Treatment for protecting produce from superficial scald and / or scuffing damage

Abstract

A thixotropic aqueous mixture for preventing tiger disease and / or scratch damage in agricultural products, such as fruit or kernel fruit, comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is added to water by high shear mixing, the liquid is then applied to an agricultural product (e.g., fruit or kernel fruit) through a dip tank, a spray lance or a brush bed, or a combination thereof.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480018661.9 (22) Application Date 2024.03.13 (30) Priority Data 63 / 451,805 2023.03.13 US 63 / 451,813 2023.03.13 US (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.09.12 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / IB2024 / 052430 2024.03.13 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 189558 EN 2024.09.19 (71) Applicant: Nabaco Corporation, Address: Texas, USA (72) Inventor: G. Bill (74) Patent Agency: Beijing Lusheng Law Firm, 11326 Patent Attorneys: Wei Wangyang, Li Mi (51) Int.Cl. A23B 7 / 16 (2006.01) A23B 2 / 725 (2025.01) A23B 2 / 729 (2025.01) A23B 2 / 788 (2025.01) A23B 2 / 779 (2025.01) A23B 2 / 792 (2025.01) (54) Title of Invention Treatment for Protecting Agricultural Products from Bruising and / or Abrasion Damage (57) Abstract A thixotropic aqueous mixture for preventing bruising and / or abrasion damage to agricultural products (e.g., fruits or pome fruits) and a method of applying the same, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is added to water by high-shear mixing and then applied to the agricultural product (e.g., fruits or pome fruits) by an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed or a combination thereof. Claims 2 pages Description 18 pages Drawings 5 ​​pages CN 120897669 A 2025.11.04 CN 1 20 89 76 69 A 1. A thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or bruising damage, comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer. 2. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 1, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is 1 wt.% to 7 wt.%, optionally 2 wt.% to 6 wt.%. 3. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, lithium montmorillonite, or lithium saponite; or a mixture of any two or more thereof. 4. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 3, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite.5. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified. 6. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic or pectin. 7. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water-soluble polymer is 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%, optionally 1 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%. 8. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of at least one montmorillonite clay to the water-soluble polymer is 1:4 to 4:1; optionally, the ratio of at least one montmorillonite clay to the water-soluble polymer is about 1:1. 9. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an antioxidant. 10. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is sodium citrate. 11. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the antioxidant is 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%. 12. The thixotropic aqueous mixture of claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, optionally squalene. 13. The thixotropic aqueous mixture of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a solvent. 14. The thixotropic aqueous mixture of claim 13, wherein the solvent comprises or is composed of water; optionally, wherein the solvent comprises a mixture of water and ethanol. 15. The thixotropic aqueous mixture of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aqueous thixotropic mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion comprising 1% to 7% solids. 16. The thixotropic aqueous mixture of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the mixture is organic. 17. A method for preparing a thixotropic aqueous mixture, comprising mixing at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic mixture. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the solvent comprises or is composed of water; optionally, wherein the solvent comprises a mixture of water and ethanol. 19. The method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, lithium montmorillonite, or lithium saponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof; optionally, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite; optionally, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified. 20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic or pectin.21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer are combined in powder form, and then the combined powder is mixed with a solvent under high shear. 22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer are added separately to the solvent during high-shear mixing. 23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising mixing an antioxidant with the at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer in the solvent under high shear. 24. A thixotropic composition prepared by the method according to any one of claims 17 to 23. 25. A method comprising: i) preparing a thixotropic mixture using the method according to any one of claims 17 to 23; and ii) applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the surface of an agricultural product via an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or any combination thereof. 26. A method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 to the surface of the agricultural product. 27. A method for protecting agricultural products from tiger scab damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 to the surface of the agricultural product. 28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied by an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or any combination thereof. 29. The method according to claim 25 or 28, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed or a combination of an impregnation tank and a brush bed. 30. The method according to any one of claims 25, 28, or 29, wherein the spray bar applies the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural product at a spray rate in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 pounds of agricultural product per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture. 31. Use of the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage. 32. Use of the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 for protecting agricultural products from tigerskin disease damage. 33. The method according to any one of claims 25 or 26 to 30, or the use according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the agricultural product is a fruit; optionally, a pome fruit.Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 120897669 A Treatment Technology for Protecting Agricultural Products from Superficial scald and / or scuffing

[0001] This invention relates to a composition for effectively protecting agricultural products from scald and / or scuffing, for example, wherein the agricultural product is a fruit, such as a pome fruit (e.g., pear). The composition is or comprises a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing at least one montmorillonite clay and at least one water-soluble polymer. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, a method for coating agricultural products (e.g., fruits or pome fruits (e.g., pears)) (including applying the coating composition to the agricultural product), and a method and use of the composition for protecting agricultural products (e.g., fruits) from superficial scald and / or scuffing. Background Art

[0002] Pome fruits (e.g., pears and apples) are typically stored for extended periods at near-freezing temperatures in a controlled atmosphere. During this extended storage, the fruit peel develops a brown to black discoloration. This discoloration is known as scald. Currently, the physiology of scabies appears to be related to the accumulation of α-farnesene, oxidized to trienols. This oxidation appears to be triggered by ambient oxygen. Most scabies appears to occur on the shaded side of the fruit. This is likely due to the plant's response to sunlight and the accumulation of antioxidants to prevent the harmful effects of the sun.

[0003] It has recently been shown that coating fruit with squalene alleviates scabies. Squalene is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated hydrocarbon with antioxidant properties. However, it is an oil, thus giving the fruit an unpleasant greasy feel.

[0004] Currently, there is no coating available to prevent scabies on agricultural products (e.g., fruits) without negatively modifying the product. Therefore, a composition is needed that protects agricultural products (e.g., fruits) from (and even prevents) scabies without negatively modifying the product. For coating organic agricultural products (e.g., organic fruits) to maintain their organic state, a composition that is not only edible but also organic is also needed.

[0005] Another major type of damage to agricultural products (especially fruits) is abrasion. Abrasions are scratches or bruises on the surface of produce caused by friction against other surfaces or by impact. On pome fruits (such as pears), abrasions appear as brown spots or streaks. These abrasions reduce the fruit's appeal to consumers and lower its value. Abrasion damage increases as the fruit ripens.

