Hydrophobic gas barrier coating

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thixotropic composition that forms a hydrophobic gas barrier coating on the surface of agricultural products such as fruits, or on the surface of packaging materials such as packaging materials used to package agricultural products. This thixotropic composition is used to protect against dehydration and / or oxidation, or to prevent oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss through the packaging material. The thixotropic composition comprises smectite clay, a compatibilizer, oil and / or wax, and a solvent including a volatile solvent. The present invention also relates to a method for producing the composition, a method for applying the composition to a hydrophobic surface, and the use of the composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition for forming a transparent hydrophobic gas barrier coating on a hydrophobic surface such as the surface of agricultural products (including foodstuffs such as fruits and vegetables and cut flowers), or the surface of packaging materials commonly used for packaging agricultural products. The composition is effective in protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, and / or preventing the ingress of oxygen and / or the loss of moisture through the packaging material. The present invention also generally relates to a method for producing the composition, a method for applying the composition to a hydrophobic surface, and the use of the composition described in the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] Many hydrophobic surfaces can benefit from having a coating that acts as a barrier to the movement of gases and / or water. These surfaces include, but are not limited to, the surfaces of fruits such as apples and tomatoes, cut flowers such as roses, and packaging materials such as oriented polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

[0003] Agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables are often stored for long periods and transported over long distances before reaching the final point of sale to consumers. As a result, problems occur when the agricultural products ripen prematurely or are prone to damage during transportation. Overripe or damaged fruits and vegetables often cannot be sold or consumed and become a large amount of waste. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the shelf life of the product by extending the period during which the agricultural products can be stored before consumption and preventing premature ripening, damage and / or spoilage.

[0004] For fruits and cut flowers, their shelf life is negatively affected by moisture loss and oxidation from air. PP and PE packaging materials are excellent at preventing moisture from entering or leaving the food. However, they are very poor as oxygen barriers. For example, meat packaging prevents dehydration, but for products like Pop-Tarts, the packaging prevents moisture from entering. These packaging materials are often reinforced with aluminized coatings to overcome their poor oxygen barrier properties. Aluminized coatings are expensive and make the packaging opaque. However, consumers prefer to be able to see most of the product before purchasing.

[0005] This invention provides a solution to the problem that agricultural products (such as crops and cut flowers) and their packaging materials require protection from oxygen in addition to moisture leakage or inflow. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The present invention relates to compositions comprising or containing a thixotropic mixture in general. Accordingly, the compositions of the present invention are thixotropic compositions. In the present invention, the terms “thixotropic mixture” and “thixotropic composition” are used interchangeably to refer to the thixotropic compositions of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the thixotropic composition comprises or contains at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent. In other embodiments, the compatibilizer is not essential and may not be present in the mixture because the smectite clay is hydrophobicized (for example, by the action of a compatibilizer). Accordingly, in these other embodiments, the present invention provides thixotropic compositions comprising or containing at least one hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent.

[0007] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a novel thixotropic composition is provided comprising at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is an edible compatibilizer. In some embodiments, the oil and / or wax is a natural oil or natural wax. In some embodiments, the solvent includes water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention provides a novel thixotropic composition comprising at least one hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In some embodiments, the oil and / or wax is a natural oil or natural wax. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition is edible. In some embodiments, the solvent includes water and a volatile solvent.

[0009] As described in the present invention, when the thixotropic composition of the present invention is applied to a hydrophobic surface, a transparent hydrophobic coating that acts as a gas barrier is formed on the surface. Therefore, the thixotropic composition of the present invention is useful for forming a transparent hydrophobic gas barrier coating on a hydrophobic surface. The coating is suitable for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, improving the shelf life of agricultural products, and reducing or preventing oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss through packaging materials. Agricultural products include cut flowers, agricultural products (e.g., fruits and vegetables), and packaged agricultural products (e.g., packaged agricultural products). These products have hydrophobic surfaces.

[0010] The present invention also provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition, and a thixotropic composition produced by the said method. The said method generally involves mixing smectite clay, a compatibilizer, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent including a volatile solvent. At least one step of the mixing process is carried out under high-shear mixing conditions, that is, at least two components of the composition are mixed with each other under high shear. In one embodiment of the present invention, all components of the composition are mixed with each other under high shear.

[0011] Accordingly, a third aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition, comprising mixing smectite clay, a compatibilizer, oil and / or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent under high shear. In one embodiment, the method further comprises applying the thixotropic composition to a hydrophobic surface or packaging material of an agricultural product.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition, comprising: dispersing at least one type of smectite clay in water; mixing a compatibilizer with the smectite clay in water under high shear to modify the smectite clay to be hydrophobic, thereby forming hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay; filtering, drying, and grinding the smectite clay to form a powder; mixing the powder with oil and / or wax under high shear; and adding a solvent containing a volatile solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent includes water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol. In some embodiments, the powdered hydrophobic modified smectite clay is sieved before being mixed with oil and / or wax. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying the thixotropic composition to a hydrophobic surface or packaging material of an agricultural product.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition, comprising: wetting smectite clay with water; adding a compatibilizer to the wet smectite clay in a kneader equipped with an extrusion head to modify the smectite clay to be hydrophobic; thereby forming hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay; extruding the hydrophobic modified smectite clay from an extrusion head to form "noodles" or pellets (e.g., extruding the clay as "noodles" and then crushing or dividing them into pellets); drying and grinding the pellets to form a powder; mixing the powder with oil and / or wax under high shear; and adding a solvent containing a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the solvent includes water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol. In one embodiment, the powdered hydrophobic modified smectite clay is sieved before being mixed with oil and / or wax. In one embodiment, the method further includes applying the thixotropic composition to a hydrophobic surface or packaging material of an agricultural product.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to a hydrophobic surface of agricultural products or packaging materials. By applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to such a hydrophobic surface, one or more advantageous properties are imparted, as described in the present invention. For example, the thixotropic composition of the present invention is useful in a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or for improving the shelf life of agricultural products. The thixotropic composition of the present invention is also useful in a method for protecting packaging materials, such as packaging materials used to package agricultural products, from the intrusion of oxygen and / or the loss of moisture through said packaging materials. Generally, these methods include, as necessary, applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to the hydrophobic surface of agricultural products and / or packaging materials.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation. This method involves applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural product. Agricultural products include cut flowers, food products such as fruits and vegetables (e.g., fruits and vegetables), and packaged agricultural products (e.g., packaged fruits and vegetables). These products have hydrophobic surfaces. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition is applied to the agricultural product via a dip tank, a spray bar, a brush bed, or a combination thereof.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving the shelf life of agricultural products having a hydrophobic surface, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural product. Agricultural products include cut flowers, agricultural products (e.g., fruits and vegetables) and packaged agricultural products (e.g., packaged agricultural products). These products have a hydrophobic surface. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobicly modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is applied to the agricultural product by immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof.

