Sprayable Biodegradable Polyurethane Membrane for Soil Mulching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic films used in agriculture for modifying soil temperature and suppressing weeds are non-biodegradable, costly to deploy and remove, and pose environmental issues due to incomplete recovery and degradation, while sprayable alternatives with required properties have not been practically viable for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A process for preparing a biodegradable aqueous dispersion of ionic polyurethane, which is sprayed onto soil to form a polymeric membrane that acts as a mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving water, using a reaction product of diisocyanate and an active hydrogen compound with ionic or ionizable groups, incorporating polyol units for biodegradability and emulsifier properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preformed continuous non-biodegradable polyolefin film is used, then film properties and weed suppression are improved, but environmental harm and waste disposal problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the film from non-biodegradable polyolefin to biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, polycaprolactone) while maintaining the mulch film functionality. This parameter change enables the film to degrade naturally after use, resolving the environmental harm issue while preserving weed suppression and soil temperature modification benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material formulations combining biodegradable polymers with natural additives such as plant extracts, organic fertilizers, and biopesticides. This creates a multi-functional composite film that maintains mechanical strength and film properties while incorporating environmentally beneficial components that enhance soil health and reduce environmental harm.
2Productivity
If preformed plastic film is deployed and removed, then crop production enhancement is improved, but labor cost and operational complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanent plastic film into a dynamic, transient biodegradable film that automatically degrades and disappears after serving its purpose. This eliminates the need for manual removal operations, significantly reducing labor costs and operational complexity while maintaining crop production benefits throughout the growing season.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable mulch film performs self-service by automatically degrading into harmless substances after completing its functional lifecycle. The film self-removes without requiring human intervention, equipment, or additional operational steps, thereby eliminating labor costs associated with film removal while continuing to support crop production.
3Ease of manufacture
If sprayable latex is applied to soil, then in situ film formation is improved, but film quality and required properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer parameters by selecting biodegradable polymers with appropriate molecular weight, viscosity, and film-forming characteristics that enable effective spray application. These parameter adjustments ensure the polymer solution can be atomized and deposited evenly while still forming films with sufficient mechanical strength, elasticity, and functional properties for agricultural use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates film-forming agents, plasticizers, and natural polymers into the sprayable polymer composition to enhance film quality. This composite formulation approach maintains the ease of spray application while ensuring the resulting film possesses the required mechanical properties, flexibility, and functional performance for weed suppression and soil conservation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polymers are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but film strength and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite materials by combining biodegradable polymers with reinforcing natural fibers, waxes, and plant-based additives. This composite structure enhances the mechanical strength, tear resistance, and durability of the film while maintaining biodegradability and environmental compatibility. The multi-component formulation compensates for the inherent weakness of single-component biodegradable polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional components at different concentrations and distributions within the film structure. Reinforcing agents and crosslinking agents are incorporated to strengthen critical areas, while biodegradable components dominate to ensure environmental compatibility. This local quality differentiation optimizes both strength and biodegradability simultaneously.
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
The polyurethane membrane is biodegradable, resilient, and can be applied using standard agricultural equipment, reducing environmental impact and operational costs, while improving soil health and crop growth by controlling water loss and weed growth.
Implementation Method 1
spraying the aqueous dispersion onto soil materials to be used in crop production to form a polymeric membrane
Implementation Method 2
conserving water
Data Source
AI summary
A process for preparing a polymeric membrane for soil materials used in crop production comprising providing an aqueous dispersion of polyurethane and spraying the aqueous dispersion onto soil materials to be used in crop production to form a polymeric membrane.