BIODEGRADABLE FILM FOR AIR LAYERING: UTILIZING FRUIT PEELS, HEMP STRAW, AND RICE STARCH

Abstract

This invention discloses a novel biodegradable film for air layering plant propagation, composed of cellulose from fruit peels and hemp fibers, and rice starch. The film offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic films, providing comparable or superior mechanical properties for effective plant propagation.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of horticulture and sustainable agriculture, specifically concerning biodegradable films for air layering plant propagation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Air layering is a widely used horticultural technique for propagating plants, traditionally relying on non-biodegradable plastic films to create a humid microenvironment around the stem to stimulate root development. However, the widespread use of these plastic films has significant environmental consequences, including pollution from persistent plastic waste, microplastic generation, and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions due to fossil fuel-based manufacturing processes.
Existing biodegradable films often lack the necessary mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexibility, moisture barrier) required for effective air layering. Furthermore, many commercially available biodegradable films are either expensive or derived from sources not readily available or sustainable. There's a considerable research gap in finding suitable, cost-effective biodegradable materials derived from renewable resources to create a functional and environmentally sound air layering film.
Conventional methods for air layering using non-biodegradable plastics present significant environmental challenges. The persistence of plastic waste in the environment, the generation of microplastics through degradation, and the fossil fuel-intensive manufacturing processes contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainable alternative is urgently needed.
This invention aims to address these challenges by providing a biodegradable air layering film made from readily available agricultural by-products, including fruit peels, hemp straw, and rice starch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
This invention discloses a novel biodegradable film for air layering, composed of a mixture of cellulose from fruit peels and hemp fibers, and rice starch. The film is produced using environmentally friendly extraction and processing techniques, resulting in a cost-effective, sustainable material with suitable mechanical properties for effective plant propagation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: FLOWCHART ILLUSTRATING THE PROCESS FOR CREATING THE BIODEGRADABLE FILM FROM FRUIT PEELS, HEMP STRAW, AND RICE STARCH, INCLUDING STEPS FOR CELLULOSE EXTRACTION, MIXING, AND FILM FORMATION.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
This invention provides a biodegradable film for air layering applications, utilizing readily available and sustainable materials: fruit peels, hemp straw, and rice starch. The process for creating this film involves the following steps:
1. Raw Material Acquisition: Fruit peels (various types) and hemp straw are collected and cleaned.
2. Cellulose Extraction: Cellulose is extracted from the fruit peels and hemp straw through an alkaline treatment (e.g., using sodium hydroxide) followed by washing and bleaching to achieve a suitable purity and color.
3. Rice Starch Preparation: Rice starch is prepared by milling and processing the rice starch granules.
4. Film Formulation: The extracted cellulose, hemp fiber, and rice starch are blended in an optimized ratio (e.g., 1:1:1). Optional additives may be incorporated to enhance film properties (e.g., glycerol for flexibility).
5. Film Formation: The mixture is cast onto a suitable surface (e.g., a flat, non-stick surface) and allowed to dry, forming a thin film.
6. Film Characterization: The resulting film's properties (tensile strength, biodegradability, water vapor transmission rate, etc.) are characterized.
This biodegradable film offers several advantages over conventional plastic films: (1) Sustainability due to use of readily available and renewable resources; (2) Biodegradability, minimizing environmental impact; (3) Comparable or superior mechanical properties for effective air layering; (4) Cost-effectiveness through utilization of agricultural by-products.
, Claims:1. A biodegradable film for air layering applications, comprising a mixture of cellulose derived from fruit peels and hemp fibers, and rice starch.
2. The film, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the cellulose is extracted using an alkaline treatment.
3. The film, as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the ratio of cellulose to rice starch is optimized for mechanical properties and biodegradability.
4. A method for preparing a biodegradable film as claimed in claim 1, comprising extracting cellulose from fruit peels and hemp fibers, preparing rice starch, mixing the extracted cellulose, hemp fibers, and rice starch, and casting the mixture to form a film.
5. The method, as claimed in Claim 4, further comprising optimizing the ratio of cellulose to rice starch to enhance film properties.
6. Use of a biodegradable film as claimed in claim 1 for air layering plant propagation.
7. The film, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said film is characterized by biodegradability, suitable tensile strength, and moisture resistance properties suitable for air layering.
8. A sustainable and environmentally friendly method for plant propagation using the film, as claimed in Claim 1.
9. The film, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the film degrades in soil conditions without leaving persistent harmful residues.

10. The film, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the film is cost-effective to produce and utilize in horticultural applications.

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