Moss plant adhesive composition

Abstract

To provide a method for installing moss plants to green rooftops, walls, and the like that is light in weight and easy to repair after installation, and to provide materials used for the method.SOLUTION: Provided is a composition for adhering moss plants, containing a thickener / gelling agent that does not inhibit the growth of moss plants and does not serve as food for insects or birds. The composition for adhering moss plants contains one or more of cellulose ether, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and alginate. The present invention allows moss plants to be installed with a lightweight structure that is easy to repair after installation. While the adhesive effect of this composition persists, the moss grows and rhizoids develop, securing the moss plant to an intended location.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a new method for installing moss plants and materials used for greening rooftops and walls. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for installing moss plants and materials used for the same that are lightweight when installed and easy to repair after installation. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to reduce the heat island effect in cities, green roofs and walls of buildings are being promoted throughout the country. Mosses, which are easy to maintain and do not require soil, are attracting attention as plants to be used in these greening projects. To green a rooftop or wall surface with moss plants, a tray is filled with a water-retaining material, and the moss plants are planted on top of it and then set up on the rooftop; the moss plants are sewn onto nonwoven fabric or the like; or the moss plants are placed on nonwoven fabric and then covered with cloth or mesh to secure them in place, and this is then attached to the rooftop or wall surface.

[0003] However, these methods have drawbacks, such as the trays being heavy and difficult to place on the roofs of weak buildings, and the fact that nonwoven fabrics do not regenerate even when the moss dies, making it difficult to repair the dead parts.

[0004] On the other hand, there is an example of using thickeners and gelling agents such as cellulose ether and carrageenan in greening using moss plants, in which a water-retaining layer is provided in the substrate structure for greening using moss plants, and thickeners and gelling agents such as cellulose ether and carrageenan are used to effectively connect the base materials that make up this water-retaining layer, such as sponge, diatomaceous earth, and vermiculite (see Patent Document 1

