Description:Brief Description of the Drawings

The present disclosure relates to biodegradable polymer coatings. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition.
Background
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In contemporary society, plastic has become an indispensable component, with its global production surpassing 150 million tonnes annually. This material finds extensive applications across various sectors, including packaging, clothing, and building materials, to name a few. Despite its ubiquitous usage, the environmental repercussions of plastic consumption are severe. Approximately 70% of plastic packaging quickly transitions into waste, contributing to India's staggering annual plastic waste output of around 9.4 million tonnes. This scenario is further exacerbated by the fact that a mere 8% of this waste undergoes recycling processes.
The disposal of plastic waste predominantly involves landfills, which, in high-income nations, are managed with stringent regulations. Contrastingly, in numerous other regions, waste disposal mechanisms are inadequately managed, leading to uncontrolled dumping that poses significant risks of environmental contamination, including ocean pollution. The packaging sector, utilizing 42% of total plastic produced, emerges as the principal contributor to plastic waste due to the short lifespan of packaging materials.
A considerable proportion of household waste consists of plastic, ranging between 50% and 80%, yet only 40% of this is recycled. This inefficiency in waste management leads to the pollution of aquatic ecosystems. Despite regulatory measures such as the ban on single-use plastics implemented in July 2022, a significant portion of plastic usage remains unaffected. The consequences of plastic pollution extend to the marine ecosystem, with plastic ingestion affecting a substantial number of marine species and contributing to the annual mortality of marine mammals, seabirds, and turtles. The omnipresence of microplastics, even detected in human blood, highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution and its potential intergenerational impact.
The term 'biodegradable plastic' refers to variants of plastic that degrade more rapidly or naturally than conventional plastics. However, the production of bioplastics constitutes a minor fraction of global plastic production, with challenges such as the creation of microplastics from certain biodegradable plastics remaining unresolved. These microplastics pose significant ingestion risks to aquatic wildlife due to their minute size.
Given the grave concerns surrounding plastic pollution and its environmental impact, there is a critical need for alternatives to conventional plastic materials. The current innovation endeavors to forge a path towards sustainability by introducing a hydrophobic biodegradable coating derived from natural and food-grade materials, utilizing agricultural by-products such as stubble. This approach not only offers a viable solution to mitigate plastic waste but also addresses the environmental degradation caused by stubble burning, illustrating a concerted effort towards leveraging agricultural waste for eco-friendly applications.
Summary
The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such aspects. Its purpose is to present some concepts of this disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The following paragraphs provide additional support for the claims of the subject application.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition. The method involves collecting stubble and husks of corn, cooking this biomass in a stainless steel pressure cooker with a water ratio, bleaching the cooked pulp with a sodium hypochlorite solution, washing the pulp to neutral pH, and grinding it into smaller particles. A mixture containing distilled water, selected starches, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar is prepared, heated, and stirred to form a gel-like slurry, into which the ground pulp is added to achieve a uniform mixture. This mixture is then processed into a hydrophobic biodegradable coating and applied to a substrate using various coating mechanisms. Adjustments in the ground pulp thickness with additional water, diluting the coating composition for application consistency, and the choice of substrate materials are contemplated. The roles of gelatin and vinegar in the mixture are specified as cross-linking and pH adjusting agents, with a further step of curing the applied coating to achieve desired properties.
Furthermore, the disclosure describes a system for preparing and applying a biodegradable polymer coating. This system includes units for collecting, cooking, bleaching, washing, grinding the biomass, and a mixing unit for preparing the coating mixture. An integrated stirring mechanism and an addition module ensure the uniformity of the mixture, which is then applied using a coating application unit. The system features a control system for regulating process conditions, along with enhancements like moisture content sensors, an automated pressure release system in the cooking unit, and an ultrasonic mixer in the mixing unit for improved homogenization.

