Biodegradable Composite With Viable Bacteria for Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biodegradable plastics take too long to decompose and generate unpleasant odors, while biowaste decomposition can lead to odor emissions and environmental pollution, and existing solutions for odor control are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable composite comprising 40-80% organic matter with viable bacteria (≥104 CFU/g) and 20-60% porous material, such as activated carbon, which accelerates plastic degradation and absorbs odors, combined with biodegradable plastics to form compost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable plastics are used instead of normal plastics, then environmental pollution is reduced, but decomposition time is too long (more than 300 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates organic matter containing viable bacteria and porous material into the biodegradable plastic composite before use. This preliminary incorporation of decomposers (bacteria) and their habitat (porous material) enables the decomposition process to start immediately when the product is disposed of, rather than waiting for natural colonization. The bacteria are already present in sufficient quantities (total plate count ≥10^4 CFU/g) to begin breaking down the plastic right away, significantly reducing the 300+ day decomposition period.
2Productivity
If biowaste is decomposed without proper processing, then compost can be formed, but unpleasant odors and environmental pollution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous material as an intermediary substance that absorbs and traps odor-generating compounds during the biowaste decomposition process. The porous structure provides a large surface area for adsorbing volatile organic compounds, sulfur compounds, and other malodorous substances produced by bacterial activity. Simultaneously, the organic matter provides a controlled environment for beneficial composting bacteria to decompose biowaste efficiently. This intermediary approach allows compost formation to proceed while intercepting and containing the harmful odor gases before they can disperse into the environment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances plastic degradation speed and suppresses odors, forming biobased compost, promoting environmental protection and circular economy.
Implementation Method 1
the porous material of the biodegradable composite and the product has great absorption capability for absorbing the unpleasant odors
Implementation Method 2
the biodegradable plastic is decomposable by biological activities and contacts with the biodegradable composite
Data Source
AI summary
A biodegradable composite includes an organic matter and a porous material, wherein the organic matter has viable bacteria, and a total plate count of the organic matter is greater than or equal to 104 CFU/g. The organic matter accounts for 40% to 80% of a weight of the biodegradable composite. The porous material accounts for 20% to 60% of the weight of the biodegradable composite. The biodegradable composite could instantly remove unpleasant odor and accelerate a decomposition process to form compost. A product containing the biodegradable composite is provided as well.