[0012] [4],

[0025] ). However, thickeners and gelling agents are not used to bond the moss plants to the substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-137996 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To provide a method for installing moss plants, which is lightweight when installed and easy to repair after installation, and a material to be used for the method when greening a rooftop or a wall surface using moss plants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of intensive research to solve the above problems, the inventors discovered that by using a thickener / gelling agent that does not inhibit the growth of moss plants to adhere them to a substrate such as a rooftop or wall, the moss plants can be installed with a light weight and easily repaired, and this led to the completion of the present invention. Furthermore, since the moss plants will be used outdoors, it was determined that they must not be eaten by insects. In other words, the present invention is as follows. 1. A composition for adhering moss plants, containing a thickener / gelling agent, which does not inhibit the growth of moss plants and does not become food for insects or birds. 2. The composition for adhering moss plants according to 1 above, wherein the concentration of the thickener / gelling agent is 0.1 to 30% by weight. 3. A composition for adhering moss plants, comprising one or more of cellulose ether, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and alginate. 4. A composition for adhering moss plants, which is an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 30% by weight of cellulose ether and 0.1 to 10% by weight of carrageenan. 5. A composition for adhering moss plants, which is an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 30% by weight of cellulose ether and 0.1 to 10% by weight of carrageenan, with the combined concentration of both being 1.2% by weight or more. 6. A moss plant greening material in which the moss plant adhesive composition according to any one of 1 to 5 above is attached to the rhizoids of a moss plant. 7. A moss plant adhesive body in which a moss plant is adhered to an adhesive body at its rhizoid portion using the moss plant adhesive composition according to any one of 1 to 5 above. 8. The moss plant adhesive body of 7 above, having a rainproof cover on the adhesive part. 9. A method for adhering a moss plant to an adherend, comprising applying the composition for adhering moss plants according to any one of 1 to 5 above to the rhizoids of the moss plant and / or the adherend, and adhering the two together. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The composition for adhering moss plants of the present invention allows moss plants to be installed with a light weight when installed and easy to repair after installation. While the adhesive effect of the composition is maintained, the moss grows and rhizoids develop, thereby fixing the moss plant to the desired location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] The photograph shows the condition of a melamine sponge with Ezo Sunagoke moss glued to it after it was placed vertically and left outdoors for two years. [Figure 2] The photograph shows the state of a melamine sponge with Ezo Sunagoke moss glued to it after it was left at an angle outdoors for 10 months. [Figure 3] The photographs show what the Ezo Sunagoke moss looks like after being glued directly to stone or concrete and left outdoors for 10 months. [Figure 4] The photographs show the appearance of Ezo Sunagoke moss after it was directly glued to various solidified diatomaceous earth materials and left outdoors for 10 months. [Figure 5] The state of the gel adhesive composition of the present invention is shown. [Figure 6] The state of the gel adhesive composition of the present invention when the composition of the thickener / gelling agent is changed is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below. 1. Adhesion between moss and substrate (1) Moss plant adhesive composition The composition for adhering moss plants of the present invention uses a thickener and a gelling agent to adhere moss plants to an object such as a roof or wall. The thickeners and gelling agents of this invention are compounds that have thickening or gelling properties, or both. For example, cellulose ether is a thickener, and carrageenan is both a thickener and a gelling agent, but thickeners and gelling agents include both. Note that thickeners and gelling agents are classified based on their functions, and the thickening and gelling properties overlap to some extent, so a strict distinction between thickeners and gelling agents may not always be appropriate. Therefore, we have decided to collectively define thickeners and gelling agents as thickeners and gelling agents. It is preferable to use thickeners and gelling agents that do not inhibit the growth of moss plants and that do not become food for insects or birds. Food is something that insects and birds enjoy eating. It is more preferable for thickeners and gelling agents to be derived from natural products or compounds that are chemically modified from natural products. Thickeners and gelling agents of the present invention include, for example, cellulose ethers, xanthan gum, carrageenan, alginates, and the like. Cellulose ether is a general term for derivatives in which other atomic groups are bonded to the hydroxyl groups of cellulose via ether bonds, and examples include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethyl methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, benzyl cellulose, trityl cellulose, cyanoethyl cellulose, and aminoethyl cellulose. More preferred are methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (each of which includes those surface-treated with glyoxal) (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as methyl cellulose, etc.). Xanthan gum is a compound produced by fermenting starch such as corn, and is used as a thickener in foods. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide extracted from red algae and comes in three types: κ (kappa), ι (iota), and λ (lambda). The carrageenan of the present invention may be any type or a mixture of these. Alginates are polysaccharides found in brown algae and other organisms. Alginates include various types of alginates, such as sodium alginate, potassium alginate, and ammonium alginate. The thickener / gelling agent of the present invention may be a mixture of the respective thickeners / gelling agents. For example, a mixture of cellulose ether and carrageenan, or a mixture of cellulose ether and alginate may be used. When mixing, it is more preferable to select a mixture that has both a thickening effect and a gelling effect, in order to achieve both the thickening and gelling functions of reducing fluidity and solidifying. The thickener / gelling agent is more preferably an aqueous solution of 0.1 to 30% by weight, and even more preferably 0.2 to 10% by weight. In this case, the weight % is the total value of the thickener / gelling agent mixture. Furthermore, a more preferred composition for adhering moss plants is a mixture of one or more of methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (each of which may be surface-treated with glyoxal) with carrageenan, in which the former is more preferably 0.1 to 30% by weight, and even more preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, and the carrageenan is more preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, and even more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight. In many cases, the use of methylcellulose or the like is advantageous, but xanthan gum and alginate may be more advantageous than the use of carrageenan in some cases, and in such cases, they are more preferable as substitutes. Furthermore, it is not excluded to mix ingredients other than the thickener and gelling agent as long as they do not significantly impair the adhesive action.

[0011] (2) Adhesion to the adherend The moss plant adhesive composition is applied to the rhizoids of the moss plant and / or the substrate to be attached, and the two are adhered together. Alternatively, the moss plant adhesive composition attached to the rhizoids may be used as a moss plant greening material. The rhizoids of moss plants are roots that anchor the body and are located below the body, just like in ordinary plants. They do not absorb nutrients or water like seed plants or ferns. There are no particular limitations on the substrate to which the moss plants are attached; the substrate can be anything that is desired to be greened or that will be installed in the desired location. For example, the moss plants can be attached directly to the roof or wall of a building or structure, or they can be attached to a waterproof sheet laid on the roof to allow for easy removal if necessary. Furthermore, if the building is strong enough, the moss plants can be attached to a sponge or a sponge impregnated with diatomaceous earth to maintain a certain humidity level. In this case, the sponge is fixed to the roof or wall, and the moss plants are fixed to the desired location.

[0012] (3) Rain protection When moss plants are glued to a wall, if heavy rain falls directly on the adhesive part of the moss plant, it may peel off from the object to be glued, so it is preferable to have a rain cover. Cover the glued part to prevent rain from hitting it. In other words, when the surface to be adhered of the moss plants or the tangent direction of the surface to be adhered is not horizontal to the ground but is tilted to a certain degree, for example, 30 to 90 degrees, a rain cover is preferable. The rain cover is placed over the adhesive portion of the moss plants so as to prevent rain from directly hitting the adhesive portion. For example, if a melamine sponge is constructed in the shape of a shallow box and the moss plants are glued to the bottom of the box, even if the box is placed vertically, the side of the box will act as a cover, preventing rain from directly hitting the adhesive portion. The adhesive portion may also be covered with a waterproof adhesive or filler, such as silicone bond or urethane foam.