Field of the Invention

The features and advantages of the present disclosure would be more clearly understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a method (100) for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system (200) for preparing and applying a biodegradable polymer coating, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to claim those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B”) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Pursuant to the "Detailed Description" section herein, whenever an element is explicitly associated with a specific numeral for the first time, such association shall be deemed consistent and applicable throughout the entirety of the "Detailed Description" section, unless otherwise expressly stated or contradicted by the context.
FIG. 1 illustrates a method (100) for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (100) comprises collecting stubble and husks of corn in step (102). In step (102), the collection of stubble and husks from corn is conducted to gather raw materials for the preparation of a biodegradable polymer coating composition. This step utilizes agricultural by-products, contributing to the sustainability of the method. In step (104), wherein the collected stubble and corn husk pulp is cooked in a stainless steel pressure cooker with a ratio of stubble and husk to water of 1:3. The cooking of the stubble and corn husk pulp is performed under specified conditions to facilitate the breakdown of the cellular structure of the biomass. This step is critical for the subsequent processing of the pulp. In step (106), wherein the cooked pulp is bleached with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution at a pulp to bleach ratio of 1:2 for approximately 8 hours. The bleaching of the cooked pulp is achieved using a sodium hypochlorite solution, which serves to remove lignin and other colorants, and is responsible for softenting the fibres, resulting in a whiter pulp. This bleached pulp forms the basis for further processing into a biodegradable coating. In step (108), wherein the bleached pulp is washed to achieve a neutral pH. The washing of the bleached pulp is essential to remove residual bleaching agents and to adjust the pH to neutral. This step ensures the pulp is suitable for further processing and application as a coating.
In step (110), wherein the washed pulp is ground into smaller particles. The grinding of the pulp into smaller particles increases the surface area, enhancing its reactivity and uniformity in the subsequent mixture. In step (112), wherein a mixture of distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar is prepared, where the starch is selected from the group consisting of corn, potato, tapioca, rice flour, and arrowroot. The preparation of this mixture involves combining specified amounts of distilled water, selected starches, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar to create a gel-like slurry. This mixture serves as the base for the biodegradable polymer coating composition. In step (114), wherein the mixture is heated in a borosilicate glass beaker in a laboratory hot bath at a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius. The heating of the mixture facilitates the solubilization and interaction of its components, resulting in a homogeneous gel-like slurry. In step (116), wherein the mixture is stirred at approximately 50 rpm using a stainless steel stirrer until it forms a gel-like slurry. The stirring process is crucial for maintaining the homogeneity of the mixture and for ensuring the formation of a gel-like slurry, which is essential for the subsequent addition of the pulp. [In step (118), wherein the ground bleached pulp is added to the gel-like slurry to form a uniform mixture. This step is pivotal for the preparation of the hydrophobic biodegradable coating. In step (220), wherein the hydrophobic biodegradable coating is prepared from the uniform mixture. The preparation of the hydrophobic biodegradable coating from the uniform mixture involves further processing to achieve the desired properties of the coating, including its hydrophobicity. In step (122), wherein the hydrophobic biodegradable coating is applied to a substrate using a coating mechanism selected from the group consisting of dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating. The application of the hydrophobic biodegradable coating onto a substrate is accomplished through various coating mechanisms. This step ensures the effective deposition of the coating on the intended substrate, contributing to the functional properties of the coated product.
In an embodiment, the method (100) is enhanced by incorporating an additional step that involves adjusting the thickness of the ground pulp with additional water. This modification is crucial for tailoring the viscosity of the pulp to be compatible with the requirements of the subsequent steps in the preparation of the biodegradable polymer coating composition. The adjustment of pulp thickness is achieved by carefully adding measured quantities of water to the ground pulp. This process ensures that the pulp attains a consistency that is optimal for its incorporation into the gel-like slurry, thereby facilitating a more homogeneous mixture. The capability to adjust the thickness of the pulp allows for greater control over the physical properties of the final coating composition, such as its spreadability and adhesion to the substrate. This adjustment step underscores the importance of precision in the formulation of the coating composition to achieve the desired outcome, highlighting the method's adaptability to different application requirements.