[0006] Pears are unique among pome fruits because their skin is very fragile. Pear skin is very easily damaged during normal harvesting, sorting, and packaging. In many cases, pears are refrigerated in field bins for several months before being packaged according to retail demand. The longer pears are stored, the greater the amount of abrasion.Ethylene treatment is also a common practice to accelerate the ripening of pears. This process makes pears more susceptible to bruising. Compositions known in the art that aid in pear processing are inorganic and affect the edibility of pears after coating. Therefore, there is a need for a composition that prevents bruising of pears and other agricultural products, is edible, and is also organic for organic agricultural products. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention generally relates to a composition comprising or containing a thixotropic mixture. Therefore, the composition of the present invention is a thixotropic composition. The terms “thixotropic mixture” and “thixotropic composition” (or more specifically, “thixotropic aqueous mixture” and “thixotropic aqueous composition”) are used interchangeably herein and refer to the thixotropic compositions and mixtures of the present invention as described on page 1 / 18 of this specification, CN 120897669 A.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a novel thixotropic mixture is provided, which is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic). In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is a natural water-soluble polymer. In one embodiment, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and further comprises an antioxidant (which may be a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) and / or a solvent (which is typically a food-grade solvent). For example, in one embodiment, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay) and a natural water-soluble polymer, and further comprises an antioxidant selected from natural and food-grade antioxidants and / or a food-grade solvent.

[0010] As described herein, when applied to the surface of agricultural products, the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention forms a thin coating on the surface, which serves to protect the agricultural products from scab damage and / or abrasion damage (e.g., to prevent scab damage and / or abrasion damage). Therefore, the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention is suitable and effective in protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or scab damage. The thixotropic aqueous mixture is particularly suitable for protecting fruits, such as pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears).

[0011] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention, and a thixotropic aqueous mixture prepared by the method of the present invention. The method generally includes mixing montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer with water under high shear. In some aspects of the present invention, all components of the composition are mixed together under high shear.

[0012] Therefore, according to a second aspect of the invention, a method for preparing a thixotropic aqueous mixture is provided, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer). The method comprises mixing at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer with a solvent under high-shear mixing conditions. The solvent typically comprises water and may consist of water. In some embodiments, the solvent comprises water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol). In some embodiments, during high-shear mixing, at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer are added to water, respectively (simultaneously or sequentially), or to water and ethanol. In other embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer are premixed in powder form and then mixed with water, or mixed with water and ethanol.

[0013] In some embodiments, after preparing the thixotropic aqueous mixture, the method further comprises applying the mixture to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pome fruits, such as apples and pears).

[0014] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., pears and apples), the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer is applied to the agricultural product via an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture can be applied to the agricultural product via a combination of an impregnation tank and a brush bed. Alternatively, the thixotropic aqueous mixture can be applied to the agricultural product via a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay (e.g., hydrophobic / hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay) and a water-soluble polymer are mixed with a solvent (e.g., water) under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture, as described herein, and then applied to the agricultural product, such as a fruit or pome fruit (e.g., pears and apples). Applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to agricultural products using these methods reduces scab formation and / or decreases the susceptibility of agricultural products to abrasion.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for preparing a thixotropic aqueous mixture is provided, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be a hydrophobic montmorillonite clay (e.g., hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay)) and a water-soluble polymer (which may be a natural water-soluble polymer), the method comprising mixing at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture; and then applying the mixture to agricultural products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples and pears). In some embodiments, the method comprises mixing at least one hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant (which may be a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture, and then applying the mixture to agricultural products. In some embodiments, the solvent consists of water, or the solvent may contain water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol). In some embodiments, the method includes applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products via an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products via a spray bar and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products via an impregnation tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the method further includes subsequently drying the solvent to evaporate it.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method includes mixing hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) with water under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, which can be applied to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pears) via a spray bar and a brush bed, followed by drying the solvent. In one embodiment, the method includes mixing hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) with water and ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol) under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, which can be applied to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pears) via a spray bar and a brush bed, followed by drying the solvent.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, comprising applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural product. In some embodiments, the method includes applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural product via an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof; for example, using a spray bar and a brush bed, or using an impregnation tank and a brush bed.In some embodiments, the method includes preparing the thixotropic aqueous mixture using a high-shear method as described herein before applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural product.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from scab damage, comprising applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural product. In some embodiments, the method includes applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural product by means of an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof; for example, using a spray bar and a brush bed, or using an impregnation tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the method includes preparing the thixotropic aqueous mixture using a high-shear method as described herein before applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural product.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides the use of the thixotropic aqueous composition of the present invention for coating agricultural products, for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, and / or for protecting agricultural products from scab damage. This invention provides the use of the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention for protecting agricultural products (e.g., fruits or pome fruits (e.g., pears)) from bruising damage and / or scab damage, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer).

[0020] Figure 1 depicts the percentage of scab observed in "Nabaco-coated" Limonera pears coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 5% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% gum arabic, and 0.2% sodium citrate in water, compared to a "control" Limonera pear coated with carnauba wax, six days after application. Instruction manual 3 / 18 pages 6 CN 120897669 A

[0021] Figures 2A-2B show the degree of ripening and bruising damage observed in "Nabaco-coated" pears coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared to "control" pears coated with carnauba wax.

[0022] Figure 3 shows the degree of scab disease observed in "Nabaco-coated" Granny Smith apples coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.3% bentonite, 1.9% pectin, and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared to "control" Granny Smith apples coated with carnauba wax, 9 days after application.

[0023] Figures 4A-4B show the degree of scab on “Nabaco-coated” pears coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared with “control” pears coated with carnauba wax, 7 days after application.

[0024] Figures 5A-5B show the degree of scabiness observed in "Nabaco-coated" Bartlett pears coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% gum arabic, and 0.15% sodium citrate, compared to "control" Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax, 5 days after application.

[0025] Figure 6 depicts the percentage of abrasions observed in "Nabaco-coated" Bartlett pears coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate, measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application, compared to "control" Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax.

[0026] Figure 7 depicts the percentage of abrasions on "Nabaco-coated" Anjou pears, measured at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application, compared to "control" Anjou pears coated with carnauba wax, with the result of a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate. Detailed Description

[0028] The following detailed descriptions are provided to enable those skilled in the art to prepare and use the invention. Specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary for practicing the invention. The description of specific applications is provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but should be given the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0029] It was unexpectedly discovered that certain water-soluble polymers and montmorillonite clay form highly thixotropic fluids when mixed in water under high shear, and when applied to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., apples or pears), these mixtures form a coating that largely protects the agricultural products from scab damage and / or abrasion damage. Furthermore, a combination of montmorillonite clay, water-soluble polymers, antioxidants (e.g., natural antioxidants and / or food-grade antioxidants, such as natural antioxidant oils), and solvents (typically food-grade solvents) mixed under high shear forms a thixotropic fluid that can then be used to coat agricultural products such as pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears) to protect against and optionally prevent scab damage and / or abrasion damage. The invention disclosed herein provides a solution to the problem of scab damage and / or abrasion damage to agricultural products.

