention is preferably also directed to a coating material for seeds produced by means of the described multi-component system. Furthermore, the invention is preferably also directed to the use of such a material for coating seeds. For this purpose, the seeds are introduced into the resulting mass during or after mixing the two components A and B and mixed therewith. The material produced during curing serves as a plant substrate or germination matrix for plant seeds. As a matrix, the material provides a water reservoir. Particularly preferably, the material is additionally admixed with at least one active ingredient. The active ingredient is preferably a fertilizer and / or a plant protection agent.The fertilizer in the matrix provides a reservoir of fertilizer that is released in measured doses over a specific period of time when the matrix decomposes. Accordingly, the plant protection product enables targeted seed protection directly at the seed and a measured release when the matrix decomposes. This material, based on natural raw materials, thus offers an alternative to seed dressing.

[0024] Furthermore, the biomass is preferably a harvested crop, such as sugar beets or potatoes, which are covered with the covering material, especially temporarily. Straw and hay bales stored outdoors should also preferably be covered with the covering material. Furthermore, the biomass is preferably a root system, which is covered with the material, especially for transport protection. Plant roots, such as tree and shrub rhizomes, are thereby protected from damage and drying out.

[0025] Furthermore, an object is preferably to be coated with the coating material. The invention is thus also directed to the use of such a material for coating an object. The object is particularly preferably an object whose surface is to be protected, in particular temporarily, by means of the material. The surface is preferably a sensitive surface. To protect the associated surface, the material forms a protective layer or protective film for various objects, such as devices, building products, furniture, and motor vehicles. The surfaces are protected from dirt, damage, water, heat, and light. Painted surfaces, in particular, can be particularly well protected from scratches in this way. The material is particularly preferably a temporary transport protection layer.Especially with new passenger cars, it's common practice to cover these vehicles with a plastic transport protection film on their way from the manufacturer to the dealer. Using the material according to the invention as a transport protection layer can thus further prevent large amounts of plastic.

[0026] The article is further preferably a boat hull, which is to be coated, in particular painted, with the coating material as a biological protective layer. A boat protective layer created in this way prevents harmful effects on bodies of water and their organisms. Preferably, the coating material is generally a biological coating, which is characterized by its moisture and temperature regulating properties, its temporary nature, and its biological basis. Particularly preferably, the coating material is used in a manner similar to a gelcoat. The coating material has the advantage of being formed from natural raw materials and ultimately being biodegradable.

[0027] In addition, a fabric is preferably to be covered with the coating material. The fabric is particularly preferably human and / or animal tissue. In particular, the fabric to be coated with the material is skin tissue. The material is particularly suitable for direct wound application to the skin in the case of skin wounds, such as burns in particular. The invention is therefore preferably also directed to a coating material for a fabric that is produced using the described multi-component system. Such material is in particular a wound dressing material for fabric. For this purpose, the material is applied directly to the skin and / or wound during or after mixing the two components A and B, or is first applied to a carrier substrate. The carrier substrate is preferably a textile fabric. The cured material is then removed from the carrier substrate and applied to the skin and / or wound.Thanks to its gelatin- and thus collagen-based basic structure, the coating material is very similar in composition to skin and is well tolerated by the skin. This makes the material suitable for use as artificial skin, wound closure, or as a plaster. It can even adhere to the skin in the case of burns.

[0028] Furthermore, the material produced with the multi-component system according to the invention is suitable for producing biodegradable or compostable objects. The invention is therefore also directed to a corresponding use of such a material. The biodegradable object is preferably a container, in particular a disposable container, such as a bowl or a flowerpot. With a biodegradable flowerpot made from the material produced according to the invention, large quantities of plastic can be avoided, which would otherwise be generated each year in commercial horticulture for plastic flowerpots used for growing plants. The biodegradable object is particularly preferably a toy, particularly in pig farming. This can prevent harmful microplastics from entering the organism when conventionally used plastic toys are chewed.

[0029] In an advantageous development of the invention, the crosslinker is formed with at least one aldehyde, preferably with a polyvalent aldehyde, more preferably with a divalent aldehyde, and most preferably with glutaraldehyde. The aldehyde provides an aldehyde group as a functional group for crosslinking. The aldehyde group has proven particularly reactive with regard to crosslinking with the functional collagen groups, in particular with the amino groups of gelatin. Thus, when components A and B are mixed, a covalent network between gelatin and the aldehyde is created correspondingly quickly.