In another embodiment, the method (100) encompasses a detailed approach towards applying the biodegradable polymer coating composition. This approach involves initially diluting the coating composition with water to adjust its consistency. The adjusted consistency is pivotal for ensuring the ease of application and the uniformity of the coating layer on the substrate. Following the adjustment of consistency, the diluted coating composition is applied to the article using an application method selected from spraying, brushing, pouring over, and forming a separate layer by setting in a tray or vessel. This versatility in the application methods allows for the accommodation of various substrate geometries and material types, ensuring a broad applicability of the coating process. The specified application methods contribute to achieving a consistent and even coating layer, which is essential for the optimal performance of the biodegradable polymer coating. This step is instrumental in the realization of the coating's intended functional properties, such as its protective capabilities and biodegradability.
In a further embodiment, the method (100) specifies that the substrate material to which the hydrophobic biodegradable coating is applied is selected from a diverse group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metals, ceramics, and composites. This delineation of substrate materials underscores the method's versatility and its applicability across a wide range of industries. The selection of substrate materials is based on their compatibility with the biodegradable polymer coating composition and the intended application environment. Natural and synthetic fibers, for instance, may be selected for their biocompatibility and environmental friendliness, whereas metals, ceramics, and composites are chosen for their durability and resistance properties. The adaptability of the coating process to various substrate materials demonstrates the method's potential to contribute significantly to sustainability efforts in multiple sectors, by extending the lifecycle of products and reducing waste.
In yet another embodiment, the method (100) highlights the roles of gelatin and vinegar in the mixture, where they act as cross-linking and pH adjusting agents, respectively. The incorporation of gelatin facilitates the formation of a stable, cross-linked network within the coating composition, enhancing its mechanical strength and durability. Vinegar, on the other hand, is employed to adjust the pH of the mixture, ensuring that it is within an optimal range for the stability of the components and the effectiveness of the coating. The strategic use of these substances illustrates the method's reliance on food-grade, biodegradable materials, aligning with environmental sustainability objectives. By leveraging the functional properties of gelatin and vinegar, the method enhances the performance of the biodegradable polymer coating, making it suitable for a wide array of applications.
In a further embodiment, the method (100) incorporates a curing step, which is essential for achieving the desired mechanical and chemical properties of the applied coating. The curing process involves subjecting the coated substrate to conditions that are conducive to the cross-linking and solidification of the coating material. This step is critical for ensuring that the coating adheres firmly to the substrate and exhibits the necessary resistance to environmental factors such as moisture and temperature fluctuations. The curing conditions are carefully controlled to optimize the properties of the coating, including its durability, hydrophobicity, and biodegradability. This step signifies the method's comprehensive approach to developing a biodegradable polymer coating that not only fulfills environmental sustainability criteria but also meets the performance standards required for practical applications.
The “system” is an integrated setup designed for preparing and applying a biodegradable polymer coating, comprising various units for collecting, cooking, bleaching, washing, grinding, mixing, stirring, and applying the coating, along with a control system to maintain optimal process conditions, ensuring quality and consistency of the final product.
The term “collection unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a component designed for collecting stubble and husks of corn. The collection unit serves as the initial step in the process of preparing a biodegradable polymer coating, ensuring the procurement of organic raw materials essential for the production of the coating composition. The system comprises a collection unit for this purpose, highlighting the system's capacity to utilize agricultural by-products efficiently.
The term “cooking unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a module that includes a stainless steel pressure cooker for cooking the collected stubble and husk pulp with water. The cooking unit facilitates the breakdown of the plant material, preparing it for subsequent processing steps. This unit is instrumental in the transformation of the raw materials into a form that is more amenable to chemical treatment and integration into the coating composition.