[0030] The thixotropy of a fluid is crucial for protection against scab damage and abrasion. The high shear applied during the mixing and / or application phase reduces the viscosity of the thixotropic aqueous mixture and decreases flow resistance.For example, when a coating mixture is applied to agricultural products using a spray bar, the shear force applied by the pump and nozzle reduces the viscosity of the aqueous thixotropic mixture and decreases the flow resistance during spraying (i.e., the thixotropic mixture is thinner when distributed through the nozzle). Once the spray impacts the surface of the agricultural product, the viscosity of the aqueous thixotropic mixture recovers, and the aqueous thixotropic mixture forms a fairly thick coating or film on the surface of the agricultural product. Using a brush bed is advantageous because it can further smooth the coating on the agricultural product, thereby making the coating more even. In addition, it reorients the lamellar crystals of montmorillonite clay to be parallel to the surface of the agricultural product (i.e., aligned with the surface of the agricultural product). Thus, the brush bed enhances the coating.

[0031] When the coated agricultural product (e.g., fruit) encounters an abrasive surface, the viscosity of the thixotropic coating decreases due to shear force, which imparts surface lubricity and reduces abrasion. As processing and packaging proceed, the coating dries into a uniform coating, which is preferably transparent, making the skin more resilient and less prone to abrasion. It is difficult to determine with the naked eye which fruits have a coating. The various components do not produce the same anti-abrasion effect.

[0032] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thixotropic mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer. The thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture. The thixotropic aqueous mixture is used to protect agricultural products from (e.g., to prevent) scabs and / or abrasion damage.

[0033] As used herein, the term "thixotropic" refers to a mixture having non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, whose flow characteristics (e.g., apparent viscosity) vary with shear rate and shear duration.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one montmorillonite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, lithium montmorillonite, or latonite (sodium magnesium lithium silicate, Na0.7Si8Mg5.5Li0.3O2O(OH)4), or a mixture of any two, any three, or all four thereof. In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay is selected from sodium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, sodium lithium montmorillonite, or lithium montmorillonite, or a mixture of any two, any three, or all four thereof. For example, the montmorillonite clay may be sodium montmorillonite or sodium bentonite.

[0035] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of at least one montmorillonite clay. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of sodium montmorillonite. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of bentonite.In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay is present in the thixotropic aqueous mixture in an amount of 1.0 wt.% to 6.0 wt.%, for example, 1.5 wt.% to 5.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%, 2.0 wt.% to 5.5 wt.%, or 2.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0037] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 wt.% to 4.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of at least one montmorillonite clay, for example, 0.5 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%; or 1.0 wt.% to 4.0 wt.%, 1.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%; or 2.0 wt.% to 3.5 wt.% or 2.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one montmorillonite clay in an amount of 2.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one montmorillonite clay in an amount of 2.4 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain 2.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%, for example, about 2.4 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite).

[0038] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 3.5 wt.% to 6.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of at least one montmorillonite clay, for example, 4.0 wt.% to 6.0 wt.%, 4.0 wt.% to 5.5 wt.%, or 4.5 wt.% to 6.0 wt.%, or 4.5 wt.% to 5.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 4.5 wt.% to 5.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one montmorillonite clay in an amount of about 4.5 wt.% or about 5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain 4.5 wt.% to 5.5 wt.% of bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), for example, in an amount of 4.5 wt.% or about 5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0039] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one montmorillonite clay in an amount of 0.5 wt% to 4.5 wt% based on the total volume of the thixotropic aqueous mixture composition. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one montmorillonite clay in an amount of 0.5 wt% to 2.5 wt% based on the total volume of the thixotropic aqueous mixture composition.

[0040] The surface portion of the (unmodified) montmorillonite clay is hydrophilic or even substantially hydrophilic. Due to its hydrophilicity, unmodified montmorillonite clay cannot be well dispersed in hydrophobic polymers, thus, preparing compositions comprising montmorillonite clay and hydrophobic polymers is challenging. As used herein, "hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay" refers to montmorillonite clay that has undergone hydrophobic modification ("hydrophobic"). The surface of hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay is substantially hydrophobic and can be completely hydrophobic. Therefore, in some embodiments, "hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay" may be referred to as "hydrophobic montmorillonite clay." Hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay (e.g., hydrophobic montmorillonite clay) has the advantageous characteristic of being oleophilic or waxophilic rather than hydrophilic. A known method for determining whether montmorillonite clay is hydrophobic or hydrophilic is to use contact angle measurement. The contact angle of a water droplet on montmorillonite clay can be measured using standard contact angle measuring equipment known in the art. Water droplet formation on a hydrophobic surface indicates that the cohesive forces associated within the droplet are greater than the forces associated with the interaction between water and the montmorillonite clay surface. A contact angle greater than 90° between the montmorillonite clay surface and the water droplet indicates that the clay is hydrophobic.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., becomes hydrophobic) by treatment with a compatibilizer, or has previously been hydrophobically modified (e.g., becomes hydrophobic) by treatment with a compatibilizer. Generally, a “compatibility agent” is an organic modifier that reacts with a substance and hydrophobically modifies that substance. In particular, as used herein, the term “compatibility agent” refers to an agent that hydrophobically modifies (“hydrophobic”) montmorillonite clay in a composition, thereby making the montmorillonite clay “hydrophobically modified”. The compatibilizer reacts with the montmorillonite clay to hydrophobically modify the montmorillonite clay particles, thereby making the clay compatible with the hydrophobic polymer. Specifically, the compatibilizer reacts with the montmorillonite clay by bonding with exchangeable sodium ions on the clay surface via ionic dipole bonding of OH groups, thereby changing the montmorillonite clay surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.

[0042] Ionic liquids are commonly used compatibilizers.Ionic liquids can be composed of organic cations (including ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, and / or pyridinium) and combinations of several organic and inorganic anions. Compatibilizers that can be used to prepare the hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay of the present invention include sodium citrate, monoglycerides or diglycerides of natural fatty acids, and / or monoesters or diesters of pentaerythritol. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition of the present invention comprises sodium citrate, which acts both as an antioxidant (as described herein) and as a compatibilizer for hydrophobically modifying montmorillonite clay.

[0043] The thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention comprises a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is a natural water-soluble polymer. As used in this context, the term "natural" or "naturally occurring" refers to a water-soluble polymer that is present in or derived from nature and is not manufactured or produced by humans. This term does not require the polymer to be "directly derived from nature." A "natural" or "naturally occurring" water-soluble polymer can be a natural equivalent, but this is not required. Since the mixture will be applied to agricultural products, the water-soluble polymer is typically a food-grade water-soluble polymer. As used herein, the term "food-grade" means a substance that is safe for human or animal consumption and is permitted to come into direct contact with food intended for human or animal consumption. Water-soluble polymers are typically edible, meaning they are safe for human or animal consumption. Specification 6 / 18 pages 9 CN 120897669 A

[0044] In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is or comprises gum arabic or pectin or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture does not contain the polymer PVOH; for example, in some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture does not contain any synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer.

[0045] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% (percentage by weight of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% (percentage by weight of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of gum arabic. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% (percentage by weight of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of pectin.