[0030] Component B preferably contains one aldehyde, and depending on requirements, several different aldehydes are also preferred. A monovalent aldehyde, in particular formaldehyde, is suitable as a crosslinker. The crosslinker preferably comprises a polyvalent aldehyde which has more than one aldehyde group as a functional group. This means that crosslinking reactions take place in several directions using just one molecule, corresponding to the aldehyde groups. Less crosslinker is required to obtain a strongly crosslinked polymer. The crosslinker is particularly preferably designed with a divalent aldehyde, with which crosslinking reactions take place in two directions. The crosslinker is very particularly preferably designed with glutaraldehyde or 1,5-pentanedial. In particular, the crosslinker consists of glutaraldehyde. Surprisingly, glutaraldehyde is particularly suitable, even though glutaraldehyde is classified as a hazardous substance.Glutaraldehyde is classified as toxic, hazardous to health and water, and acts as a disinfectant. It is therefore surprising that glutaraldehyde is used to produce a biodegradable and feed-grade material. Surprisingly, it has been found that very little glutaraldehyde is sufficient to achieve effective crosslinking. Thus, all the glutaraldehyde used is consumed and covalently incorporated into the network structure of the produced material. A harmful effect of glutaraldehyde is avoided. Furthermore, using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker allows for an optimal reaction rate between components A and B. The reaction rate is in the range of minutes.This allows sufficient time, after mixing components A and B, to form the resulting viscous, particularly viscous, mass into a desired shape and / or to apply it to a desired surface, such as skin tissue, biomass, or an object. After such shaping or application, the mass cures rapidly at the achieved reaction or crosslinking rate, in the range of minutes.

[0031] In particular, glutaraldehyde is used as a 50 percent glutaraldehyde solution in water. A proportion of the 50 percent glutaraldehyde solution, based on the weight of the multi-component system, of preferably 0.05 to 0.50 percent by weight (wt.%), particularly preferably 0.10 to 0.40 wt.%, and most preferably 0.14 to 0.28 wt.% is advantageous, particularly with regard to its reaction time. For example, with a proportion of 0.21 wt.%, curing was achieved within three minutes. The 50 percent glutaraldehyde solution is preferably diluted to 25%, particularly preferably diluted to 12.5%, and most preferably diluted to 6.25%. With increasing dilution, better mixing could be achieved even when adding component B to component A. A crosslinking reaction of the components at a single point of addition, with the formation of lumps, which would otherwise be observed, is avoided.If other crosslinkers are used, it is preferred if these crosslinkers have similar properties to glutaraldehyde, particularly with regard to water solubility, reactivity, mixing ratio and hazardous substance labelling.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the invention, in the multi-component system and the material, the elasticizer and / or plasticizer is selected from a group comprising alcohols, in particular polyhydric alcohols, longer-chain alcohols, unsaturated alcohols, cyclic alcohols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, carboxylic acid esters, phospholipids or a combination thereof.

[0033] An alcohol used as an elasticizer and / or plasticizer contains hydroxyl groups to which the elasticizer and / or plasticizer is to be crosslinked. Polyhydric alcohols, in particular, contain multiple hydroxyl groups per molecule, resulting in particularly strong crosslinking. Glycol is preferred as polyhydric alcohols, particularly preferred are sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, and most particularly preferred is glycerol. Sorbitol and / or glycerol, in particular, use their water-binding properties to create a material that preferably serves as a water reservoir and humectant. Polyhydric alcohols with 3 to 6 carbon atoms have proven advantageous for this purpose.

[0034] The term "longer-chain alcohols" refers in particular to aliphatic alcohols with 3 to 24, preferably 6 to 20, and particularly preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms. Longer-chain alcohols therefore have the advantage that the elastic / plastic properties of the material produced with the multi-component system can be varied depending on the chain length. The shorter the chain length, the more plastic the material. The longer the chain length, the more elastic the material. These properties can also be controlled by the amount and type of crosslinker. A high amount of crosslinker results in a more elastic material, whereas a low amount of crosslinker results in a more plastic material. Depending on the application, polymeric alcohols, such as polyethylene glycol, are also preferred. Ascorbic acid is the preferred cyclic and simultaneously unsaturated alcohol.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous to select the elasticizer and / or plasticizer from the subgroup of terpenes. Terpenes occur naturally as secondary constituents in organisms. Terpenes, or monoterpenes, are a dimer of isoprene. Terpenes include alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, and ketones with their corresponding functional groups. Terpene alcohols are preferably selected, particularly preferably a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol, such as menthol. Among the sesqui-, di-, tri-, and tetraterpenes, carotenoids are the preferred tetraterpenes.

