Synergistic Effect of Sodium Alginate and Lignin on the Properties of Biodegradable Poly(vinyl alcohol) Mulch Films

Abstract

Replacing petrochemical polymers with biomaterials for biodegradable mulch applications has attracted widespread attention. However, improving film performance and reducing costs remain an issue. In this work, we found that the synergistic effect of sodium alginate and quaternary lignin significantly improved the performance and reduced the cost of poly(vinyl alcohol) films. The water retention, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, heat collection, light transmission, mechanical properties, soil consolidation, and the degradation rates of the composite films were systematically studied. We found that the addition of lignin enabled the film to achieve complete UV resistance, while the sodium alginate synergistically improved the mechanical and water-holding properties of the film. The film improved soil slumping, and the water vapor permeability of the film was 109.2 g•m −2 •day −1 . The degradation of the film was facilitated by the self-degradation properties of sodium alginate and lignin, which degraded 55% after 50 days.

Enhanced Functional Properties of Bioplastic Films Using Lignin Nanoparticles from Oil Palm-Processing Residue

“…Water vapor permeability (WVP) is an essential parameter to measure the rate of moisture exchange between the films and the environment. Better moisture protection is normally indicated by a lower value of WVP [ 52 ]. Figure 5 b depicts that all the reinforced bioplastic films possessed lower WVP values ( p < 0.05) and showed significant differences compared to the Kappaphycus alvarezii itself.…”

A Degradable Mulch Film with Fertilizer Slow-Release Function Enhanced by Lignin

“…The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) was tested adopting the proposed cup method; 10 g of anhydrous calcium chloride was added to an 80 mL glass vial. 17 The MSRF samples were then fixed at the mouths of the bottles, and the glass bottles were placed in a high-humidity environment (65% RH) at room temperature. The change in the bottle weight was recorded every 24 h until the total weight did not change by more than 5%.…”

“…16 Therefore, degradable mulch film has been widely studied in recent years. 17 For example, PVA and lignin composite films have been shown to improve the mechanical and water retention properties of the film. 18 Lignin was found to significantly improve the antioxidant property and mechanical strength properties of the films with chitosan and PVA.…”

Sodium Alginate–CuS Nanostructures Synthesized at the Gel–Liquid Interface: An Efficient Photocatalyst for Redox Reaction and Water Remediation

“…Due to the ionic cross-linking, the diffusion of cations throughout the matrix is limited and results in the narrow size distribution of the resulting nanostructures and good dispersion of the inorganic phase in the matrix . Thus, various researchers have introduced SA into the system to enhance interfacial compatibility and stability through a unique interaction between the gel and liquid phases. , As a result, the carbonized manganese-cross-linked SA (Mn/SA-C) was successful in eliminating arsenate (As­(V)), arsenite (As­(III)), and hexavalent chromium (Cr­(VI)) from water . The magnetic SA and magnetic SA/H 2 O 2 photocatalytically degraded AZO dyes from its aqueous solution .…”

“…35 Thus, various researchers have introduced SA into the system to enhance interfacial compatibility and stability through a unique interaction between the gel and liquid phases. 36,37 As a result, the carbonized manganese-cross-linked SA (Mn/SA-C) was successful in eliminating arsenate (As(V)), arsenite (As(III)), and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water. 38 The magnetic SA and magnetic SA/H 2 O 2 photocatalytically degraded AZO dyes from its aqueous solution.…”