The term “bleaching unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a system component configured to treat the cooked pulp with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution. The bleaching unit plays a critical role in removing color and impurities from the pulp, thus improving the aesthetic and physical qualities of the final product. The use of a controlled bleaching process ensures that the pulp achieves the desired level of whiteness and purity for the production of the coating.
The term “washing unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a module designed to rinse the bleached pulp until a neutral pH is achieved. The washing unit is essential for ensuring that the bleached pulp is free from residual chemicals and is at an appropriate pH for further processing. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of the coating composition.
The term “grinding unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a component tasked with grinding the washed pulp into smaller particles. The grinding unit enhances the surface area of the pulp, facilitating its uniform dispersion within the coating composition. This process is vital for achieving a consistent and homogeneous mixture, which is key to the performance of the final coating product.
The term “mixing unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a borosilicate glass beaker placed within a laboratory hot bath setup. The mixing unit is configured to mix distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar to form a gel-like slurry. This component is integral to the preparation of the base mixture from which the biodegradable polymer coating is developed, ensuring that the mixture achieves the correct consistency and composition for coating applications.
The term “stirring mechanism” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a device integrated within the mixing unit, capable of stirring the mixture at a set speed using a stainless steel stirrer. The stirring mechanism ensures that the components of the mixture are thoroughly combined, preventing the formation of clumps and ensuring the homogeneity of the gel-like slurry. This mechanism is crucial for the preparation of a uniform coating mixture.
The term “addition module” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a component for incorporating the ground bleached pulp into the gel-like slurry to achieve a uniform mixture. The addition module facilitates the integration of the pulp into the base mixture, ensuring that the final composition is consistent and suitable for coating applications. This step is key to the development of the biodegradable polymer coating, contributing to its structural and functional properties.
The term “coating application unit” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a module capable of applying the biodegradable polymer coating using methods including dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating. The coating application unit offers versatility in the application of the coating, allowing for its use on a variety of substrates. This unit is pivotal in the practical application of the coating, ensuring its uniform distribution and adherence to the substrate.
The term “control system” as used throughout the present disclosure relates to a component configured to regulate temperatures and stirring speeds according to predetermined settings to maintain the quality and consistency of the coating mixture. The control system plays a crucial role in overseeing the operational parameters of the system, ensuring that each process step is conducted under optimal conditions. This system is essential for the reproducibility and reliability of the coating preparation process, contributing to the high quality of the final biodegradable polymer coating.
FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a system (200) for preparing and applying a biodegradable polymer coating, in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure. Said system (200) comprises a collection unit (202), a cooking unit (204), a bleaching unit (206), a washing unit (208), a grinding unit (210), a mixing unit (212), a stirring mechanism (214), an addition module (216), a coating application unit (218), and a control system (220). The collection unit (202) is designated for accumulating stubble and husks of corn. The cooking unit (204) incorporates a stainless steel pressure cooker for processing the collected organic material with water. Said bleaching unit (206) is configured to treat the cooked pulp with a sodium hypochlorite solution, whereas the washing unit (208) ensures the bleached pulp is rinsed until a neutral pH level is attained. The grinding unit (210) is responsible for reducing the size of the washed pulp to smaller particles, thus preparing it for subsequent incorporation into a slurry. Said mixing unit (212) consists of a borosilicate glass beaker situated within a laboratory hot bath, which facilitates the formation of a gel-like slurry from distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar. The stirring mechanism (214) is integrated within the mixing unit (212), equipped to agitate the mixture at a pre-determined speed. Said addition module (216) enables the ground bleached pulp to be uniformly integrated into the slurry. The coating application unit (218) is capable of applying the resultant biodegradable polymer coating via multiple methods, including dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating. The control system (220) oversees the operation of the system (200), regulating temperatures and stirring speeds to ensure the consistency and quality of the coating mixture are maintained throughout the process.