[0036] Within the subgroup of carboxylic acid esters, stearates, fats, and oils are preferred, particularly palm oil and especially coconut oil or coconut fat, which is solid at room temperature. Such oils and fats are highly hydrophobic. Materials made with them have proven particularly durable. Phospholipids, particularly lecithins, are used as elasticizers. Phospholipids also act as emulsifiers. Carboxylic acids, especially longer-chain carboxylic acids, such as fatty acids, are also suitable as elasticizers and / or plasticizers, as are polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate.

[0037] Overall, it was found that cross-linking is crucial for the durability and longevity of the material, but that durability is also influenced by the chain length of the elasticizer. The longer the chain of carbon atoms in the elasticizer, i.e., the more hydrophobic the elasticizer, the more durable the material made from the multi-component system.

[0038] Particularly preferred as elasticizers and / or plasticizers are compounds of natural origin, such as glycerin, coconut oil, and / or menthol. Such natural compounds create a material that is biodegradable and harmless to health. If used as a coating for biomass, the material can even be fed to livestock in cattle farms and to bacteria in biogas plants, along with the biomass.

[0039] Furthermore, in the multi-component system and material according to the invention, the water of component A advantageously has a water content of approximately 30 to 97 wt. %, preferably approximately 40 to 60 wt. %, particularly preferably approximately 50 wt. %, based on the weight of the multi-component system. It has been shown that, despite such a high water content, in conjunction with the crosslinker of component B, a surprisingly stable material is produced. The high water content in component A contributes to the initial good mixing of the constituents of component A. During subsequent mixing of the two components A and B, component B, which is preferably present in aqueous solution, is mixed well and thus evenly distributed with component A. The high water content also initially produces a liquid to viscous mass.This allows for easy processing in liquid form immediately after mixing, and for transfer into the desired shape or onto the desired surface or substrate. Thanks to the crosslinker's excellent reactivity, the viscosity increases shortly after mixing and application, resulting in a stable compound that won't sag, for example, on sloped surfaces.

[0040] Such a liquid to viscous and relatively fast-curing mass has the advantage that it can also be applied to the substrate in liquid form. The mass is preferably sprayed or squirted, which can be accomplished easily and mechanically using a sprayer or spraying machine. This makes it possible to cover even large areas, particularly large biomass silo systems, mechanically using liquid application. The liquid-applied mass then hardens so quickly that it does not run off, for example, on curved surfaces. Even high, curved surfaces can be easily covered, especially for biomass or silage coverings. Furthermore, the liquid mass can be easily sprayed or squirted onto the soil, particularly on sloping banks or slopes to reduce erosion.In addition, seeds are preferably mixed into the liquid mixture, which can be applied to sloping surfaces together with the liquid mixture. This makes sloping surfaces, for example along highways, much easier to green than before. Furthermore, the liquid and fast-curing mixture can be easily sprayed onto the surfaces of objects of various shapes, including their sides. A fast-curing coating forms that does not run. Such a coating is preferably used as a temporary protective film and can therefore replace other plastic films. The aforementioned water content allows for a comparatively thin application similar to a film, which saves material and is sufficient depending on the application.

[0041] The mixing ratio between components A and B by volume is advantageously between approximately 10:1 and 20,000:1, preferably between approximately 200:1 and 1,500:1, particularly preferably between approximately 700:1. It is assumed that the two components A and B have a density ratio of 1:1. With such a mixing ratio, there is a high proportion of component A in relation to a small proportion of component B, which comprises the crosslinker as a reactive crosslinker. This means that, to the advantage of the user, only a small amount of the more reactive crosslinker needs to be handled. In addition, this mixing ratio achieves the shortest possible reaction time of just minutes until a stable mass is formed, which at the same time offers sufficient processing time. The amount of crosslinker allows the processing time or reaction time to be controlled.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the invention, component A advantageously comprises, as a further constituent, at least one preservative and / or protective agent, preferably for preserving and / or protecting the material produced by means of the multi-component system. This ensures sufficiently high long-term stability of the produced material. Premature decomposition or premature, undesirable deterioration by organisms and microorganisms is prevented. In particular, the preservative and / or protective agent is selected from a group comprising sodium chloride, benzoates, sodium sulfite, sulfur, ascorbic acid, borax, urea, or a combination thereof. It has been found that sodium chloride and / or sulfur in the produced material are particularly effective against snail damage.At the same time, the material produced is nutritionally particularly valuable for farm animals, to which the material can then be fed together with silage.