[0017] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for protecting a packaging material from (e.g., by reducing or preventing) the intrusion of oxygen and / or loss of moisture through the packaging material, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to the hydrophobic surface of the packaging material. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is applied to the packaging material by immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to a hydrophobic surface of a packaging material intended for packaging agricultural products. For example, the packaging material may be for packaging agricultural food products, typically agricultural products. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobicly modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is applied to the packaging material by immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof. After the composition has been applied to the packaging material, the method optionally further includes packaging agricultural products using the packaging material.

[0019] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to a hydrophobic surface of a packaging material surrounding agricultural products. For example, the packaging material may be for packaging food, typically agricultural products. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobicly modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is applied to the packaging material by immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for applying a thixotropic composition to the hydrophobic surface of an agricultural product or its packaging material, the method comprising: preparing the thixotropic composition of the present invention (optionally by any of the methods described in the present invention); and applying the thixotropic composition to the surface of an agricultural product or its packaging material by immersion tank, spray bar, brush bed, or a combination thereof. Agricultural products include cut flowers, agricultural products (e.g., fruits and vegetables), packaged agricultural products (e.g., packaged agricultural products), etc. These products have hydrophobic surfaces. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil and / or wax (e.g., natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is prepared by any of the methods described in the present invention and then applied to agricultural products by immersion tanks, spray bars or brush beds, or a combination thereof.

[0021] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, uses of the thixotropic composition of the present invention are provided. The present invention provides uses of a thixotropic composition for protecting agricultural products having hydrophobic surfaces from dehydration and / or oxidation (e.g., for reducing or preventing dehydration and / or oxidation of agricultural products). The present invention also provides uses of a thixotropic composition for improving the shelf life of agricultural products having hydrophobic surfaces. Optionally, the improvement is achieved by comparing the shelf life of the same agricultural product without using the thixotropic composition of the present invention with that of the same agricultural product coated with a conventionally known composition. In these uses, the agricultural product may optionally be a fruit or vegetable or a cut flower. Furthermore, the present invention provides uses of a thixotropic composition for protecting packaging materials from oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss through the packaging material (e.g., for reducing or preventing oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss through the packaging material). In any of these applications, the thixotropic composition may include at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., a food compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. Alternatively, the thixotropic composition used may include hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The following detailed description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice and utilize the present invention. Certain details are described to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not essential for practicing the invention. Descriptions of specific uses are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and uses without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but rather to be given the maximum scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0023] Because hydrophobic surfaces are susceptible to oxidation and moisture loss, they are often coated to improve the shelf life of agricultural products. This invention solves the problem of hydrophobic materials that require protection from moisture outflow or inflow in addition to dehydration and / or oxidation, and allows consumers to verify that products are coated before purchase. When coating organic agricultural products (e.g., organic fruits), the composition is further required to be not only edible but also organic in order to maintain the organic certification of the agricultural products.

[0024] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a thixotropic composition comprising at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay (e.g., an edible compatibilizer), an oil and / or wax (e.g., a natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent including a volatile solvent.

[0025] When a thixotropic composition is applied to a hydrophobic surface, a transparent hydrophobic gas barrier coating is formed. For example, when applied to the hydrophobic surface of agricultural products (e.g., agricultural food products including fruits and vegetables and cut flowers), the thixotropic composition is effective in protecting the agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation and / or improving the shelf life of the agricultural products. When applied to the hydrophobic surface of a packaging material, the thixotropic composition is effective in protecting the packaging material from the intrusion of oxygen and / or the loss of moisture through the packaging material. When the packaging material is packaging agricultural products or is intended to package agricultural products, the protection from the intrusion of oxygen and / or the loss of moisture through the packaging material imparted by the thixotropic composition of the present invention is useful in protecting the agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation and / or improving the shelf life of the agricultural products.

[0026] As used herein, the term "thixotropic" refers to a mixture having non-Newtonian hydrodynamics, and its flow characteristics (e.g., apparent viscosity) vary depending on the shear rate and the duration of shear.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the smectite clay is montmorillonite, laponite (lithium sodium magnesium silicate, Na0.7Si8Mg5.5Li0.3O20(OH)4), bentonite, hectorite or saponite, or a mixture of two, three, four, or all five thereof. In certain embodiments, the smectite clay is selected from sodium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, sodium hectorite, laponite or saponite, or a mixture of two, three, four, or all five thereof. For example, the smectite clay may be sodium montmorillonite or laponite.

[0028] In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains smectite clay in an amount of 1.0 to 10.0% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains smectite clay in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains smectite clay in an amount of 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (or approximately thereto). In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains sodium montmorillonite or laponite in an amount of 1.0 to 10.0% by weight. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains sodium montmorillonite in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains sodium montmorillonite in an amount of 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (or close to there). In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains laponite in an amount of 1.0-5.0% by weight, 1.0-3.0% by weight, 1.5-3.0% by weight, or 1.5-2.5% by weight. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains laponite in an amount of 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (or close to there).

[0029] (Unmodified) The surface of smectite clay is partially or substantially hydrophilic. Due to the hydrophilic nature, unmodified smectite clay does not disperse well in oil, and thus, it is difficult to prepare a composition containing smectite clay and oil or wax. Therefore, a compatibilizer is included in the mixture to hydrophobically modify the smectite clay in the composition. Generally, the term "compatibilizer" refers to an organic modifier that reacts with a substance to hydrophobically modify the said substance. In particular, the term "compatibilizer" used in the present invention refers to an agent that hydrophobically modifies ( "hydrophobizes") the smectite clay in the composition, whereby the smectite clay is "hydrophobically modified". The compatibilizer reacts with the smectite clay to hydrophobically modify the smectite clay particles, thereby compatibilizing the clay with the hydrophobic polymer. Specifically, the compatibilizer reacts with the smectite clay by binding to the exchangeable sodium ions on the clay surface via the ion-dipole bond of the OH group, converting the smectite clay surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The hydrophobically modified smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobically modified smectite clay) has the advantageous property of being oleophilic or waxophilic rather than hydrophilic. The surface of the hydrophobically modified smectite clay is substantially hydrophobic and may be completely hydrophobic. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the compatibilizer converts the smectite clay into "hydrophobically modified smectite clay".

[0030] Commonly used compatibilizers include ionic liquids. Ionic liquids may consist of a combination of organic cations (ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, and / or pyridinium) and a plurality of organic or inorganic anions. Compatibilizers useful in the present invention include sodium citrate, mono or diglycerides of natural fats, and / or mono or diesters of pentaerythritol. Therefore, in some embodiments, the thixotropic composition of the present invention includes sodium citrate as a compatibilizer. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer of the thixotropic composition of the present invention includes mono or diglycerides of natural fats and / or mono or diesters of pentaerythritol, for example, octadecyl monoester of pentaerythritol. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition includes montmorillonite and sodium citrate, for example, sodium montmorillonite and sodium citrate. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition includes laponite and sodium citrate. In yet another embodiment, the thixotropic composition comprises montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and an octadecyl monoester of pentaerythritol.

