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Study on the Rapid Degradation Performance of Salix/Wheat Straw Fiber Degradable Film
Summary
Researchers prepared a biodegradable cellulose mulch film from Salix and wheat straw fibers using wet papermaking, then tested its degradation behavior under UV exposure and acid-base conditions as an alternative to non-degradable agricultural plastic mulch. Results showed the film degraded at measurable rates under UV conditions over 40 days, with the degradation mechanism analyzed through the cellulose fiber structure.
The preparation of biodegradable mulch film to replace non-degradable mulch film is of great significance for reducing the harm of non-degradable agricultural mulch film to the environment. However, there are few studies on the degradation performance and degradation mechanisms of degradable cellulose mulch. Therefore, the wet papermaking process was adopted in this work. Salix fiber and wheat straw fiber were used as raw materials. A Salix/wheat straw fiber degradable film was prepared by adding cationic polyacrylamide, alkyl ketene dimer, and paraffin emulsion. The degradation process of cellulose film was studied using a UV degradation test and an acid-base degradation test system. The results showed that after 40 days of UV degradation, the degradation rate of Salix/wheat straw fiber degradable film could reach 6.66%. The tensile strength could still maintain 2.878 KN/m. The results of the brightness change index (ΔL) and color overall change index (ΔE) showed that the surface of the Salix/wheat straw fiber degradable film had been successfully partially degraded. After 4 days of alkaline degradation, the degradation rate could reach 11.89%. After 4 days of acid degradation, the degradation rate could reach 14.64%. At the same time, the specific degradation process of Salix/wheat straw fiber degradable film was further studied by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This work provides a new method for the study of agricultural degradable cellulose mulch, which is of great significance for the future development of agricultural mulch.
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