Films mulching

Effects of solarization were found related to a combination of many parameters, though most authors agreed that soil temperature and moisture, climate and weather, and type and properties of mulching film are key factors for solarization results (Katan et al. 1987 Stapleton and DeVay 1995). 

Mulch film PE o o 3 Paper Biodegradability depending on local climate is key issue... 

This application is very cost-sensitive because of the subsidy structure of the agricultural sector of the EU. The regulations for waste disposal of mulch film require either recycling or adequate treatment (e.g., incineration). If thin mulch films are concerned, the recovery of the film in the field is crop-dependent and difficult. Cleaning of the soil residues is cost-intensive. In this case, it can be more cost-effective to use biodegradable mulch film, which is adapted to the climate and the fruit application. 

For example, cucumber is harvested up to 25 times per growing season using heavy machinery. At the end of the season the mulch film is difficult to recover. For this application, the use of biodegradable mulch film is of interest. 

Depending on the crop and the specific enviromnental requirements of the region (e.g., EU compared to Asia), different compounds have to be developed to achieve these requirements. For example, in Europe more than 8 weeks of intact performance of the mulch film is required. Limited UV-stability, different degradation speeds and the different mechanical properties of the individual polymers have to be considered in the formulation development. 

Since the most important property of mulch film is the appropriate biodegradability, extensive experiments in each region are indispensable. 

Green plastics Life cycle analysis Mulching film Starch... 

The promising market segments of Bionolle in the future are compostable bags and agricultural mulching film applications, where better processability (equivalent to conventional resin) and further cost reduction are required. 

Agricultural mulching film is one of the typical applications for biodegradable plastics. Currently, Bionolle mulching film is commonly used in Japan, and is an important market for us. However, some farmers are anxious about the effects of repeated use of biodegradable plastic on the farm. We, as a manufacturer of Bionolle, need to accumulate knowledge on such usage in the farm. 

Gilead D (1995) The disposal of mulching films after use. In Scott G, Gilead D (eds) Degradable polymers principles and applications. Chapman Hall, London, chap 10... 

These kinds of products are normally used in mulch films, bags and packing. Other systems have been investigated. The combination starch/ polyester has been claimed to be fully biodegradable (Tokiwa et al., 1993). Others are partially biodegradable, like starch/polyethylene/poly-e-caprolactone blends (Corp, 2001) and their derivatives or combinations of starch and modified polyesters. 

Granular starch and copolymers of ethylene and acrylic esters and alkyl(meth)acr-ylates or vinylacetate are produced as master batches for the production of mulch films, geotextiles and molded articles.146 The polar copolymers act as compatibilizers by lowering the interfacial energy between starch and the polyolefin and eliminate the need to coat granules. Processing via a vented twin-screw extruder also eliminates the need for anhydrous starch. 

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