In an embodiment, the system (200) includes a collection unit (202) that is enhanced with sensors specifically designed to assess the moisture content of the stubble and husks collected for the preparation of the biodegradable polymer coating. These sensors are crucial in determining the optimal cooking time and temperature required in the cooking unit (204), ensuring that the material is processed under conditions tailored to its moisture content. This adaptive approach facilitated by the collection unit (202) optimizes the efficiency and effectiveness of the cooking process, significantly impacting the consistency and quality of the pulp prepared for subsequent steps. By adjusting the cooking parameters based on real-time moisture assessments, the system (200) ensures that the pulp is in the ideal state for bleaching and further processing, thus enhancing the overall quality of the biodegradable polymer coating produced. This feature underscores the system's advanced capability to incorporate feedback mechanisms for process optimization, reflecting a sophisticated level of automation and precision in the preparation of environmentally friendly coating materials.
In another embodiment, the system (200) includes a cooking unit (204) that is augmented with an automated pressure release system. This system is intricately designed to manage the internal pressure within the cooking unit (204), which arises due to steam generation during the cooking process. The automated pressure release system plays a pivotal role in maintaining a safe operating environment by regulating the pressure to prevent potential overpressure situations that could compromise the integrity of the system or the quality of the cooked pulp. By ensuring a controlled and stable pressure environment, the cooking unit (204) optimizes the breakdown of the stubble and husk pulp, contributing to the uniformity and effectiveness of the subsequent bleaching and mixing processes. This addition highlights the system's commitment to safety and efficiency, illustrating a comprehensive approach to managing the physical parameters critical to the preparation of the biodegradable polymer coating.
In a further embodiment, the mixing unit (212) within the system (200) is equipped with an ultrasonic mixer. This inclusion revolutionizes the homogenization process of the gel-like slurry and pulp mixture, ensuring an unprecedented level of uniformity in the mixture. The ultrasonic mixer employs high-frequency sound waves to achieve thorough and efficient mixing, breaking down any agglomerates and ensuring the even distribution of the pulp within the slurry. This advanced mixing technology significantly enhances the structural integrity and homogeneity of the biodegradable polymer coating, ultimately improving its application properties and performance. The integration of the ultrasonic mixer into the mixing unit (212) exemplifies the system's innovative approach to leveraging cutting-edge technology for the enhancement of environmentally sustainable coating solutions, marking a significant advancement in the field of material science.
In an embodiment, the hydrophobic material (derived by following disclosed system) can enable sustainability and waste reduction. This hydrophobic material may provide a biodegradable alternative that limits the generation of plastic waste. The hydrophobic material is material to form flexible, molded shapes coupled with its water-repellent characteristics can be used for various applications. The hydrophobic material of present disclosure can be eco-friendly coating alternative to replace traditional plastic materials in packaging, book covers, and arts, providing protection form external engravement/dust. The hydrophobic material can alter the nature of hydrophilic surfaces, rendering them hydrophobic characteristics by repelling water and possibly other substances provides protection, which is particularly valuable for the bottom layers of sanitary products, insulating materials, and containers used in the food industry.
Example embodiments herein have been described above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods and apparatuses. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by various means including hardware, software, firmware, and a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
Operations in accordance with a variety of aspects of the disclosure is described above would not have to be performed in the precise order described. Rather, various steps can be handled in reverse order or simultaneously or not at all.
While several implementations have been described and illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein may be utilized, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing implementations are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, implementations may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Implementations of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

I/We Claims

A method (100) for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition, comprising:
collecting stubble and husks of corn;
cooking said stubble and corn husk pulp in a stainless steel pressure cooker with a ratio of stubble and husk to water of 1:3;
bleaching the cooked pulp with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution at a pulp to bleach ratio of 1:2 for approximately 8 hours;
washing the bleached pulp to achieve a neutral pH;
grinding the pulp into smaller particles;
preparing a mixture of distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar, where the starch is selected from the group consisting of corn, potato, tapioca, rice flour, and arrowroot;
heating the mixture in a borosilicate glass beaker in a laboratory hot bath at a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius;
stirring the mixture at approximately 50 rpm using a stainless steel stirrer until it forms a gel-like slurry;
adding the ground bleached pulp to the gel-like slurry to form a uniform mixture;
preparing the hydrophobic biodegradable coating from the uniform mixture;
applying the hydrophobic biodegradable coating to a substrate using a coating mechanism selected from the group consisting of dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein the mixture further comprises adjusting the thickness of the ground pulp with additional water.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein applying the biodegradable polymer coating composition, comprising:
diluting the coating composition with water to adjust the consistency of the composition;
applying the diluted coating composition to the article using an application method selected from the group consisting of spraying, brushing, pouring over, and forming a separate layer by setting in a tray or vessel.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein the substrate material is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metals, ceramics, and composites.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein the gelatin and vinegar in the mixture act as cross-linking and pH adjusting agents, respectively.
