Preparation of a Biodegradable Mulch Film Exhibiting a High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency and Bioactive Effects

Abstract

In this study, chitosan (CS), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polydopamine (PDA), and tungsten trioxide are compounded via melt blending to prepare a CS/PVP/PDA/WO 3 composite mulch. The morphological characteristics, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission performance, photothermal performance, and degradation performance of the mulch film and the effect of the CS/PVP/PDA/WO 3 composite mulch film on the growth of Dianthus chinensis L. and cucumber seeds are studied. The results show that the CS/PVP/PDA/WO 3 film exhibits a good thermal stability, biodegradability, UV resistance, photothermal conversion ability, and transmittance. Evaluation of the effect of this mulch film on the growth of crops shows that the film can promote the germination of seeds and increase the seedling growth rate.

Recent Advances of Biodegradable Agricultural Mulches from Renewable Resources

“…Liu et al prepared a CS/PVP/ PDA/WO 3 composite mulch by melt blending chitosan (CS), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polydopamine (PDA), and tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ). 52 As illustrated in Figure 3c, benefiting from the UV resistance and thermal insulation of the BMF, the cucumber seedlings showed a significant increase in total length, reaching an average of 22.48 cm within 1 week after mulching. This surpassed the length observed in samples covered with a plastic mulch.…”

“…(c) Digital photographs of CS/PVP/PDA/WO 3 , plastic mulch, and cucumber seedlings grown without mulch. Reproduced with permission from ref . Copyright 2022, John Wiley and Sons.…”

“…In addition to chitosan coating, the preparation of a degradable mulch using chitosan mixed with other cross-linking agents has also been reported. Liu et al prepared a CS/PVP/PDA/WO 3 composite mulch by melt blending chitosan (CS), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polydopamine (PDA), and tungsten trioxide (WO 3 ) . As illustrated in Figure c, benefiting from the UV resistance and thermal insulation of the BMF, the cucumber seedlings showed a significant increase in total length, reaching an average of 22.48 cm within 1 week after mulching.…”