[0013] (4) About mosses There are no particular restrictions on the moss plants to be attached, but moss plants from the families Grimaceae, Sedumaceae, Hypnosisae, and Scleractinia are more preferred, and Sunagoke moss is even more preferred. Sunagoke moss includes Ezo Sunagoke and Reticulata Sunagoke. Unless otherwise specified, moss refers to the gametophyte, which is the one we usually see, out of the sporophyte and gametophyte. Mosses do not require soil, fertilizer, or watering to grow, and can grow using only rainwater. Furthermore, mosses from the families Grimaceae, Sedumaceae, Hypnosisae, and Spirotrichum are resistant to high temperatures of around 50°C and dryness, and can grow even in direct sunlight, so they are often used to green roofs and walls.

[0014] 2. About the adhesion mechanism Cellulose ether, xanthan gum, carrageenan, and alginate are used as thickeners and gelling agents, and their high viscosity, reducing fluidity, and solidifying properties are used as adhesive components for moss plants to adhere to substrates. These adhesive components are plant-derived and are thought not to inhibit the growth of moss plants when used as adhesives. In fact, when cellulose ether and other substances are used to attach Siberian moss to a sponge substrate using its rhizoids, the adhesion of Siberian moss is maintained even when the sponge substrate is tilted or vertical, and the Siberian moss remains attached and does not wither.

[0015] Furthermore, because these adhesive components are soluble in water but not easily dissolved, when the moss and the substrate are bonded in a gelled state and then dried, they are less likely to dissolve even when it rains, making the moss less likely to peel off due to rainwater. In fact, even in the case of prolonged heavy rain caused by a linear rain band, as long as the rain falls directly above the moss, the adhesion remains without any problems. The thickener and gelling agent in these adhesive components adhere the moss plant to the substrate, and while the adhesive effect continues, the moss plant grows and its adventitious roots develop, thereby fixing the moss plant to the desired location.

[0016] The moss plant adhesive composition of the present invention allows moss plants to be directly attached to the desired location, and if repairs are required, new moss plants can be directly attached to the repaired area. Furthermore, in the case of rooftops with low strength, a waterproof sheet or similar material may be laid down before application. In either case, the weight of the installation is lighter than conventional methods in which soil and water-retaining material are placed in trays and then planted on top, making it possible to place the moss plant on buildings with low strength. Furthermore, repairs are much easier than methods in which moss plants are sewn to nonwoven fabric or placed on nonwoven fabric and then secured in place with cloth, mesh, or the like.

[0017] 3. Study on the use of a mixture of cellulose ether and carrageenan as a thickener / gelling agent Further research was conducted on adhesive compositions using a mixture of cellulose ether and carrageenan, which has both thickening and gelling properties, as a thickening and gelling agent. As a result, it was found that when the concentration of carrageenan is high, the mixture tends to become too hard due to its gelling properties, so the concentration of carrageenan is more preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.1 to 1.5% by weight, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.2% by weight. Furthermore, in order to achieve an appropriate range of thickening effect, the concentration of the cellulose ether is more preferably 0.1 to 30% by weight, even more preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight, particularly preferably 0.8 to 10% by weight, and most preferably 0.8 to 1.2% by weight. Furthermore, if the concentration of carrageenan is lowered, it is more preferable to increase the cellulose ether within the above range to compensate for it, and it is more preferable if the combined concentration of cellulose ether and carrageenan is 1.2% by weight or more, and even more preferable if it is 1.5% by weight or more. [Example]

[0018] Example 1: Adhesion test assuming installation on a wall (1) Experimental materials and methods (I) Preparation of moss plant adhesive composition: 5 g of methylcellulose and 5 g of carrageenan mainly composed of κ (kappa) type were added to 500 mL of water with stirring and dissolved to prepare a moss plant adhesive composition. (II) A colony of Ezo Sunagoke moss was prepared in advance, and the prepared moss plant adhesive composition was applied to the rhizoids by turning the Ezo Sunagoke moss upside down, and the moss was then glued to a shallow box made of melamine sponge with the rhizoids facing downwards. (III) The shallow box was placed upright and left outdoors for two years, and it was then examined whether the moss remained attached. (2) Results A photo of the plant after it had been left outdoors is shown (Figure 1). It has a rain cover and is in a state similar to that of a wall. Although it rained while it was left outdoors, the Ezo Sunagoke moss remained firmly attached.

[0019] Example 2 Adhesion test when installed at an angle (1) Experimental materials and methods As in Example 1, the colonies of Ezo Sunagoke moss were glued in a shallow box made of melamine sponge with the rhizoids facing downwards, and then placed at an angle. The box was left outdoors for 10 months, and it was checked whether the Ezo Sunagoke moss remained glued.

[0020] (2) Results A photo of the plant after it had been left outdoors is shown (Figure 2). It is installed at an angle with a rain cover. Although it rained while it was left outdoors, the Ezo Sunagoke moss remained firmly attached.