[0031] In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains 0.1 to 5.0% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of a compatibilizer, for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. Therefore, the thixotropic composition may contain sodium citrate, mono or diglycerides of natural fats, and / or mono or diesters of pentaerythritol (e.g., octadecyl monoester of pentaerythritol) in a total amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains sodium citrate in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains 2 to 6% by weight of montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and sodium citrate in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains 2 to 6% by weight of laponite and 0.5 to 5.0% by weight of sodium citrate (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight.

[0032] In one embodiment, the compatibilizer is present in the composition in milliequivalent values ​​of the cation exchange capacity of the smectite clay. The cation exchange capacity can be measured indirectly by the methylene blue test or by ammonium exchange and Kjeldahl nitrogen measurement. These methods are well known to those skilled in the art. The typical cation exchange capacity of smectite clay is 90-100 milliequivalents / 100 grams.

[0033] The present invention further provides a novel thixotropic composition comprising at least one smectite clay, sodium citrate, oil and / or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent. In one embodiment, the novel thixotropic composition comprises montmorillonite or laponite, sodium citrate, oil and / or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent.

[0034] The thixotropic composition of the present invention comprises oil, wax, or oil and wax. In some embodiments, the oil and / or wax is a natural oil or natural wax. In this context, “natural” or “naturally derived” means an oil or wax that is present in nature or naturally derived and not artificially produced. This term does not require that the oil or wax be “directly obtained from nature.” A “natural” or “naturally derived” oil or wax may, but is not required, be a naturally identical substance. The oil or wax is usually edible, meaning it is safe for ingestion by humans or animals. In some embodiments, the oil and / or wax in the thixotropic composition is plant-derived. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition comprises vegetable oil or nut oil. Examples of oils suitable for inclusion in the composition of the present invention include canola oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and / or palm oil. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition comprises canola oil or coconut oil. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition may, alternatively or additionally, comprise wax. Examples of waxes suitable for inclusion in the composition of the present invention include beeswax, candelilla wax, and / or carnauba wax.

[0035] In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains oil and / or wax in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains oil and / or wax in an amount of 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains oil and / or wax in an amount of 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (or close to there).

[0036] In one embodiment, the weight ratio of oil and / or wax to smectite clay in the thixotropic composition is approximately 1:1.

[0037] The thixotropic composition of the present invention further comprises a solvent, the solvent comprising or consisting of a volatile solvent. As used in the present invention, "volatile" refers to a liquid that readily vaporizes into a gas. In one embodiment, the volatile solvent is ethanol. In another embodiment, the solvent comprises a mixture of a volatile solvent and water, for example, a mixture of ethanol and water. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises 10-50% of the volatile solvent and 50-90% of the water. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises 25% by volume of the volatile solvent and 75% by volume of water. A mixture of 25% by volume of the volatile solvent and 75% by volume of water is advantageous for facilitating the mixing of smectite clay with oil or wax.

[0038] In one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of at least 85% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In another embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 85–97.5% by weight, for example, 90–97.5% by weight. In yet another embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 90–95% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition).

[0039] In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is edible. As used in this invention, the term "edible" refers to an article that is safe for human or animal ingestion.

[0040] In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition is organic. As used in this invention, the term "organic" refers to components that, when applied to agricultural products, do not alter the organic status of said agricultural products. Therefore, these components meet the standards set for organically produced agricultural products, such as the rules for "organic" labeling set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP). In one embodiment, the organic composition does not contain inorganic components. As used in this invention, the term "inorganic" refers to components that, when applied to agricultural products, alter the organic status of those agricultural products.

[0041] The thixotropic composition of this invention forms a transparent coating on hydrophobic surfaces such as the surface of agricultural products or packaging materials that enclose such agricultural products. The term "transparent" as used in this invention refers to a coating that transmits light. Therefore, the coating film on the surface may be invisible to the naked eye or may have a slightly "glossy" surface that distinguishes it from an uncoated product. Thus, this transparent coating makes agricultural products clearly visible (for example, through the coating on their surface or through the coated packaging material). Those skilled in the art know that thick coatings of compositions containing cross-linked bentonite clay are used as UV protectants, but these are at best semi-transparent or opaque. Those skilled in the art can determine whether a coating on the surface of a product is transparent or not using the naked eye or methods known in the prior art.

[0042] The thixotropic composition of this invention forms a hydrophobic gas barrier coating on hydrophobic surfaces such as the surface of agricultural products or packaging materials that enclose such agricultural products. As used in this invention, "hydrophobic gas barrier" refers to a coating that acts as a barrier that repels water and prevents gases from passing through a hydrophobic surface. Thus, the hydrophobic gas barrier coating protects the surface to which it is applied from the intrusion of water and / or the movement of oxygen-containing gases through the surface. Therefore, when applied to the surface of agricultural products (e.g., fruits and vegetables), the hydrophobic gas barrier coating is useful for protecting the product from dehydration and / or oxidation. When applied to the hydrophobic surface of packaging materials, the hydrophobic gas barrier coating is useful for protecting products that are enclosed or intended to be enclosed within the packaging material from dehydration and / or oxidation.

[0043] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a thixotropic composition comprising at least one hydrophobic-modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil and / or wax (e.g., natural oil or natural wax), and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition comprises at least one hydrophobic-modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil and / or wax, and a solvent comprising water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol.

[0044] The descriptions and definitions provided in the present invention in relation to the thixotropic composition of the first aspect also apply to the thixotropic composition of the second aspect of the present invention, and to all other aspects of the present invention, including the methods and uses of the present invention described herein.

[0045] In the present invention, "hydrophobically modified smectite clay" refers to smectite clay that has been hydrophobically modified ("hydrophobic"). The surface of hydrophobically modified smectite clay is substantially hydrophobic and may be completely hydrophobic. Therefore, in some embodiments, "hydrophobically modified smectite clay" may be referred to as "hydrophobically modified smectite clay." Hydrophobically modified smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobicly modified smectite clay) has the advantageous property of being lipophilic or waxy rather than hydrophilic. A known method for determining whether smectite clay is hydrophobic or hydrophilic is to use contact angle measurement. Using a standard contact angle measuring device known in the industry, the contact angle of a water droplet on the smectite clay is measured. The water droplet forms on a hydrophobic surface, which indicates that the cohesive force involved within the water droplet is greater than the force involved in the interaction between the water and the smectite clay surface. If the contact angle between the surface of smectite clay and a water droplet exceeds 90°, it indicates that the clay is hydrophobic.

[0046] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic modified smectite clay is selected from hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) montmorillonite, laponite (lithium sodium magnesium silicate, Na0.7Si8Mg5.5Li0.3O20(OH)4), bentonite, hectorite, or saponite, or from a mixture of two, three, four, or all five of them. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay is selected from hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) sodium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, sodium hectorite, laponite (Na0.7Si8Mg5.5Li0.3O20(OH)4), or saponite, or from a mixture of two, three, four, or all five of them. For example, the composition may contain hydrophobic modified sodium montmorillonite or hydrophobic modified laponite.