[0046] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 0.5 wt.% to 4.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of a water-soluble polymer, such as 0.5 wt.% to 4.0 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, 0.5 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%, or 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%; or 1.0 wt.% to 3.5 wt.%, 1.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.%, or 1.0 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% or 1.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of a water-soluble polymer. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain 1.0 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% of, for example, 1.2 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of gum arabic. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain 1.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% of, for example, or about 1.9 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of pectin.

[0047] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 wt.% to 4.5 wt.% of a water-soluble polymer based on the total volume of the thixotropic aqueous mixture composition. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% of a water-soluble polymer based on the total volume of the thixotropic aqueous mixture composition.

[0048] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and gum arabic. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% sodium montmorillonite and 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture); for example, 2.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% sodium montmorillonite and 0.5 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% gum arabic, or 4.0 wt.% to 6.0 wt.% sodium montmorillonite and 1.0 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise 2.4 wt.% sodium montmorillonite and 1.2 wt.% gum arabic. In another example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise 5.0 wt.% sodium montmorillonite and 1.5 wt.% gum arabic.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) and gum arabic.In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% bentonite and 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture); for example, 4.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% bentonite and 1.0 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise about 4.5 wt.% bentonite and 1.0 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% gum arabic.

[0050] In other embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) and pectin. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% bentonite and 1.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% pectin (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture); for example, 4.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% bentonite and 1.0 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% pectin. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise about 4.3 wt.% bentonite and 1.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% pectin.

[0051] Various ratios of at least one montmorillonite clay to a water-soluble polymer are considered herein. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of at least one montmorillonite clay to a water-soluble polymer in the thixotropic aqueous mixture is 1:4 to 4:1. In one embodiment of CN 120897669 A, on page 7 / 18 of the specification, the ratio of at least one montmorillonite clay to the water-soluble polymer in the thixotropic aqueous mixture is from 3.5:1 to 1:1, for example, about 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture further comprises an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the antioxidant is a natural antioxidant or a naturally occurring antioxidant. In this document, the term “natural” or “naturally occurring” means an antioxidant that is present in or derived from nature and is not manufactured or produced by humans. This term does not require that the antioxidant be “directly obtained from nature.” A “natural” or “naturally occurring” antioxidant can be a natural equivalent, but this is not required. Since the mixture will be applied to agricultural products, the antioxidant is typically a food-grade antioxidant. As used herein, the term “food-grade” means a substance that is safe for human or animal consumption and is permitted to come into direct contact with food intended for human or animal consumption. Antioxidants are generally edible, meaning they are safe for human or animal consumption.

[0053] In some embodiments, the antioxidant is sodium citrate.

[0054] In some embodiments, the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, which may be a naturally occurring antioxidant oil. In some embodiments, the antioxidant oil is squalene.

[0055] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.001 wt.% to 1.00 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant). In some embodiments, the antioxidant is present in amounts of 0.01 wt.% to 1.00 wt.%, 0.05 wt.% to 0.75 wt.%, or 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%; or 0.1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%, 0.1 wt.% to 0.4 wt.%, 0.1 wt.% to 0.3 wt.%, or 0.15 wt.% to 0.25 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.1 wt.% to 0.2 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.05 wt.% to 0.25 wt.% (percentage by weight of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture) of sodium citrate; for example, in an amount of 0.1 wt.% to 0.2 wt.%, or in an amount of or about 0.2 wt.%.

[0056] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.75% to 0.90% squalene by weight of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture.

[0057] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.001 wt% to 0.05 wt% of a food-grade antioxidant by volume of the total composition.

[0058] In one embodiment, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), gum arabic, and sodium citrate. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% montmorillonite, 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic, and 0.1 wt.% to 0.5 wt.% sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture); for example, 4.0 wt.% to 6.0 wt.% montmorillonite, 1.0 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic, and 0.1 wt.% to 0.3 wt.% sodium citrate. In another example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise 5.0 wt.% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5 wt.% gum arabic, and 0.2 wt.% sodium citrate.

[0059] In one embodiment, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), gum arabic, and sodium citrate.In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% bentonite, 0.5 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic, and 0.05 wt.% to 0.25 wt.% sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture); for example, 4.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% bentonite, 1.0 wt.% to 2.0 wt.% gum arabic, and 0.1 wt.% to 0.2 wt.% sodium citrate. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise about 4.5 wt.% bentonite, 1.3 wt.% to 1.4 wt.% gum arabic, and 0.1 wt.% to 0.2 wt.% sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0060] In one embodiment, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), pectin, and sodium citrate. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 wt.% to 7.0 wt.% bentonite, 1.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% pectin, and 0.1 wt.% to 0.25 wt.% sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture); for example, 4.0 wt.% to 5.0 wt.% bentonite, 1.0 wt.% to 2.5 wt.% pectin, and 0.1 wt.% to 0.2 wt.% sodium citrate. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise about 4.3 wt.% bentonite, about 1.9 wt.% pectin, and about 0.18 wt.% sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0061] The thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention also comprises one or more solvents. Since the mixture will be applied to agricultural products, the solvent is typically a food-grade solvent. In one embodiment, the solvent is water. Alternatively, the solvent may comprise water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol, or a mixture of water and ethanol.

[0062] In some embodiments, the solvent is present in an amount of at least 85 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 85 wt.% to 98 wt.%, or 90 wt.% to 97.5 wt.%, optionally 90 wt.% to 98 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the solvent is added in an amount of at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or at least 97 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the mixture comprises 25 vol% ethanol and 75 vol% water.

[0063] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 5 wt.% to 28 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 5 wt.% to 25 wt.%, or 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%.

[0064] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil), and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay, a natural water-soluble polymer (e.g., gum arabic or pectin), a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, and a food-grade solvent. In any embodiment of the invention using hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay, the solvent may comprise water and a volatile solvent (typically ethanol). For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise hydrophobically modified sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, gum arabic, sodium citrate, and a solvent comprising water and ethanol; or, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise hydrophobically modified bentonite, gum arabic or pectin, sodium citrate, and a solvent comprising water and ethanol.

[0065] The present invention also includes a thixotropic mixture for protecting agricultural products (e.g., pome fruits) from tiger scab damage, the thixotropic mixture comprising at least one hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay, a naturally occurring antioxidant oil, and a food-grade solvent. Suitable hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay used in the mixture includes hydrophobically modified montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), bentonite, sodium lithium montmorillonite, lithium montmorillonite, or mixtures thereof. For example, the montmorillonite clay can be made hydrophobic by treatment with a compatibilizer (e.g., sodium citrate, or monoglycerides or diglycerides, or monoesters of pentaerythritol). In some embodiments, the natural antioxidant oil is squalene, wherein squalene is optionally present in small amounts, for example, from about 0.75 wt.% to 0.9 wt.% (percentage by weight of the total weight of the thixotropic mixture). In these and other embodiments of the invention using hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay, the solvent typically comprises ethanol. For example, ethanol may be present in the thixotropic mixture at a rate of 5 wt.% to 28 wt.% (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic mixture).

