Light-selective mulch
OwnerHarshad Pande, Michael A. Bilodeau +2inventors
InventorsHarshad Pande, Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan M. Spender, Jacob John
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Lignin formulations for making light-selective mulch, methods of making such lignin formulations, light-selective mulches comprising substrates treated with lignin formulations, and methods of making such light-selective mulches. Some methods involve preparing aqueous lignin formulations that can be used as coatings that, in turn, can be applied to a substrate, such as a paper web, to form a biodegradable, light-selective mulch. Some such mulches blocks at least some light in the ultraviolet and blue/green ranges (350 nm to 500 nm) of the visible light spectrum to inhibit weed growth below the mulch, while also transmitting light in the red/infrared ranges to heat the soil below the mulch.
Claims20
A light-selective mulch comprising:
- a substrate;
- a light-selective surface coating that comprises:
- lignin;
- and
- polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol;
- and
- a second coating disposed on one side of the substrate;
- wherein the second coating comprises an oil- or wax-based coating and is different from the light-selective surface coating;
- wherein the light-selective mulch is configured to block a portion of light within a first light spectrum, and to transmit a portion of light within a second light spectrum;
- and
- wherein the first light spectrum ranging from 350 nanometers (nm) to 500 nm, and the second light spectrum ranging from 650 nm to 1000 nm.
A method of making a light-selective mulch, the method comprising:
- coating a mulch substrate with a light-selective lignin formulation comprising lignin and starch or polyvinyl alcohol, the light-selective lignin formulation having a solids content of at least 10 weight %;
- and
- coating one side of the mulch substrate with a second coating;
- wherein the second coating comprises an oil- or wax-based coating and is different from the lignin formulation;
- wherein the light-selective mulch is configured to block a portion of light within a first light spectrum, and to transmit a portion of light within a second light spectrum;
- and
- wherein the first light spectrum ranging from 350 nanometers (nm) to 500 nm, and the second light spectrum ranging from 650 nm to 1000 nm.
A method for preparing a lignin formulation for coating a mulch substrate, the method comprising
- (a) adding 5 to 15 grams of lignin and 1 to 4 grams of a polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol per 85 to 90 grams water with agitation to form a mixture;
- (b) heating the mixture to 170 to 200° F.;
- (c) incubating the mixture and maintaining pH at 8.0 or greater to form a lignin formulation with a solids content of at least 10 weight %.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.