[0047] In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains 1.0 to 10.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains (or approximately) 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay.

[0048] In some embodiments, the oil and / or wax in the thixotropic composition is an edible and / or natural oil or wax as defined in the present invention. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains an amount of oil or wax ranging from 1 to 10% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains an amount of oil and / or wax in the range of 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains (or approximately) 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of oil and / or wax.

[0049] In some embodiments, the ratio of oil or wax in the thixotropic composition to hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay is 1:1.

[0050] In some embodiments, the solvent consists of a volatile solvent, such as ethanol. In other embodiments, the solvent comprises a mixture of a volatile solvent (e.g., ethanol) and water. In some embodiments, the mixture comprises 10-50% of the volatile solvent and 50-90% of the water. In some embodiments, the mixture comprises 25% by volume of the volatile solvent and 75% by volume of the water, which favorably promotes the mixing of smectite clay with oil or wax. In some embodiments, the volatile solvent is ethanol. In some embodiments, the solvent is present in an amount of at least 85% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 85-97.5% by weight or 90-97.5% by weight, and optionally 90-95% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition).

[0051] In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition is edible, and the meaning of this is defined in the present invention. In some embodiments, the composition is organic, and the meaning of this is defined in the present invention.

[0052] The thixotropic composition forms a transparent coating that acts as a hydrophobic gas barrier on hydrophobic surfaces such as the surface of agricultural products or the surface of packaging materials surrounding the agricultural products. These terms are defined in the present invention.

[0053] In some embodiments of any thixotropic composition described in the present invention, the thixotropic composition of the present invention does not contain PVOH. For example, in some embodiments, the thixotropic composition of the present invention does not contain synthetic polymers and / or semi-synthetic polymers.

[0054] The present invention also provides methods for producing thixotropic compositions and compositions produced by these methods. The descriptions and definitions provided herein in the context of thixotropic compositions of the first and second embodiments of the present invention also apply to methods for producing thixotropic compositions of the present invention.

[0055] The method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention is carried out under high shear in at least one step. Any method or step of the method described herein that involves high shear mixing may be carried out using a known high shear mixer (e.g., a vane mixer, a Cowles dissolver, or a colloid mill). High shear mixing requires a high-speed and high-power apparatus in which the dispersion blade can reach a maximum speed of 2,500 to 5,000 feet per minute. The high shear mixing step may take 1 to 2 hours. When mixing small batches of the composition, a high shear blender may be used. High shear force can also be applied by extrusion as described herein. High-shear mixing is advantageous for rapidly mixing smectite clay with a solvent (and other components, if present) to form a thixotropic mixture, such as a dispersion, in which smectite clay particles (platelets) are uniformly dispersed. Standard mixing methods without high shear (e.g., using a tank with a paddle mixer) cannot completely disperse the smectite clay and solvent to form a homogeneous mixture. This is because the smectite clay platelets are held in a stacked state by numerous weak bonds (such as hydrogen bonds and ionic dipole interactions), and their aggregation generates strong cohesive forces. Standard mixing cannot apply enough force to break this cohesive energy. In contrast, methods with high shear provide increased energy and greater force, which is sufficient to break these forces holding the smectite clay platelets. Therefore, the method of producing the composition of the present invention using high shear is extremely efficient. High-shear mixing reduces the viscosity of the thixotropic composition and facilitates the mixing and reaction of compatibilizers for converting the smectite clay from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Furthermore, high-shear mixing is also useful when incorporating oils and / or waxes into thixotropic mixtures (as described in the present invention).

[0056] Accordingly, a third aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition comprising at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent. The method comprises the step of mixing the smectite clay, compatibilizer, oil or wax, and solvent under high shear. The at least one smectite clay used in the method may be any smectite clay described in the present invention. Similarly, the compatibilizer, oil and / or wax, and solvent comprising a volatile solvent may also be any compatibilizer, oil and / or wax, and solvent as defined in the present invention, respectively.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method involves mixing montmorillonite or laponite, sodium citrate, natural oils and / or waxes, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent such as ethanol under high shear. In some embodiments, the method involves mixing montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), sodium citrate, natural oils and / or waxes, and a solvent containing ethanol and optionally water under high shear. In other embodiments, the method involves mixing laponite, sodium citrate, natural oils and / or waxes, and a solvent containing ethanol and optionally water under high shear. In any of these embodiments, the natural oil may optionally be canola oil or coconut oil, and the natural wax may optionally be beeswax, carnauba wax, or candelilla wax.

[0058] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition. The method includes dispersing at least one smectite clay in water, then mixing a compatibilizer with the smectite clay in water under high shear to modify the smectite clay to be hydrophobic, thereby forming hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay. The hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay is then filtered, dried, and pulverized to a powder, and the powder is then mixed with oil and / or wax under high shear, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent is further added. The at least one smectite clay used in the method may be any smectite clay described in the present invention. Similarly, the compatibilizer, oil and / or wax and solvent containing a volatile solvent used in the method may be any compatibilizer, oil and / or wax and solvent as defined in the present invention, respectively.

[0059] The high-shear mixing method is as described above. High-shear mixing reduces the viscosity of the smectite clay-water dispersion, facilitating the mixing and reaction of the compatibilizer with the smectite clay, modifying the smectite clay to be hydrophobic, thereby forming hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay (i.e., smectite clay converted to "hydrophobic modified smectite clay"). The dispersion and mixing steps may be carried out using standard equipment known to those skilled in the art, such as a blender for small batches and a Cowles blade or vane mixer (vane pump) for large batches. This mixing step may be carried out at 1,500 to 2,000 feet per minute. The smectite clay dispersion in water forms a thixotropic mixture, which has the meaning defined in this invention.

[0060] In some embodiments, the method includes dispersing montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) in water. In some embodiments, the method includes dispersing laponite in water. In some embodiments, the smectite clay is dispersed in water at a concentration of approximately 1.5–5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In some embodiments, the smectite clay is dispersed in water at a concentration of 1.0–3.0% by weight, 1.5–3.0% by weight, or 1.5–2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition). In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition includes (or approximately) 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of smectite clay (e.g., montmorillonite or laponite).

[0061] The hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay obtained in the high-shear mixing process may be filtered using a standard method known to those skilled in the art, such as a commercially available substrate-plate and frame filter press. The method then includes drying the filtered clay using a standard method known to those skilled in the art, such as using an external heat source like a drum dryer or spray dryer. The method then includes grinding the dried filtered clay into a powder. Any standard grinding method known to those skilled in the art, such as a hammer mill or ball mill, may be used.