[0066] In some embodiments of any thixotropic mixture / composition of the present invention, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion containing 1% to 7% solids; for example, 2% to 7% solids, 3% to 7% solids, 5% to 7% solids, or 6% to 7% solids; or 1% to 5% solids or 3% to 4% solids. In the aqueous colloidal dispersion, the solids (including clay) are not dissolved in the solution but exist in a dispersed state, such that individual clay lamellae remain in the colloidal dispersion. The aqueous colloidal dispersion is measured by drying a known volume of the dispersion and weighing the solids content of the mixture.

[0067] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture of the present invention does not require additional components to achieve the desired results. For example, in some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture does not contain calcium salts.Therefore, in some embodiments, a thixotropic aqueous mixture is provided, comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture, as described in CN 120897669 A (page 9 / 18 of the thixotropic specification), comprises at least one montmorillonite clay (e.g., hydrophobic montmorillonite clay (e.g., hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay)), a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil), and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent, such as water or a mixture of water and ethanol).

[0068] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is edible. As used herein, the term "edible" means an article that is safe for human or animal consumption.

[0069] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture does not have a negative modifying effect on the agricultural product to which it is applied. For example, if the agricultural product is organic, the thixotropic mixture is also organic. As used herein, the term "organic" refers to components that, once applied to an agricultural product, do not alter the organic state of the product. Therefore, these components meet the standards set for organically produced agricultural products, such as the "organic" declaration established by the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). In some embodiments, the organic thixotropic aqueous mixture contains no inorganic components, wherein, as used herein, the term "inorganic" refers to components that, once applied to an agricultural product, alter the organic state of the product.

[0070] Therefore, in some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture described herein is an edible organic composition for preventing scab and / or abrasion damage to agricultural products. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an organic thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting organic fruits (e.g., pears) from abrasion damage, comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a natural water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an organic thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting pome fruits from scab damage, comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an organic thixotropic mixture used to protect pome fruits from tiger scab damage, comprising at least one hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay, a naturally occurring antioxidant oil, and a food-grade solvent.

[0071] The thixotropic mixture is prepared by mixing its individual components together under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, which can then be applied to agricultural products such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears). The thixotropic mixture of the present invention forms a coating on the surface of agricultural products that protects them from (e.g., prevents) damage caused by abrasions and / or tiger scab.Therefore, in some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixtures described herein are novel compositions for preventing bruising and / or scabies on agricultural products (e.g., fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples and pears)).

[0072] The present invention also provides methods for preparing the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention, and mixtures prepared by these methods. The methods include high-shear mixing.

[0073] Therefore, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing the thixotropic aqueous mixtures of the present invention. The method includes mixing at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer) with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture.

[0074] The descriptions and definitions provided herein in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply to the methods of preparing the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention. In particular, the montmorillonite clay, water-soluble polymer, and optional antioxidant used in the method may each be any montmorillonite clay, water-soluble polymer, and antioxidant described herein (respectively) in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention. Furthermore, any of these montmorillonite clays may be hydrophobically modified, as described herein. In some embodiments, the solvent used in the method comprises or is composed of water. In some embodiments, particularly those involving hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay, the solvent comprises water and a volatile solvent (typically ethanol).

[0075] The method of preparing thixotropic mixtures of the present invention involves at least one step performed under high shear. Any method or method step involving high shear mixing described herein can be performed using any known high-shear mixer (e.g., blade mixer, Cowles dissolver, or colloid mill). High-shear mixing requires equipment with high RPM and high horsepower to ensure that the dispersing blades can reach a maximum speed of 2,500 to 5,000 feet per minute. High-shear specification 10 / 18 pages 13 CN 120897669 A The mixing process may take 1 to 2 hours. For mixing smaller batches of the composition, a high-shear mixer can be used. High-shear methods are advantageous because they enable rapid mixing of montmorillonite clay and water-soluble polymers and / or other components in a solvent to form a thixotropic mixture that ensures uniform dispersion of montmorillonite clay particles (lamellae). When using standard mixing methods that do not involve high shear (e.g., tanks with paddle mixers), the mixing of montmorillonite clay and water-soluble polymers and / or other components in a solvent will never fully disperse the montmorillonite clay to form a homogeneous mixture. This is because the montmorillonite clay lamellars are held together in a stacked manner by numerous weak bonds (e.g., hydrogen bonds and ionic dipole interactions), which together form a large cohesive force. Standard mixing is insufficient to overcome this cohesive energy.When using methods involving high shear, the increased energy and enormous forces generated by high shear are sufficient to destroy the forces holding these montmorillonite clay flakes together. Therefore, methods for preparing the compositions of the present invention using high shear are highly efficient.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method includes adding at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer to water, and then subjecting the montmorillonite clay, water-soluble polymer, and water to high shear mixing. In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are added to water and mixed under high shear. In some embodiments, the method includes adding at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer to a mixture of water and ethanol, and then subjecting the montmorillonite clay, water-soluble polymer, water, and ethanol to high shear mixing. In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay (e.g., hydrophobic / hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay), a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are added to a mixture of water and ethanol and mixed under high shear.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer are mixed together in powder form, and then the montmorillonite clay and water-soluble polymer “premix” is added to water, or to a mixture of water and ethanol, and mixed under high-shear mixing conditions. In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are mixed together in powder form, and then the montmorillonite clay, water-soluble polymer, and antioxidant “premix” is added to water, or to a mixture of water and ethanol, and mixed under high-shear mixing conditions. In some embodiments, the method includes mixing sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, gum arabic, and sodium citrate together in powder form, and then adding the mixture to water, or to a mixture of water and ethanol, and mixing under high-shear mixing conditions. In some embodiments of these methods, the montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic); and a solvent comprising water and ethanol may optionally be used.

[0078] In some embodiments, at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer are added to a solvent (e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol), and then mixed under high shear. In some embodiments, an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) is also added separately to the solvent and mixed under high shear. In some embodiments, sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, gum arabic, and sodium citrate are added to a solvent (e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol), and mixed under high shear. In some embodiments of these methods, the montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic); and a solvent containing water and ethanol may optionally be used.In any of these embodiments, adding the components "respectively" to the solvent includes adding all components to the solvent simultaneously, adding two or more components simultaneously and subsequently (simultaneously or sequentially) adding one or more other components, or adding each component sequentially.

[0079] As discussed herein, the antioxidant sodium citrate can also act as a compatibilizer to hydrophobically modify montmorillonite clay. The high-shear mixing of sodium citrate and montmorillonite clay in the presence of a solvent promotes the mixing and reaction of sodium citrate and montmorillonite clay to hydrophobically modify the montmorillonite clay, thereby forming hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay (i.e., converting montmorillonite clay into "hydrophobic montmorillonite clay"), as described above.