[0043] Benzoates, as salts of benzoic acid, preferably sodium benzoate, are particularly effective against the spread of fungi and bacteria in and on the manufactured material. Benzoate or benzoic acid is also used, in particular, as a coating material for silage, which is used as a feed supplement in cattle farming. This can have a positive effect on animal health and fattening performance. Furthermore, emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxide in manure are reduced. Sodium sulfite also acts as a preservative and antioxidant in the manufactured material. Furthermore, ascorbic acid and vitamin C, in particular, have both antioxidant and nutritionally valuable effects. Borax is used to produce a material that is particularly effective against mold and insects and can also be fed to animals.Using urea as a preservative not only provides the material with a bactericidal effect, but also, due to its water-binding properties, creates a material that can bind water particularly well and extensively. At the same time, urea serves as a nitrogen source for the formation of proteins in the diet of ruminants in cattle farming. The material is preferably used as a coating material for silage and is fed to animals. Urea is also used as a preservative that simultaneously serves as a fertilizer and acid buffer. This makes the material a preferred material for use as a coating material for soil or seeds.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the invention, component A advantageously comprises at least one filler as a further constituent, in particular at least one functional filler. A filler is understood to be a substance with which the remaining components of component A or the material produced therefrom are filled or topped up. The components of components A and B that form a matrix are thus supplemented with the filler to a desired volume or mass. The material produced therefrom is thus strengthened in its consistency and acquires a greater density. This creates a material that is sufficiently heavy to lie stably on and against a substrate to be coated or covered as a coating material. In a coating material for biomass, this eliminates the need for additional weighting elements such as sandbags, which are necessary with conventional plastic films.

[0045] The filler is preferably a functional filler that additionally fulfills a further function. The at least one functional filler includes at least one organic and / or mineral filler. Particularly preferably, the at least one organic functional filler is selected from a group of plant fillers that includes starch, cellulose, wood, straw, reeds, hemp, jute and other plant material or a combination thereof. In particular, the cellulose is in the form of paper and the other plant material is in particular in the form of grain husks and / or nutshells. With such functional fillers, fibers of varying hardness are present, with which the material produced from the multi-component system is reinforced. The material can therefore be adapted in terms of its mechanical strength to the respective area of ​​application.In addition, such fibers exert an anchoring effect in the matrix of the manufactured material, which stabilizes the material. Most preferably, the at least one functional filler is carbon and / or a combination with the aforementioned plant-based fillers. The carbon is, in particular, activated carbon, which has a disinfecting effect in the manufactured material and, for this purpose, encloses bacteria. Alternatively or additionally, the carbon is, in particular, charcoal, which acts as a protection against ultraviolet or UV radiation. This protects the material from premature decomposition due to UV radiation. Furthermore, the carbon simultaneously achieves a coloring effect.

[0046] Furthermore, the at least one functional filler is preferably selected from a group of mineral fillers comprising clay minerals, talc, kaolin, gypsum, barium sulfate, chalk, titanium white, or a combination thereof. This provides a barrier effect of the produced material, in particular for blocking or preventing water, oxygen, and / or UV light from reaching a substrate to be coated. Furthermore, using clay minerals, talc, kaolin, gypsum, barium sulfate, and / or chalk as functional fillers, in particular, produces a material that is relatively soft and reacts plastically to mechanical stress. Furthermore, the material is rendered hydrophobic and oxygen-impermeable, particularly by means of clay minerals, talc, and / or kaolin. This allows the substrate to be coated to be protected from water and oxygen.Talc, in particular, has proven particularly suitable due to its soft and water-repellent properties. This creates a particularly water-repellent and waterproofing material. Bentonite is the preferred clay mineral. This produces a material that has a particularly good barrier effect against water and oxygen, is particularly swellable and water-absorbing, and thus also serves as a water reservoir. Furthermore, a white pigment, particularly gypsum, barium sulfate, chalk, and / or titanium white, is incorporated into the material, which has proven to provide protection against UV light. This protects both the material itself and the substrate to be coated from UV light.

[0047] According to the invention, component A advantageously comprises, as a further constituent, at least one colorant for coloring a material produced using the multicomponent system. This allows the material to be given a desired color depending on the application. In particular, the colorant is selected from a group comprising carbon black, talc, barium sulfate, chalk, titanium white, or a combination thereof. Carbon black is a black pigment with particularly good resistance to UV radiation. Barium sulfate, chalk, and titanium white provide a white pigment.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the invention, component A advantageously comprises at least one active ingredient as a further constituent, which is in particular selected from a group comprising fertilizers, pesticides, fragrances, herbal active ingredients, medications, or a combination thereof. The active ingredient is thus stored or deposited as a depot in the material produced using the multi-component system. The material serves as a matrix for the active ingredient. A reservoir of active ingredient is thus formed in the matrix, which is released gradually and with a time delay upon disintegration or decomposition of the matrix. The appropriate active ingredient is selected depending on the material's field of application.