[0062] Next, powdered hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay is mixed with oil and / or wax under high shear. A suitable high-shear mixing method is as described above. In some embodiments, the oil and / or wax is mixed under high shear until a uniformly exfoliated solution is obtained. A uniformly exfoliated solution is obtained when the energy and large force imparted by the high shear reach a level sufficient to break the large cohesive forces resulting from the numerous weak bonds (e.g., hydrogen bonds and ionic dipole interactions) that stack the smectite clay layers.

[0063] In some embodiments, the powdered hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay is sieved before being mixed with oil and / or wax. For example, a sieve with a mesh size of less than 325 (i.e., a sieve with 325 openings per inch) may be used.

[0064] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic composition. The method includes the steps of: wetting smectite clay with water; introducing the wetted smectite clay into a kneader equipped with an extrusion head; adding a compatibilizer to modify the smectite clay to be hydrophobic, thereby forming hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay; and extruding the hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay from the extrusion head of the kneader to form pellets. The hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay pellets are then dried and pulverized to a powder. The powder is then mixed with oil and / or wax under high shear, and subsequently a solvent containing a volatile solvent is added.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method includes wetting montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) with water. In some embodiments, the method includes wetting laponite with water. In some embodiments, the wetting step yields a dough containing 30-90% by weight of smectite clay. In some embodiments, the wetted smectite clay dough contains 80-90% by weight, for example, 85% by weight of smectite clay.

[0066] A kneader, preferably a Pugmill, is used to mix the wet smectite clay dough with a compatibilizer, thereby modifying the wet smectite clay to be hydrophobic, forming a wet, hydrophobic (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay. The energy of the kneading process mixes and heats the water and smectite clay, forming a thixotropic mixture in which the smectite clay particles (layers) are uniformly distributed. After kneading, the hydrophobic, modified wet smectite clay dough is extruded from the extrusion head of the kneader to form pellets of hydrophobic, modified smectite clay. The extrusion process further imparts high shear to the clay dough. An extrusion nozzle diameter of approximately 0.25 inches is commonly used.

[0067] The extruded hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay pellets may be dried, crushed, and optionally sieved using the known methods described above.

[0068] In some embodiments, in any of the methods for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the smectite clay is selected from montmorillonite, laponite (Na0.7Si8Mg5.5Li0.3O20(OH)4), bentonite, hectorite, or saponite, or selected from a mixture of two, three, four, or all five of them. In some embodiments, in any of the methods for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the smectite clay is selected from sodium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, sodium hectorite, laponite, or saponite, or selected from a mixture of two, three, four, or all five of them. For example, the smectite clay may contain sodium montmorillonite or laponite.

[0069] In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition obtained in any of the methods for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention contains 1.0 to 10.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of smectite clay. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of smectite clay. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains (or approximately) 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of smectite clay.

[0070] The step of combining smectite clay with a compatibilizer modifies the smectite clay to be hydrophobic. The term "compatibilizer" has the meaning defined in this invention. In any embodiment of the method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the compatibilizer is selected from sodium citrate. In other embodiments, the compatibilizer is a monoglyceride or diglyceride of a natural fat and / or a monoester or diester of pentaerythritol (e.g., octadecyl monoester of pentaerythritol). In any embodiment of the method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the smectite clay is montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and the compatibilizer is sodium citrate. In any embodiment of the method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the smectite clay is laponite and the compatibilizer is sodium citrate.

[0071] In any embodiment of the method for producing a thixotropic composition of the present invention, the thixotropic composition produced by the method contains 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of a compatibilizer, for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains 0.1 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of sodium citrate, for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. In any embodiment of the method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the thixotropic composition contains 2 to 6% by weight of montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and 0.5 to 5.0% by weight of sodium citrate (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 0.1 to 2.0% by weight, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition contains 2 to 6% by weight of laponite and 0.5 to 5.0% by weight of sodium citrate (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 0.1 to 1.0% by weight, 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, or 0.1 to 0.25% by weight.

[0072] In any embodiment of the method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, the oil and / or wax is an edible or natural oil or wax as defined herein. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition produced by the method contains 1 to 10% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of oil or wax. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of oil and / or wax. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition contains (or approximately) 1.5% by weight, 2.0% by weight, or 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition) of oil and / or wax.

[0073] In any embodiment of the method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, oil and / or wax and smectite clay are added in a ratio of 1:1 (by weight / by weight).

[0074] The method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention uses a solvent containing a volatile solvent as defined herein. In some embodiments, the solvent consists of a volatile solvent such as ethanol. In other embodiments, the solvent includes a mixture of a volatile solvent such as ethanol and water. For example, the solvent mixture may contain 10 to 50 volume% of the volatile solvent and 50 to 90 volume% of water. For example, it may contain about 25 volume% of the volatile solvent and 75 volume% of water, which favorably promotes the mixing of smectite clay with oil or wax. In some embodiments, the solvent is added in an amount of at least 85% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic composition), for example, 85 to 97.5% by weight, or 90 to 97.5% by weight, or optionally 90 to 95% by weight.

[0075] The present invention also provides thixotropic compositions produced by any of the methods of the present invention. These thixotropic compositions may be edible and may optionally be organic. These terms are defined herein.

[0076] In any embodiment of the method for producing a thixotropic composition of the present invention, the method further includes the step of applying the thixotropic composition to a product having a hydrophobic surface. In some embodiments, the composition is applied using a spray bar, immersion tank, brush bed, inkjet printing, gravure, or doctor's knife, or a combination thereof. For example, a composition produced according to any method of the present invention may be applied using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed, or an immersion tank and a brush bed. The method may further include the step of drying the composition after application (e.g., by heating), but more generally, the composition is allowed to air dry under ambient conditions. The thixotropic composition forms a coating on the hydrophobic surface to which it is applied. The coating is transparent and functions as a hydrophobic gas barrier. These terms are defined in the present invention.

[0077] An example of a product having at least one hydrophobic surface is agricultural products. As used in connection with the present invention, the term “agricultural products” refers to products derived from plants and animals. Agricultural products include cut flowers and plants, as well as foodstuffs, such as agricultural products (fruits and vegetables). These products have hydrophobic surfaces. In some embodiments, agricultural products are crops. As used in the present invention, the term “crops” refers to crops produced on a farm. In some embodiments, crops are fruits, such as pome fruits, citrus fruits, or tomatoes. The present invention is particularly applicable to pome fruits, more specifically apples, pears, and / or quince. In other embodiments, crops are vegetables. For example, vegetable crops may be cucumbers or mushrooms. In yet another embodiment, crops are cut flowers, such as roses. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition is applied to the agricultural products before harvest, while in other embodiments, the thixotropic composition is applied to the agricultural products after harvest.

[0078] Further examples of products having at least one hydrophobic surface are packaging materials. The term “packaging material” as used in relation to all aspects of the present invention includes bags, films and wraps (including shrink wrap or vacuum packaging), boxes, cartons, trays, and other containers. Packaging materials may be made from plastics such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition is applied to the packaging material before packaging the product, while in other embodiments, the thixotropic composition is applied to the packaging material after packaging the product, i.e., after the product has been sealed within the packaging material.