[0080] In some embodiments of any method for preparing a thixotropic composition according to the present invention, montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer are added to a solvent in a ratio of 1:4 to 4:1, for example, in a ratio of 3.5:1 to 1:1, for example, about 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1 (wt / wt).

[0081] The present invention also provides a thixotropic mixture prepared by any method of the present invention, for example, a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and optionally an antioxidant and a solvent (each as described herein). The thixotropic composition prepared by any method of the present invention may be edible and may optionally be organic. These terms have the meanings defined herein.

[0082] In some embodiments of any method for preparing a thixotropic mixture according to the present invention, the method further includes applying the thixotropic mixture to the surface of an agricultural product. For example, the mixture may be applied using a spray bar, an impregnation tank, a brush bed, inkjet printing, gravure printing, or a doctor blade, or a combination thereof. For example, a thixotropic mixture prepared by any method according to the invention can be applied to the surface of an agricultural product using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed or using an impregnation tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied to the agricultural product before harvest, but in other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied after harvest. The method may also include drying the composition after application (e.g., by applying heat), but more generally, allowing the composition to dry naturally under ambient conditions. The thixotropic mixture forms a coating on the surface of the agricultural product to which it is applied. The coating is used to protect the agricultural product from tiger scab damage and / or abrasion damage.

[0083] The invention also provides a method of applying the thixotropic mixture of the invention to the surface of an agricultural product to provide one or more technical effects as described herein. The descriptions and definitions provided herein in the context of the thixotropic mixture of the invention also apply to the methods described below for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or tiger scab damage.

[0084] Thus, in a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, comprising applying the thixotropic mixture of the invention to the surface of the agricultural product.

[0085] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from tiger scab damage, comprising applying the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural product.

[0086] As used herein, the term "produce" refers to a crop produced on a farm. In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a fruit. In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a pome fruit, a citrus fruit, or a tomato. The present invention is particularly applicable to pome fruits, and more particularly to apples, pears, and / or quince. In some embodiments related to abrasion, the agricultural product is a pear. In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a vegetable. For example, a vegetable agricultural product may be a cucumber or a mushroom.

[0087] For example, abrasion damage occurs during the harvesting, sorting, and packaging of agricultural products (particularly pome fruits such as apples and pears). Protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage includes reducing or even preventing abrasion damage. A reduction in abrasion damage is defined by comparison with abrasion damage to the same agricultural product without any coating mixture (uncoated control) or with abrasion damage to the same product coated with a conventional composition known in the art. Methods for observing and measuring abrasion damage are known in the art, such as determining the percentage of abrasion damage on agricultural products by image analysis or by visual inspection. In some embodiments, when evaluated 1 to 7 days after application, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic composition of the present invention (e.g., pears) exhibit a significant reduction in abrasion damage compared to the same agricultural product coated with a conventional carnauba wax coating (e.g., pears). For example, in some embodiments, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic mixture of the present invention exhibit at least a 50% reduction in abrasion damage compared to the same agricultural product coated with a conventional control composition. In some embodiments, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic mixture of the present invention exhibit a reduction in abrasion damage and a slower ripening compared to conventionally coated agricultural products.

[0088] Tiger blight damage occurs, for example, during the low-temperature storage of agricultural products (particularly pome fruits such as apples and pears). Protecting agricultural products from tiger blight damage includes reducing or even preventing tiger blight damage. A reduction in tiger blight damage is defined by comparing it to tiger blight damage in the same agricultural product without any coating mixture (uncoated control) or to tiger blight damage in the same agricultural product coated with a conventional composition known in the art. Methods for observing and measuring tiger-skin disease damage are known in the art, such as determining the percentage of tiger-skin disease damage on agricultural products by image analysis or by visual inspection. For example, in some embodiments, when evaluated 1 to 7 days after application, a significant reduction in tiger-skin disease damage was observed in pome fruits (e.g., pears) coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention compared to the same fruit (e.g., pears) coated with a conventional carnauba wax-based composition.For example, when evaluated 6 days after application, the percentage of pome fruits with less than 50% tiger scab disease was at least twice as high for fruits coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention compared to fruits coated with a conventional control composition. In some embodiments, when evaluated 5 to 7 days after application, pome fruits (e.g., pears) coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention were observed to have tiger scab disease on less than 10% of the fruit surface; while when evaluated 5 to 7 days after application, pome fruits (e.g., pears) coated with a conventional control composition showed tiger scab disease on 40% to 80% of the fruit surface. In other embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous composition of the present invention prevents tiger scab disease in pome fruits. For example, in some embodiments, when evaluated 9 days after application, pome fruits (e.g., apples) coated with the thixotropic composition of the present invention showed no tiger scab disease at all; while when evaluated 9 days after application, the same fruits (e.g., apples) coated with carnauba wax showed tiger scab disease on 30% to 40% of the fruit surface.

[0089] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied to the produce before harvest, but in other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied after harvest. Applying the mixture to the produce before harvest has the advantage of providing protection against abrasion damage that may occur during harvest. The best results have been seen when the thixotropic mixture is applied before harvest, but substantial effects against tiger scab and abrasion damage have also been seen when it is applied after the produce has been stored.

[0090] The thixotropic mixture used in the method of protecting produce from abrasion damage and / or tiger scab damage can be any thixotropic mixture of the invention as described herein. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture used in the method of protecting produce from abrasion damage and / or tiger scab damage is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one montmorillonite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one montmorillonite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil). The thixotropic mixture typically also comprises a solvent, which may contain water or consist of water, such as a mixture of water and ethanol as defined herein. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture comprises at least one hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay, an antioxidant, and a solvent (optionally a mixture of water and ethanol). The terms "montmorillonite clay," "hydrophobically modified montmorillonite clay," "water-soluble polymer," "antioxidant," and "solvent" are defined herein.

[0091] In some embodiments of the method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or scabies damage, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising sodium montmorillonite or bentonite and gum arabic, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. In other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising sodium montmorillonite or bentonite and gum arabic, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a dipping tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments of the method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or scabies damage, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising bentonite and pectin, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. In other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising bentonite and pectin, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a dipping tank and a brush bed. In any of these embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may also contain an antioxidant, such as sodium citrate. The thixotropic mixture typically also contains a solvent, which may contain water or consist of water, such as a mixture of water and ethanol as defined herein. In any of these embodiments, sodium montmorillonite or bentonite may be hydrophobically modified.

[0092] In some embodiments of any of these methods of the invention for applying the thixotropic mixture to the surface of agricultural products or for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or scab damage, the thixotropic mixture is applied to the surface of the agricultural product using an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or any combination thereof.