[0049] In a preferred application of the material as a seed coating material, at least one plant protection agent is selected as the active ingredient. In this case, the at least one plant protection agent is, in particular, a fungicide and / or an insecticide. The fungicide protects the seeds and planting material from fungal infestation, and / or the insecticide protects them from pests. This makes the material an effective alternative to seed dressing. Alternatively or additionally, at least one fertilizer is also selected as the active ingredient. This allows the fertilizer to be applied bound to the seed in the matrix and to be utilized by the seed particularly effectively during the growth of the germinating seeds.

[0050] In a preferred area of ​​application of the material as a covering material for soil or plant substrate, in particular as a replacement for mulch film or substrate film, at least one fertilizer and / or plant protection agent is selected as the active ingredient. The plant protection agent is in particular at least one herbicide, fungicide, insecticide and / or molluscicide. The at least one herbicide, in combination with a weed-suppressing effect by covering the soil with the material, controls weeds particularly effectively. If required, at least one fungicide, insecticide and / or molluscicide is also contained in the material. The molluscicide is particularly effective in controlling snails. Overall, the at least one active ingredient is released slowly and with a time-delay after the material has been applied to the soil and / or plant substrate. This extends the duration of action of the at least one active ingredient accordingly.In addition, the active ingredient is kept close to the plants in the coating material, allowing it to exert its targeted effect. This prevents unwanted leaching of the active ingredient and possible penetration into groundwater.

[0051] In a preferred application of the material as a coating material for objects to protect their surfaces, the active ingredient selected, as required, is a UV protectant, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or a dye. Furthermore, the material is preferably used as a film that exhibits particularly specific properties. For this purpose, the multi-component system is particularly easily provided with the desired active ingredients to achieve the specific properties of the resulting material.

[0052] In a preferred application of the material as a covering material for tissue, particularly as a wound dressing material, at least one fragrance, herbal active ingredient, medication, or a combination thereof is selected as the active ingredient. The covering material thus creates a medical wound dressing similar to a medical plaster, with which a healing herbal active ingredient and / or medication can be delivered to the tissue over an extended period of time. This depot effect of the material allows healing-promoting medications to be incorporated into the material as an active ingredient.

[0053] Furthermore, the invention is directed to a method for producing a material using such a multi-component system according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: providing components of component A, mixing the provided components of component A with one another, providing a component B arranged separately therefrom in a reaction-inhibiting manner, removing the reaction-inhibiting separation by mixing the two components A and B, forming a resulting mixture, and allowing the formed mixture to harden, wherein the gelatin and the crosslinker form the covalent crosslink, i.e., chemically react with one another. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to a material produced by such a method.

[0054] The material to be produced using this process is created directly on-site, as needed. To do this, the reaction-inhibiting separation is removed by mixing components A and B. During and after mixing components A and B, an initially viscous to viscous mass forms as the resulting mixture, which is then molded into the desired shape before curing.

[0055] In the process according to the invention, the individual constituents of component A are first mixed with one another before a resulting mixture is mixed as component A with component B. In this way, a particularly uniform distribution of the constituents of component A is achieved before component B is added. In particular, the gelatin is thus distributed accordingly evenly in component A before it reacts with the crosslinker of component B and forms covalent crosslinks. The result is a uniformly crosslinked and therefore stable material. In particular, component A is raised to a temperature of 30 °C to 70 °C, preferably 40 °C to 60 °C, particularly preferably 50 °C. This ensures that the gelatin is particularly well dissolved and distributed in water.

[0056] According to the invention, it is further advantageous to add component B to component A when mixing the two components A and B, and then stir the two components A and B together. This immediately dilutes the crosslinker in component A. A particularly uniform reaction with the constituents of component A, in particular with the gelatin, is achieved. It is particularly advantageous to dilute the crosslinker of component B with water before mixing the two components A and B.

[0057] Furthermore, according to the invention, when mixing the constituents of the provided component A with one another, the gelatin is advantageously first mixed with a first portion of the water belonging to component A and subsequently with a second portion of the water belonging to component A. Surprisingly, this achieves a particularly good solution of the constituents of component A. Preferably, the gelatin is pre-swollen cold in the first portion of water. Such swelling is particularly preferably accelerated by applying pressure. In particular, the elasticizer and / or plasticizer is subsequently added to the pre-swollen gelatin and mixed therewith. This creates a milky-cloudy suspension, to which the second portion of water is subsequently added. The second portion of water preferably has a temperature of 80°C to 100°C, particularly preferably of 90°C to 100°C.Thus, after adding the hot second portion of water to the mixture of the pre-swollen gelatin and the elasticizer and / or plasticizer, the gelatin dissolves at a mixing temperature of approximately 40°C to 60°C, preferably approximately 50°C. The first and second portions of water are preferably added in a volume ratio of approximately 40:60, particularly preferably approximately 50:50. Surprisingly, it was found that this achieves particularly good dissolution without decomposition of the gelatin.