[0079] The present invention also provides a method for applying a thixotropic composition to a hydrophobic surface of agricultural products or packaging materials to obtain one or more of the technical effects described in the present invention. The descriptions and definitions described in the present invention with respect to thixotropic compositions according to the first and second aspects of the present invention also apply to the methods described below, namely, methods for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, methods for improving shelf life, and / or methods for protecting against oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss through packaging materials.

[0080] Accordingly, a sixth aspect of the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation. This method involves applying a thixotropic composition of the present invention to the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural product. For example, the method is for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation during storage or display. Agricultural products are as defined in the present invention. In one aspect, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil and / or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. In another aspect, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobic modification of the smectite clay, oil and / or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. The terms “smectite clay,” “compatibilizer,” “hydrophobic modified smectite clay,” “oil and / or wax,” and “solvent containing a volatile solvent” are as defined in the present invention. Thixotropic compositions may be applied to agricultural products before harvest, but more commonly, they are applied after harvest.

[0081] Dehydration of agricultural products is accelerated by dry environmental conditions and exposure to air / oxygen. For example, agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pomelo) and vegetables lose moisture during storage. The thixotropic compositions and related methods of the present invention are useful for reducing moisture loss from products by reducing the moisture vapor transmission rate through the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural product or its packaging material to which the thixotropic composition is applied. In the present invention, "protect from dehydration" means preventing moisture loss (e.g., water loss) from agricultural products. In this embodiment, "protection from dehydration" includes reduction or prevention of dehydration. Reduction of dehydration may be defined compared to dehydration of the same product without any coating composition (uncoated control), or compared to dehydration of the same product coated with a conventional composition well known to those skilled in the art. Methods for observing and measuring dehydration of agricultural products are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, dehydration can be measured by weighing the agricultural product, and its weight loss corresponds to moisture loss. In one embodiment, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic composition of the present invention exhibit at least 5% less weight loss when stored at room temperature for 3 weeks compared with the same agricultural products without coating (control). For example, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic composition of the present invention exhibit at least 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55% less weight loss when stored at room temperature for 3 weeks compared with the same agricultural products without coating (control).

[0082] Oxidation of agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pome fruits) and vegetables causes browning and softening of the products. The thixotropic compositions and related methods of the present invention are useful for protecting products from oxidation by reducing the oxygen permeability through the hydrophobic surface of agricultural products or their packaging materials to which the thixotropic compositions are applied. In the present invention, "protection from oxidation" means preventing oxidation of the surface of agricultural products. In this embodiment, "protection from oxidation" includes reduction or prevention of oxidation. Reduction of oxidation may be defined in comparison to the oxidation of the same product without any coating composition (uncoated control), or in comparison to the oxidation of the same product coated with a conventional composition well known to those skilled in the art. Methods for observing and measuring the oxidation of agricultural products are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the oxidation of agricultural products (such as browning and / or softening of agricultural products, particularly pome fruits) is usually observed and measured visually.

[0083] A seventh embodiment of the present invention provides a method for improving the shelf life of agricultural products having a hydrophobic surface, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural product. The agricultural product is as defined in the present invention. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil and / or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicly modifying the smectite clay, oil and / or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. The terms “smectite clay,” “compatibilizer,” “hydrophobically modified smectite clay,” “oil and / or wax,” and “solvent containing a volatile solvent” are as defined in the present invention. The thixotropic composition may be applied to agricultural products before harvest, but more typically after harvest.

[0084] The shelf life of agricultural products, particularly fresh produce, can be defined as the length of time the product can be stored without becoming unsuitable for use, consumption, or sale. During the shelf life of a product, a specified quality of a given percentage of the product is maintained in an acceptable state under expected (or specified) conditions. Dehydration and / or oxidation of agricultural products can shorten their shelf life. Therefore, protecting products from dehydration and / or oxidation is useful for maintaining or improving the expected shelf life of a product. “Improvement” in shelf life can mean an extension of the time the product can be stored without becoming unsuitable for use, consumption, or sale. Improvement in shelf life is achieved compared to the shelf life of the same agricultural product without any coating composition (uncoated control) or the same agricultural product coated with conventional compositions known in the industry.

[0085] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a method for protecting a packaging material from oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss) through its hydrophobic surface. This method comprises applying a thixotropic composition to the hydrophobic surface of the packaging material. In one aspect, the thixotropic composition used in this method comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. In another aspect, the thixotropic composition used in this method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay, oil or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. The terms “smectite clay,” “compatibilizer,” “hydrophobic modified smectite clay,” “oil and / or wax,” and “solvent containing a volatile solvent” have the meanings as defined in this invention. After the thixotropic composition has been applied to the packaging material, the method may optionally further include the step of packaging agricultural products using the packaging material.

[0086] In one embodiment, the method provides protection from oxygen intrusion. In another embodiment, the protection is protection from moisture loss, including moisture loss, e.g., water loss. In yet another embodiment, the method provides protection from both oxygen intrusion and moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss). The thixotropic compositions and related methods of the present invention are useful for protecting packaging materials from oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss) by reducing the rate of transmission of oxygen and / or moisture (e.g., water vapor) across the hydrophobic surface of the product or packaging material to which the thixotropic composition is applied. In these embodiments, “protecting” the packaging material from oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss) includes reducing or even preventing oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss). The reduction of oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss) can be defined in comparison to oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss) through the same hydrophobic surface (uncoated control) of a packaging material without any coating composition, or in comparison to oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss (e.g., moisture loss) through the same hydrophobic surface of a packaging material coated with a composition known in the prior art.

[0087] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to a hydrophobic surface of a packaging material intended for packaging agricultural products. Suitable packaging materials are defined in the present invention. Agricultural products are defined in the present invention. Protection from dehydration and / or oxidation and improvement of shelf life are defined in the present invention. In one aspect, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. In another aspect, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobic modification of the smectite clay, oil or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. The terms “smectite clay,” “compatibilizer,” “hydrophobic modified smectite clay,” “oil and / or wax,” and “solvent containing a volatile solvent” are defined in the present invention. After the thixotropic composition is applied to the packaging material, the method optionally further includes the step of packaging agricultural products using the packaging material.

[0088] In a tenth embodiment, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, the method comprising applying the thixotropic composition of the present invention to a hydrophobic surface of packaging material surrounding agricultural products. For example, the packaging material may be used to wrap food products, typically agricultural products. Suitable packaging materials are defined in the present invention. Agricultural products are defined in the present invention. Protection from dehydration and / or oxidation and improvement of shelf life are defined in the present invention. In one embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, oil or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent. In another embodiment, the thixotropic composition used in the method comprises at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobic modification of the smectite clay, oil or wax, and a solvent comprising a volatile solvent. The terms “smectite clay,” “compatibilizer,” “hydrophobic modified smectite clay,” “oil and / or wax,” and “solvent containing a volatile solvent” are defined in this invention.