[0093] An impregnation tank is a device that contains 5,000 to 10,000 liters of the thixotropic mixture of the invention and promotes the immersion of agricultural products (e.g., fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples and pears)) to coat their surface. When applying the thixotropic mixture to agricultural products using an impregnation tank, the agricultural product is immersed in the thixotropic mixture once for a duration of 2 to 5 minutes. After applying the mixture using the impregnation tank, the agricultural product can be placed on a drain belt to remove excess mixture.

[0094] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied to agricultural products such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears) using a spray bar, or optionally a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. A spray bar is a device that includes a pump and at least one nozzle for spraying the thixotropic aqueous mixture onto the agricultural product. During the application phase, the shear applied by the pump and nozzle of the spray bar reduces the viscosity of the thixotropic aqueous mixture and reduces flow resistance when the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied to the agricultural product (e.g., fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears)).In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied to the produce at a spray rate ranging from 1,000 to 7,000 pounds of produce per liter of thixotropic mixture (e.g., from 3,000 to 7,000 pounds of produce per liter of thixotropic mixture). Once the spray of the thixotropic aqueous mixture impacts the surface of the produce (i.e., the thixotropic aqueous mixture encounters the surface of the produce), the viscosity recovers and a fairly thick coating is formed on the produce. This advantageous feature observed during the application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention is due to the non-Newtonian fluid dynamics of the thixotropic mixture.

[0095] In some embodiments, the coating is applied by spraying with a spray bar after the impregnation tank and before the brush bed. For example, the thixotropic mixture can be sprayed onto the produce using a spray bar located after the produce leaves the impregnation tank and drain belt and / or optionally before the brush bed. After the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied to the surface of the produce, the brush bed brushes each produce. The brush bed typically has 6 to 12 rolling brushes for conveying and brushing the fruit. These brushes coat the fruit with the thixotropic mixture evenly and efficiently. The use of a brush bed is particularly advantageous because it ensures a uniform coating of the thixotropic aqueous mixture on the produce and avoids the use of excessive amounts of the mixture. Using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed to apply the thixotropic mixture of the invention is advantageous because it provides a more comprehensive coating.

[0096] In other embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied to the produce by a combination of a soaking tank and a brush bed, without spraying.

[0097] The produce can be washed in a soaking tank before the thixotropic mixture is applied. The soaking tank is typically a 10,000-liter tank used to introduce the fruit into the packing line, wash the fruit, and remove any debris, such as leaves and branches. Using a soaking tank is advantageous because it minimizes any damage that may be caused to the produce during these processes. The soaking tank and / or soaking tank may contain a mild disinfectant, such as peracetic acid.

[0098] These methods of coating produce with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the invention, comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer (and optionally an antioxidant), have been shown to reduce the susceptibility of produce to abrasions and / or scabies.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the use of any thixotropic mixture of the present invention. The present invention provides the use of the thixotropic mixture of the present invention for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage (e.g., for reducing or even preventing abrasion damage). The present invention also provides the use of the thixotropic mixture of the present invention for protecting agricultural products from tiger scab damage (e.g., for reducing or even preventing tiger scab damage). In these uses of the present invention, the reduction in abrasion damage and / or tiger scab damage can be determined by comparison with an uncoated control agricultural product or with the same agricultural product coated with a conventional coating composition known in the art. In these uses of the present invention, the agricultural product may optionally be a fruit or vegetable agricultural product.As discussed herein, thixotropic mixtures are particularly suitable for protecting pome fruits, such as apples and pears. Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention provides the use of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention for protecting pome fruits (e.g., apples and / or pears) from abrasion damage and / or tiger scab damage. In any of these uses of the invention, the descriptions and definitions provided herein in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply. Therefore, the thixotropic mixture used can be any thixotropic mixture of the present invention as described herein.

[0100] Example 1

[0101] A commercial-scale trial was conducted on Limonera pear, wherein “Nabaco-coated” Limonera pear was coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 5% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% gum arabic, and 0.2% sodium citrate (% values ​​by weight of total composition) in water, compared to a “control” Limonera pear coated with carnauba wax. Thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to 300 lbs of Limonera pear (Nabaco coated) using an impregnation tank and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 3000 lbs of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture. Carnauba wax was applied to control Limonera pears at a 20% solids content using an impregnation tank and brush bed. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, the Nabaco-coated pears and control pears were sorted and packaged. The percentage of scab disease was measured six days after application. The percentage of scab damage and / or scab disease damage could be determined by image analysis or visual measurement. As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, the percentage of control pears with less than 50% scab disease was 26%, while the percentage of Nabaco-coated pears with less than 50% scab disease was 55%. Therefore, the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention reduces scab disease in pears. Table 1: Scab disease results of Limonera pears after six days.

[0102] Example 2

[0103] A second commercial-scale trial was conducted on Bartlett pears, in which "Nabaco-coated" Bartlett pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 2.4% sodium montmorillonite and 1.2% gum arabic (% values ​​by weight of total composition) in water, compared to a "control" Bartlett pear coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to 5000 lbs of Bartlett pears (Nabaco-coated) using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 3000 lbs of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, with a solids content of 4% to 6%.Carnauba wax was applied to control Bartlett pears using a spray gun and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax with a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture or carnauba wax, Nabaco-coated pears and control pears were sorted and packaged. The degree of abrasion, determined three days after application, was 7 out of 25 pears in the control group, compared to 3 out of 25 pears coated with Nabaco (which was coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention). Therefore, this test demonstrates that the abrasion damage of pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention was reduced by 57%.

[0104] Example 3 Specification 15 / 18 pages 18 CN 120897669 A

[0105] A production line test was conducted on Bartlett pears, in which “Nabaco-coated” Bartlett pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​based on the weight of the total composition), compared to a control Bartlett pear coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 7000 lbs of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, with a solids content of 4% to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, with a solids content of 20%. After applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture or carnauba wax, Nabaco-coated pears and control pears were stored at ambient temperature for 9 days, and the degree of bruising damage was then observed. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, compared with the control pear (Figure 2B), the Nabaco-coated pear (Figure 2A) showed a slower ripening process and a significantly reduced degree of bruising damage. Therefore, this test demonstrates that the pear coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention ripens more slowly and has less bruising damage.

[0106] Example 4

[0107] Another experiment was conducted on Granny Smith apples that had been refrigerated for 10 weeks, in which “Nabaco-coated” Granny Smith apples were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.3% bentonite, 1.9% pectin and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​are based on the weight of the total composition) compared with the control Granny Smith apples coated with carnauba wax. Thixotropic aqueous mixtures were applied to Nabaco-coated apples using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 7,000 lbs of apples per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, with a solids content of 4% to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control apples using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2,500 lbs of apples per liter of carnauba wax, with a solids content of 20%.After applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture or carnauba wax, Nabaco-coated apples and control apples were stored at room temperature for 9 days, and the degree of scabies was then observed. As shown in Figure 3, the scabies of the control apples covered 30%-40% of the apple surface; while the Nabaco-coated apples had no (0%) scabies. Therefore, this test proves that the scabies of apples coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention are completely reduced.