[0058] Furthermore, in the process according to the invention, the resulting mixture is advantageously applied to a substrate to form the mixture. The mixture is initially a liquid to viscous mass, which is applied to the substrate in a liquid to viscous state within a few minutes during a reaction time between the gelatin and the crosslinking agent. For application, the mass is applied to the substrate, in particular, by spraying, squirting, pouring, spatula-coating, brushing, and / or knife-coating. The substrate is advantageously a biomass, the surface of an object, and / or a fabric.

[0059] For such application, an application machine is provided, which is also within the scope of the invention. Such a machine is adapted to mix components A and B immediately before application and to distribute the resulting mixture onto the substrate immediately after mixing. For this purpose, the machine preferably comprises two containers, each for separately holding components A and B. The container for component A, in particular, has a stirring device. Both containers are fluidly connected to a mixing device, with which components A and B are to be mixed with one another. From the mixing device, the resulting mixture is to be applied to the substrate by means of an application device. For this purpose, the application device preferably comprises at least one nozzle, with which the mixture is to be applied to the substrate in a relatively evenly distributed manner.The machine is preferably a device that can be driven by a machine that can also be used for other purposes, such as a tractor.

[0060] The machine is also advantageously adapted to smooth the substrate before application. This means that the biomass, in particular, must be smoothed before application in order to achieve a largely compact and smooth surface with a roughness inherent in the biomass. The machine is particularly advantageously adapted to perform smoothing, mixing, and application in a single work pass. Such a machine is constructed in particular similar to a tar machine or an asphalt paver. In addition to the two containers and the mixing device, the machine comprises a smoothing device, preferably a roller. This achieves not only smoothing but also compaction of the silage, while simultaneously mixing components A and B and applying the resulting mixture to the silage. Such a method for applying the mixed multi-component system to a substrate is also intended to be within the scope of the invention.

[0061] Preferably, the machine or device is designed similarly to a slurry tanker with a drag hose. The tank is designed with two containers for separate collection of components A and B, which are then conveyed into a mixing device. From there, the resulting mixture is applied to the substrate in a targeted and close-to-surface manner using a drag hose distributor.

[0062] The machine is preferably constructed similarly to a plastering machine used for plastering walls. This type of plastering machine makes it particularly easy and accident-free to spray steep hills, such as those often found in large silo systems, with the viscous mass not only from above but also from the side. Brief description of the drawings

[0063] In the following, exemplary embodiments of a solution according to the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the attached schematic drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a material according to the invention as a coating material for biomass and Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of process steps of a process according to the invention for producing such a material by means of a multi-component system according to the invention. Detailed description of the implementation examples

[0064] In Fig. 1 A silo system 10 is shown in cross-section. In the silo system 10, maize silage is stored as biomass 12. The biomass 12 is coated with a material 14 that serves as a coating material for the silage as biomass 12.

[0065] In Fig. 2A process 16 for producing the material 14 is shown schematically with the most important steps. In a step 18, components of component A are provided. These include gelatin 20, water 22, an elasticizer and / or plasticizer 24, and, depending on the area of ​​application, at least one further component 26. In the first exemplary embodiment, the further components 26 used are paper and talc as fillers or functional fillers, sulfur and table salt as preservatives and protective agents, and charcoal as functional fillers and coloring substances. Glycerin is used as the first part of the elasticizer 24, and coconut oil as the second part.

[0066] In a step 28, the provided constituents of component A are mixed. For this purpose, in a step 30, the gelatin 20 is first mixed with a first portion 32 of 50% of a total amount of water 22 and pre-swollen. Step 30 is carried out at room temperature. The gelatin 20 is thus pre-swollen cold. If necessary, the swelling is accelerated by means of pressure. The resulting pre-swollen gelatin 34 is mixed with glycerol as the first portion of the elasticizer 24 in a step 36 and mixed. This creates a milky-cloudy suspension 38. In a step 40, a second portion 42 of the remaining water 22, heated to a temperature of 90°C to 100°C, is added to the suspension 38. The gelatin 20 dissolves at about 50 °C to form a clear to milky solution 44. In a next step 46, at least one further component 26 is added to the solution 44.