[0089] In any of these methods of the present invention, in some embodiments, the thixotropic composition is applied to a hydrophobic surface using a dip tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or any combination thereof. For example, the composition may be applied using a spray bar, or optionally in combination with a spray bar and a brush bed.

[0090] In a twelfth aspect of the present invention, applications of the thixotropic composition of the present invention are provided. The present invention provides applications of using the thixotropic composition of the present invention to protect agricultural products having hydrophobic surfaces from dehydration and / or oxidation (e.g., to reduce or prevent dehydration and / or oxidation of agricultural products). The present invention also provides applications of using the thixotropic composition of the present invention to improve the shelf life of agricultural products having hydrophobic surfaces (optionally, the improvement is achieved compared to the shelf life of the same agricultural product without using the thixotropic composition of the present invention, or the shelf life of the same agricultural product coated with a conventional composition well known to those skilled in the art). In these applications, the agricultural product may optionally be fresh produce such as fruits or vegetables (typically pome fruits), or cut flowers. Furthermore, the present invention provides applications of using the thixotropic composition of the present invention to protect packaging materials from oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss through the packaging materials (e.g., moisture loss) (e.g., to reduce or prevent oxygen intrusion and / or moisture loss). In any of these applications, the thixotropic composition may include a hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, an oil or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent. Alternatively, the thixotropic composition used may include at least one smectite clay, a compatibilizer for hydrophobicizing the smectite clay, an oil or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent.

[0091] Example 1

[0092] An experiment was conducted in which apples were coated with a thixotropic composition containing 25 grams of laponite, 16 grams of canola oil, and 2 grams of sodium citrate per liter of solvent. The thixotropic composition was prepared by mixing the laponite, canola oil, sodium citrate, and solvent in a blender and shearing the mixture until it reached 80°C. The coating was applied to the apples manually using a paint sprayer and dried at room temperature. The weight of the apples was measured at room temperature for three weeks. Compared to uncoated (control) apples, the apples coated with the thixotropic composition showed an 8% less weight loss.

[0093] Example 2

[0094] An experiment was conducted in which apples were coated with a thixotropic composition containing 16 grams of laponite, 25 grams of canola oil, and 2 grams of sodium citrate per liter of solvent. The thixotropic composition was prepared by mixing the laponite, canola oil, sodium citrate, and solvent in a blender and shearing it to 80°C. The coating was applied to the apples manually using a paint sprayer and dried at room temperature. The weight of the apples was measured at room temperature over a period of three weeks. Compared to uncoated (control) apples, the apples coated with the thixotropic composition showed a 25.4% less weight loss.

[0095] Example 3

[0096] A thixotropic composition containing 25 grams of montmorillonite, 15 grams of canola oil, 3.5 grams of beeswax, and 2 grams of sodium citrate per liter of solvent was applied to apples. The thixotropic composition was prepared by mixing montmorillonite, canola oil, beeswax, sodium citrate, and solvent in a mixer and shearing the mixture until it reached 80°C. The composition was applied manually to the apples using a hand spray gun and then air-dried at room temperature. The weight of the apples was monitored at room temperature for three weeks. Compared to uncoated (control) apples, the apples coated with the thixotropic composition showed a 45.9% less weight loss.

[0097] Example 4

[0098] An experiment was conducted in which apples were coated with a thixotropic composition containing 20 grams of laponite, 25 grams of coconut oil, and 2 grams of sodium citrate per liter of solvent. The thixotropic composition was prepared by mixing the laponite, coconut oil, sodium citrate, and solvent in a blender and shearing the mixture until it reached 80°C. The coating was applied to the apples manually using a paint sprayer and dried at room temperature. The weight of the apples was measured at room temperature for three weeks. Compared to uncoated (control) apples, the apples coated with the thixotropic composition showed a 31% less weight loss.

[0099] Example 5

[0100] Experiments were conducted in which Bartlett pears were coated with a thixotropic composition containing 25 grams of sodium montmorillonite, 9.5 grams of pentaerythritol octadecyl monoester, and 18 grams of carnauba wax per liter of solvent in 75% by volume water and 25% by volume ethanol. The thixotropic composition was prepared by blending sodium montmorillonite, pentaerythritol octadecyl monoester, carnauba wax, water, and ethanol for 40 minutes. This thixotropic composition was applied to the Bartlett pears using a hand sprayer and hand brushing to simulate a spray bar and brush bed. The Bartlett pears were stored for 3 weeks and dehydration was measured. Compared to uncoated (control) pears, the pears coated with the thixotropic composition showed a 55% reduction in dehydration level.

[0101] Example 6

[0102] Additional experiments were conducted by coating Bartlett pears with a thixotropic composition containing 25 grams of sodium montmorillonite, 9.5 grams of pentaerythritol octadecyl monoester, and 18 grams of carnauba wax per liter of solvent in 75% by volume water and 25% by volume ethyl alcohol. The thixotropic composition was prepared by wetting a mixture of powdered sodium montmorillonite and pentaerythritol octadecyl monoester with 75% by volume:25% by volume water and 15 grams of ethanol to prepare a smectite clay modified to be wet and hydrophobic. The smectite clay modified to be wet and hydrophobic was placed in a pan mill and extruded. The extruded hydrophobic smectite clay pellets (noodles) were then dried and pulverized using a ball mill to form powdered hydrophobic smectite clay. The powdered hydrophobic smectite clay was then dispersed in a blender for 20 minutes at a solids concentration of 5.25% in 75% by volume:25% by volume water and ethanol. This thixotropic composition was applied to Bartlett pears using a hand sprayer and hand brush to simulate a spray bar and brush bed. The Bartlett pears were stored at low temperatures for 3 weeks, and dehydration was measured. Compared to uncoated (control) pears, the pears coated with the thixotropic composition showed a 49% reduction in dehydration level.

[0103] In the claims and specifications of this invention, terms such as “includes,” “contains,” and “have” are to be interpreted as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. “A,” “An,” and the singular form of the word are to be interpreted as including the plural form of the same word, i.e., these terms mean that one or more are provided. “One” or “single” may be used to indicate that only one is intended. Similarly, certain integer values ​​such as “two” may be used when a specific number of objects are intended. “Preferably,” “prefer,” “like,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are to indicate that the object, condition, or process mentioned is an optional feature, not essential, in the invention.

[0104] The present invention has been described in relation to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications are possible while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that methods, apparatus, apparatus elements, materials, procedures and techniques not specifically described herein can be implemented based on the broad disclosure of the present invention without requiring excessive experimentation. All functional equivalents of the methods, apparatus, apparatus elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein that are known to those skilled in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Where a scope is disclosed, all sub-scopes and individual values ​​are intended to be encompassed. The present invention is not limited by the disclosed embodiments, including those shown in the illustrative drawings and those illustrated in the specification.