[0108] Example 5

[0109] Another production line test was conducted on pears that had been refrigerated for 2 months, in which “Nabaco-coated” pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​are based on the weight of the total composition) compared to control pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 7000 lbs of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, with a solids content of 4% to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control pears using the same spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, with a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, both Nabaco-coated and control pears were stored at room temperature for 7 days, and the degree of tiger skin disease was observed. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the tiger skin disease covered 80% of the pear surface in the control pears (Figure 4A); while the Nabaco-coated pears showed less than 10% tiger skin disease (Figure 4B). Therefore, this experiment demonstrates that tiger skin disease is reduced in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0110] Example 6

[0111] A commercial production line trial was conducted on Bartlett pears that had been refrigerated for 30 days, in which “Nabaco-coated” Bartlett pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% gum arabic, and 0.15% sodium citrate (% values ​​based on the weight of the total composition) compared to control Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 7,000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture with a solids content of 4% to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2,500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax with a solids content of 20%. After the application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, the Nabaco-coated pears and the control pears were stored at room temperature for 5 days, and then the degree of tiger skin disease was observed. As shown in Figure 5A and the instruction manual, pages 16 / 18, 19 CN 120897669 A 5B, approximately 35% of the control pears showed severe tiger skin disease, and 40%-50% showed moderate tiger skin disease; while less than 10% of the Nabaco-coated pears showed tiger skin disease.Therefore, this test demonstrates that scab disease is reduced in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0112] Example 7

[0113] Packing line tests were conducted on Bartlett pears, in which “Nabaco-coated” Bartlett pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​based on the weight of the total composition) compared to control Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 7000 lbs of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, with a solids content of 4% to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, with a solids content of 20%. The percentage of scab damage was measured 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture. As shown in Figure 6, compared with the control pear, the Nabaco-coated pear exhibited a significant reduction in bruising damage. Therefore, this packing line test demonstrates a reduction in scab disease in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0114] Example 8

[0115] A packing line test was conducted on D'Anjou pears, in which "Nabaco-coated" D'Anjou pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​based on the weight of the total composition), compared with the control D'Anjou pear coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and a brush bed, achieving an application rate of 7000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, with a solids content of 4% to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax with a solids content of 20%. The percentage of scab damage was measured 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture. As shown in Figure 7, Nabaco-coated pears exhibited a significant reduction in scab damage compared to the control pears. Therefore, this packaging line test demonstrates a reduction in scab damage in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0116] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” as used in the claims and specification herein shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other unspecified elements. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular forms of words shall be considered as including the plural forms of the same words, such that these terms indicate the provision of one or more something. The terms “a” or “single” may be used to indicate one and only one something. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” may be used when a particular number of things is intended.The terms “preferred,” “ideally,” “preferred,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that the mentioned items, conditions, or steps are optional (non-essential) features of the invention.

[0117] The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that methods, apparatuses, apparatus elements, materials, procedures, and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resorting to excessive experimentation. The invention is intended to cover all functional equivalents known in the art of the methods, apparatuses, apparatus elements, materials, procedures, and techniques described herein. Whenever a scope is disclosed, it is intended to cover all subscopes and individual values. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, including any embodiments illustrated in the drawings or illustrated in the description, which are given by way of example rather than limitation.

[0118] Although the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure will understand that other embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope of this invention specification, pages 17 / 18, 20 CN 120897669 A, should be limited only by the appended claims.

[0119] All references in this application, such as patent documents (including published or granted patents or equivalents), patent application publications, non-patent documents, or other source materials, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application (e.g., partially inconsistent references are incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent parts of the reference). Instruction manual 18 / 18 pages 21 CN 120897669 A Figure 1 Figure 2A Instruction manual drawings 1 / 5 pages 22 CN 120897669 A Figure 2B Figure 3 Instruction manual drawings 2 / 5 pages 23 CN 120897669 A Figure 4A Figure 4B Instruction manual drawings 3 / 5 pages 24 CN 120897669 A Figure 5A Figure 5B Instruction manual drawings 4 / 5 pages 25 CN 120897669 A Figure 6 Figure 7 Instruction manual drawings 5 / 5 pages 26 CN 120897669 A.

Claims

1. A thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or tiger scab damage, comprising at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer.

2. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 1, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is 1 wt.% to 7 wt.%, optionally 2 wt.% to 6 wt.%.

3. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, lithium montmorillonite, or lithium saponite; or a mixture of any two or more thereof.

4. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 3, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite.

5. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified.

6. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic or pectin.

7. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water-soluble polymer is 0.5 wt.% to 5.0 wt.%, optionally 1 wt.% to 2.5 wt.%.

8. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of at least one montmorillonite clay to the water-soluble polymer is 1:4 to 4:1; optionally, the ratio of at least one montmorillonite clay to the water-soluble polymer is about 1:

1.

9. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an antioxidant.

10. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is sodium citrate.

11. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the antioxidant is 0.05 wt.% to 0.5 wt.%.

12. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, optionally squalene.

13. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a solvent.

14. The thixotropic aqueous mixture of claim 13, wherein the solvent comprises or is composed of water; optionally, wherein the solvent comprises a mixture of water and ethanol.

15. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the aqueous thixotropic mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion containing 1% to 7% solids.

16. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the mixture is organic.

17. A method for preparing a thixotropic aqueous mixture, comprising mixing at least one montmorillonite clay and a water-soluble polymer with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic mixture.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the solvent comprises or is composed of water; optionally, the solvent comprises a mixture of water and ethanol.

19. The method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, lithium montmorillonite or lithium saponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof; optionally, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite; optionally, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay is hydrophobically modified.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic or pectin.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer are combined in powder form, and then the combined powder is mixed with a solvent under high shear.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer are respectively added to the solvent during high-shear mixing.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising mixing the antioxidant with the at least one montmorillonite clay and the water-soluble polymer in the solvent under high shear.

24. A thixotropic composition prepared by any one of claims 17 to 23.

25. A method comprising: i) Prepare a thixotropic mixture using the method according to any one of claims 17 to 23; and ii) Apply the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the surface of agricultural products by means of an impregnation tank, spray bar, or brush bed, or any combination thereof.

26. A method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 to the surface of the agricultural product.

27. A method for protecting agricultural products from tiger skin disease damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 to the surface of the agricultural product.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied by an impregnation tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or any combination thereof.

29. The method of claim 25 or 28, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed or a combination of an immersion tank and a brush bed.

30. The method of any one of claims 25, 28 or 29, wherein the spray bar applies the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural products at a spraying rate in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 pounds of agricultural products per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture.

31. The use of the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage.

32. The use of the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24 for protecting agricultural products from tigerskin disease damage.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25 or 26 to 30, or the use according to claim 31 or 32, wherein, The agricultural product in question is fruit; optionally, it is a pome fruit.

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