[0067] In the first embodiment, a paper, preferably cut into strips, is added as such a functional filler component 26, allowed to swell in the solution 44, and then ground into a slurry using a stirrer. This forms a slurry, into which melted coconut oil is then stirred as the second part of the elasticizer 24. Subsequently, the charcoal, pulverized together with the sulfur and table salt, and later the talc, are stirred into the slurry. This creates a slurry 48, which is used as component A in the subsequent process 16.

[0068] As component B, a 50% aqueous glutaraldehyde solution is provided in a step 50 as a hardener or crosslinker 52, which is provided in a separate container to inhibit the reaction from component A. In a step 54, the 50% glutaraldehyde solution is further diluted with additional water 22 until a 6.25% aqueous glutaraldehyde solution is present as a diluted crosslinker or hardener solution 56. The diluted crosslinker solution 56 is added as component B in a step 58 to the mass 48 prepared in step 28 as component A, stirred therein, and mixed. This produces a mixture 60 as a viscous mass, which is rapidly further processed in a subsequent step 62 and shaped into a desired form. After shaping 62, the shaped mixture 60 then cures in step 64. Material 14 is formed.

[0069] In the first embodiment, in step 62, the mixture 60 is distributed over the silage as biomass 12. For this purpose, components A and B are mixed in step 58 immediately before step 62. The resulting mixture 60 is then sprayed and / or brushed onto the silage and thus shaped. The mixture 60 is applied in such a way that air is excluded between the silage and ambient air. An average layer thickness of 10 mm has proven sufficient here. The mixture 60 formed during application hardens within a few minutes in a step 64. The material 14 is formed, which represents a solid and at the same time elastic, oxygen- and water-repellent, and gray-colored coating on the silage. Furthermore, with a coating thickness of 10 mm, the material 14 weighs approximately 10 kg per square meter of coating.This makes the coating heavy enough to form a stable seal on the biomass 12. Additional weighting elements such as conventional sandbags are no longer required.

[0070] The material 14 of the first embodiment is produced with the following recipe according to Table 1: Table 1: component ingredient Mass in grams Mass fraction in wt.% A gelatin 6,00 5,76 Water 51,80 49,74 Glycerin 12,00 11,52 Paper 5,00 4,80 Coconut oil 14,00 13,44 charcoal 3,00 2,88 talc 8,00 7,68 sulfur 0,20 0,19 table salt 4,00 3,84 B 50% glutaraldehyde solution in water 0,15 0,14 sum 104,15 100,00

[0071] It has been demonstrated that using Material 14, according to the recipe in Table 1, a maize silage could be reliably covered for six months during the winter months. The maize silage exhibited very good fermentation quality. Furthermore, snail damage to Material 14 was prevented. In a previous practical trial, it was observed that very good silage quality could be achieved when grass silage was covered outdoors during the summer for three and a half months. An assessment according to the "DLG Key to the Evaluation of Grass Silages Using Sensory Testing" showed overall very good fermentation quality of the silage. Furthermore, it has been shown that Material 14 biodegrades after use as a silage cover when exposed to weather and environmental influences on the ground outdoors.

[0072] Table 2 shows advantageous mass fraction ranges of the components within which the properties of the material can be varied depending on the area of ​​application. By selecting various additional components 26 as additives to component A, a corresponding property profile of the material 14 can be controlled. The additional components 26 were listed in detail in the previous description. Individual raw materials can be supplemented or replaced by other raw materials with a similar effect and similar property profile. For example, coconut fat as the elasticizer 24 can be supplemented or replaced by palm oil. This applies analogously to all other components. Depending on the requirements of the material 14, individual components or additives can be replaced or omitted. A common feature of all variants is a generally cross-linked gelatin matrix as a binder.The mixing ratio of component A to component B can also be variably adjusted, depending on the degree of crosslinking. Thus, the material's property profile meets 14 requirements for a wide variety of applications. Table 2: component ingredient Mass in grams A gelatin 1 - 30 Water 30 - 97 Elasticizers and / or plasticizers 0,3 - 60 Fillers 0 - 30 Preservatives and / or protective agents 0 - 5 dyeing substance 0 - 5 Active ingredient 0 - 80 B Networker 0,005 - 30

[0073] In a second, not shown, embodiment, the material 14 is coated with the Fig. 216 shown. In contrast to the first exemplary embodiment, in step 46, a UV protectant, a dye, a corrosion inhibitor, and / or other additives are mixed with the solution 44 as at least one further component 26 to component A. This produces a liquid mass 48. After mixing such a mass 48 of component A with the diluted crosslinking solution 56 of component B in step 58, the resulting mixture 60 is sprayed in step 62 onto a car paint as the surface to be protected. The material 14 resulting after the curing step 64 is then a coating material that serves as a temporary transport protective cover for a car.