[0105] Although the present invention has been described in relation to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art who have the advantages of the disclosure of the present invention will understand that other embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

[0106] All documents cited throughout this Application, such as patent documents, patent application publications, and non-patent documents or other sources of information, including issued or registered patents or equivalents thereof, are incorporated into this Application in their entirety, as if they were incorporated individually by reference, provided that each cited document is at least partially consistent with the disclosures of this Application (for example, a cited document that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference excluding the inconsistent portion).

Claims

1. A thixotropic composition for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, characterized by comprising the following: (a) at least one type of smectite clay; (b) Compatibilizers for modifying smectite clay to be hydrophobic; (c) oils and / or waxes; and (d) A solvent containing a volatile solvent.

2. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of at least one smectite clay is 1 to 10% by weight, and optionally 1 to 5% by weight.

3. The thixotropic composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one smectite clay is montmorillonite, laponite, bentonite, hectorite, or saponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

4. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the compatibilizer comprises or comprises sodium citrate, or the compatibilizer comprises or comprises monoesters or diesters of natural fats and / or pentaerythritol.

5. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compatibilizer is 0.1 to 5.0% by weight.

6. A thixotropic composition for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, characterized by comprising the following: (a) Smectite clay modified to be hydrophobic in at least one way; (b) oils and / or waxes; and (c) A solvent containing a volatile solvent.

7. The thixotropic composition according to claim 6, wherein the hydrophobic modified smectite clay is present in an amount of 1 to 10% by weight, and optionally 1 to 5% by weight.

8. The thixotropic composition according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one hydrophobic modified smectite clay is hydrophobic modified montmorillonite, laponite, bentonite, hectorite, or saponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

9. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the oil and / or wax comprises a plant-derived oil and / or wax, and optionally the oil is a vegetable oil or a nut oil, or the wax comprises carnauba wax or beeswax.

10. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the oil and / or wax is 1 to 10% by weight, and optionally 1 to 5% by weight.

11. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the solvent is at least 85% by weight, and optionally 85 to 97.9% by weight.

12. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the solvent is a composition comprising or consisting of ethanol, or the solvent is a mixture of ethanol and water, and the mixture optionally comprises 25% by volume of a volatile solvent and 75% by volume of water.

13. The thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composition is edible.

14. A method for producing a thixotropic composition, comprising the step of mixing smectite clay, a compatibilizer for modifying the clay to be hydrophobic, an oil and / or wax, and a solvent containing a volatile solvent under high shear mixing.

15. A method for producing a thixotropic composition, comprising the following: (a) A step of dispersing smectite clay in water; (b) A step of modifying the smectite clay to be hydrophobic by mixing a compatibilizer with smectite clay in water under high shear; (c) A step of filtering the hydrophobic smectite clay; (d) A step of drying the hydrophobic smectite clay; (e) A step of crushing the dried hydrophobic smectite clay to form powdered hydrophobic smectite clay; (f) The step of mixing powdered hydrophobic smectite clay with oil and / or wax under high shear; and (g) A step of adding a solvent containing a volatile solvent.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the smectite clay is dispersed in water to form a dispersion of 1 to 5% by weight.

17. A method for producing a thixotropic composition, comprising the following: (a) The step of wetting the smectite clay with water; (b) Adding a compatibilizer to moist smectite clay in a kneader equipped with an extrusion head to modify the smectite clay to be hydrophobic; (c) Step of extruding hydrophobic smectite clay from an extrusion head to form hydrophobic smectite clay pellets; (d) A step of drying the hydrophobic smectite clay pellets; (e) A step of crushing the dried hydrophobic smectite clay pellets to form powdered hydrophobic smectite clay; (f) The step of mixing powdered hydrophobic smectite clay with oil and / or wax under high shear; and (g) A step of adding a solvent containing a volatile solvent.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the wet smectite clay is 30 to 90% by weight of smectite clay, and optionally about 85% by weight of smectite clay.

19. The method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the kneading machine is a bread mill.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein step (e) further includes sieving the powdered hydrophobic smectite clay.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the smectite clay is present in 1 to 10% by weight of the thixotropic composition, and optionally in 1 to 5% by weight of the thixotropic composition.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the compatibilizer is present in the thixotropic composition in an amount of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the oil or wax is present in 1 to 10% by weight of the thixotropic composition, and optionally in 1 to 5% by weight of the thixotropic composition.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the solvent is at least 85% by weight in the thixotropic composition, and optionally 85 to 97.9% by weight in the thixotropic composition.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the smectite clay is montmorillonite, laponite, bentonite, hectorite, or saponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the compatibilizer comprises sodium citrate, or the compatibilizer comprises a monoglyceride or diglyceride of a natural fat and / or a monoester or diester of pentaerythritol.

27. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 26, wherein the oil and / or wax comprises a plant-derived oil and / or wax, and optionally the oil is a vegetable oil or a nut oil, or the wax comprises carnauba wax or beeswax.

28. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the solvent contains or is composed of ethanol, or the solvent is a mixture of ethanol and water, and optionally the mixture contains 25% by volume of a volatile solvent and 75% by volume of water.

29. A thixotropic composition prepared by the method described in any one of claims 14 to 28.

30. A method for applying a thixotropic composition to agricultural products or their packaging materials, comprising the following: A step of preparing a thixotropic composition according to the method described in any one of claims 14 to 28; and The step of applying the thixotropic composition to the hydrophobic surface of an agricultural product or its packaging material using an immersion tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or any combination thereof.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the thixotropic composition is applied using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed, or using a combination of an immersion tank and a brush bed.

32. A method for protecting a packaging material from the intrusion of oxygen and / or loss of moisture through the packaging material, comprising applying a thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to the hydrophobic surface of the packaging material.

33. A method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, comprising applying a thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural products.

34. A method for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, comprising applying a thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to the hydrophobic surface of the agricultural products.

35. A method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, comprising applying a thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to the hydrophobic surface of a packaging material for packaging the agricultural products, and optionally comprising further packaging the agricultural products in the packaging material.

36. A method for protecting agricultural products from dehydration and / or oxidation, or a method for improving the shelf life of agricultural products, comprising applying a thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to the hydrophobic surface of a packaging material surrounding the agricultural products.

37. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the agricultural product is an agricultural product that is a fruit or a vegetable, or the agricultural product is a cut flower.

38. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the thixotropic composition is applied using a spray bar, an immersion tank, a brush bed, an inkjet printer, a gravure printer, or a doctor's knife, or a combination thereof.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the thixotropic composition is applied using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein the thixotropic composition is applied using a combination of an immersion tank and a brush bed.

41. Use of the thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 for protecting agricultural products having a hydrophobic surface from dehydration and / or oxidation.

42. Use of the thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to improve the shelf life of agricultural products having a hydrophobic surface.

43. The use according to claim 41 or claim 42, wherein the agricultural product is an agricultural product such as a fruit or a vegetable, or the agricultural product is a cut flower.

44. Use of the thixotropic composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or claim 29 to protect the packaging material from the intrusion of oxygen and / or loss of moisture through the packaging material.

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