[0021] Example 3: Adhesion test to stone and concrete (1) Experimental materials and methods A moss plant adhesive composition was prepared and applied to the rhizoids of colonized S. sieboldii moss in the same manner as in Example 1. The colonized S. sieboldii moss was directly adhered to the stones or concrete so as to cover them, and then left outdoors for 10 months to check whether the S. sieboldii moss remained adhered. (2) Results The photo below shows the moss after being left outdoors (Figure 3). Although it rained while it was left outdoors, the moss remained firmly attached.

[0022] Example 4 Adhesion test to solidified diatomaceous earth (1) Experimental materials and methods To confirm whether the rhizoids could support the plants even after the adhesive's effectiveness had worn off, an adhesion test was conducted using solidified diatomaceous earth, which is thought to be porous and provide many scaffolds. A moss plant adhesive composition was prepared and applied to the rhizoids of colonized Sunagoke spp. in the same manner as in Example 1. The colonized Sunagoke spp. was directly adhered to various solidified diatomaceous earth materials so as to cover them, and the materials were left outdoors for 10 months to check whether the Sunagoke spp. remained adhered. (2) Results A photograph of the plant after it had been left outdoors is shown (Figure 4). Although it rained while it was left outdoors, the Ezo Sunagoke moss was firmly attached, and new gametophytes had grown to the left and right, and were beginning to support the plant with their own adventitious roots (the solidified diatomaceous earth circled in Figure 4 makes it easy to observe).

[0023] Example 5: Examination of the concentration of adhesive composition containing a mixture of cellulose ether and carrageenan (1) Experimental materials and methods (α) Cellulose ether: 1% by weight, carrageenan: 1% by weight A moss plant adhesive composition was prepared according to Example 1, which was able to firmly adhere moss. 5 g of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 g of carrageenan, primarily of the κ (kappa) type, were added to 500 mL of water with stirring and dissolved to prepare a moss plant adhesive composition. (A) Cellulose ether: 2% by weight, carrageenan: 0.5% by weight Preparation of moss plant adhesive composition: 10 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and 2.5 g of carrageenan, mainly of the κ (kappa) type, were added to 500 mL of water with stirring and dissolved to prepare a moss plant adhesive composition. (B) Cellulose ether: 5% by weight, carrageenan: 0.3% by weight Preparation of moss plant adhesive composition: 25 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and 1.5 g of carrageenan mainly of the κ (kappa) type were added to 500 mL of water with stirring and dissolved to prepare a moss plant adhesive composition. (2) Results The state of the prepared moss adhesive composition is shown (Figure 5: (α) immediately after preparation, Figure 6: (A) and (B) immediately after preparation, one hour after preparation, and two hours after preparation when the paper plate was stood at an angle). Naturally, (α) produced a gel with a moderate viscosity. One hour after preparation, both (A) and (B) had become slightly fluid, but they had largely maintained the state they were in immediately after preparation. Two hours after preparation, when the paper plate was stood at an angle, A became slightly fluid, but B maintained its shape. In any case, there was no significant change in shape such as the adhesive composition peeling off or flowing out of the paper plate, strongly suggesting that it is suitable as an adhesive composition for moss plants, even when the adherend is inclined. [Industrial Applicability]

[0024] According to the present invention, the weight of the moss plant when installed is light, and repairs after installation are easy. This allows moss to be installed on the roof or wall of a building, which promotes greening with moss and is useful for the landscaping industry that deals with moss. Furthermore, since greening can be achieved cheaply and easily, it is also useful for the construction industry.

Claims

1. The composition for adhering moss plants contains a thickener / gelling agent that does not inhibit the growth of moss plants and does not become food for insects or birds.

2. 2. The moss plant adhesive composition according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the thickener / gelling agent is 0.1 to 30% by weight.

3. A composition for adhering moss plants, comprising one or more of cellulose ether, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and alginate.

4. The moss plant adhesive composition is an aqueous solution of 0.1 to 30% by weight of cellulose ether and 0.1 to 10% by weight of carrageenan.

5. The composition for adhering moss plants is an aqueous solution containing 0.1 to 30% by weight of cellulose ether and 0.1 to 10% by weight of carrageenan, the total concentration of both being 1.2% by weight or more.

6. A moss plant greening material comprising the moss plant adhesive composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 attached to rhizoids of the moss plant.

7. A moss plant adhesive body, in which a moss plant is adhered to an adhesive body at its rhizoid portion by the moss plant adhesive composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. 8. The moss plant adhesive of claim 7, having a rain cover over the adhesive portion.

9. A method for adhering a moss plant to an adherend, comprising applying the composition for adhering a moss plant according to any one of claims 1 to 5 to the rhizoids of the moss plant and / or the adherend, thereby adhering the two together.

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