[0074] In a third, not shown, embodiment, the material 14 is also coated with the Fig. 216 shown. In contrast to the first and second exemplary embodiments, in step 46 at least one medicament is added as an active ingredient to the solution 44 as a further constituent 26 to component A and mixed. This produces a liquid mass 48 as component A, which is mixed with the diluted crosslinking solution 56 of component B in step 58. The resulting mixture 60 is applied directly to a wound in step 62 and allowed to harden there in step 64. Alternatively, the mixture 60 is first applied to a carrier material, from which it is peeled off after step 64 and applied to the wound. The resulting material 14 is then a coating material or wound covering material for a fabric. If the material 14 is used as a wound covering, the required raw materials, such as gelatin 20, etc.selected in quality and purity and the associated production carried out as required for medical products.

[0075] Further embodiments of the material 14 as a coating material for seeds or for soil are not described in detail. Common to all of them is the process according to Fig. 2 . In particular, at least one further component 26 is varied. List of reference symbols

[0076] 10Silo system 12Biomass 14Material 16Process 18Step: Providing components of component A 20Gelatin 22Water 24Elasticizer and / or plasticizer 26At least one further component 28Step: Mixing the components of component A 30Step: Mixing gelatin with water and pre-swelling 32First portion of water 34Pre-swollen gelatin 36Step: Mixing with elasticizer 38Suspension 40Step: Mixing the suspension with water 42Second portion of water 44Solution 46Step: Adding and mixing at least one further component 48Mass 50Step: Providing component B 52Crosslinker 54Step: Diluting the crosslinker 56Diluted crosslinker solution 58Step: Mixing components A and B 60Mixture of components A and B 62Step: Molding of the mixture 64Step: Allow the formed mixture to harden

Claims

1. Multicomponent system for producing a material (14), in particular a coating material, preferably for biomass (12), having a component A and a component B which is arranged separate therefrom so as to inhibit a reaction, in which component A comprises as constituents gelatin (20), water (22) and an elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24), and component B comprises a crosslinker (52), wherein the gelatin (20) and the crosslinker (52) are adapted to form a covalent crosslinkage when the reaction-inhibiting separation is removed, and the elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24) is selected from a group which comprises alcohols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, carboxylic acid esters, phospholipids or a combination thereof, characterised in that the elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24) comprises a combination with a fat and / or oil selected from the subgroup of the carboxylic acid esters.

2. Multicomponent system according to claim 1, characterised in that the crosslinker (52) is configured with at least one aldehyde, preferably with a polyvalent aldehyde, particularly preferably with a divalent aldehyde and very particularly preferably with glutaraldehyde.

3. Multicomponent system according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24) is selected from a group which comprises polyvalent alcohols, longer-chained alcohols, unsaturated alcohols, cyclic alcohols or a combination thereof.

4. Multicomponent system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that component A comprises as a further constituent (26) at least one preservative and / or protective agent, wherein the preservative and / or protective agent is selected in particular from a group which comprises sodium chloride, sodium benzoate, sodium sulfite, sulfur, ascorbic acid, borax, urea or a combination thereof.

5. Multicomponent system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that component A comprises as a further constituent (26) at least one filler, in particular at least one functional filler.

6. Multicomponent system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that component A comprises as a further constituent (26) at least one active substance.

7. Material (14), produced by means of a multicomponent system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which a component A and a component B are mixed together.

8. Method for producing a material (14) by means of a multicomponent system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, having the steps: providing constituents of a component A, wherein component A comprises as constituents gelatin (20), water (22) and an elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24), mixing together the provided constituents of component A, providing a component B which is arranged separate therefrom so as to inhibit a reaction, wherein component B comprises a crosslinker, removing the reaction-inhibiting separation by mixing the two components A and B, shaping a mixture (60) that is thereby formed, and allowing the shaped mixture (60) to cure, wherein the gelatin (20) and the crosslinker (52) form the covalent crosslinkage, and the elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24) is selected from a group which comprises alcohols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, carboxylic acid esters, phospholipids or a combination thereof, characterised in that the elasticiser and / or plasticiser (24) comprises a combination with a fat and / or oil selected from the subgroup of the carboxylic acid esters.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterised in that, when the provided constituents of component A are being mixed together, the gelatin (20) is mixed first with a first partial amount (32) of the water (22) and then with a second partial amount (42) of the water (22).

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that, for shaping the mixture (60) that is formed, the mixture (60) is applied to a substrate.