The method (100) of Claim 1, further comprising curing the applied coating under conditions suitable to achieve desired mechanical and chemical properties of the coating.
A system (200) for preparing and applying a biodegradable polymer coating, comprising:
a collection unit (202) for collecting stubble and husks of corn;
a cooking unit (204) comprising a stainless steel pressure cooker for cooking the collected stubble and husk pulp with water;
a bleaching unit (206) configured to treat the cooked pulp with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution;
a washing unit (208) to rinse the bleached pulp until neutral pH is achieved;
a grinding unit (210) to grind the washed pulp into smaller particles;
a mixing unit (212) comprising a borosilicate glass beaker placed within a laboratory hot bath setup, the mixing unit (212) being configured to mix distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar to form a gel-like slurry;
a stirring mechanism (214) integrated within the mixing unit (212), capable of stirring the mixture at a set speed using a stainless steel stirrer;
an addition module (216) for incorporating the ground bleached pulp into the gel-like slurry to achieve a uniform mixture;
a coating application unit (218) capable of applying the biodegradable polymer coating using methods including dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating;
a control system (220) configured to regulate temperatures and stirring speeds according to predetermined settings to maintain the quality and consistency of the coating mixture.
The system (200) of Claim 7, wherein the cooking unit (204) is further equipped with an automated pressure release system to safely manage internal pressure based on the steam generation from the cooking process.
The system (200) of Claim 7, wherein the mixing unit (212) includes an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the homogenization of the gel-like slurry and pulp mixture.

METHOD FOR PREPARING HYDROPHOBIC BIODEGRADABLE COATING FROM AGRICULTURAL BY-PRODUCTS

The present disclosure provides a method for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition. The method includes collecting stubble and husks of corn, cooking the stubble and corn husk pulp in a stainless steel pressure cooker with a ratio of stubble and husk to water of 1:3, bleaching the cooked pulp with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution at a pulp to bleach ratio of 1:2 for approximately 8 hours, and washing the bleached pulp to achieve a neutral pH. The method further involves grinding the pulp into smaller particles, preparing a mixture of distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar, where the starch is selected from the group consisting of corn, potato, tapioca, rice flour, and arrowroot, heating the mixture in a borosilicate glass beaker in a laboratory hot bath at a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius, and stirring the mixture at approximately 50 rpm using a stainless steel stirrer until it forms a gel-like slurry. Additionally, the method comprises adding the ground bleached pulp to the gel-like slurry to form a uniform mixture, preparing the hydrophobic biodegradable coating from the uniform mixture, and applying the hydrophobic biodegradable coating to a substrate using a coating mechanism selected from the group consisting of dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating.
, Claims:I/We Claims

A method (100) for preparing a biodegradable polymer coating composition, comprising:
collecting stubble and husks of corn;
cooking said stubble and corn husk pulp in a stainless steel pressure cooker with a ratio of stubble and husk to water of 1:3;
bleaching the cooked pulp with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution at a pulp to bleach ratio of 1:2 for approximately 8 hours;
washing the bleached pulp to achieve a neutral pH;
grinding the pulp into smaller particles;
preparing a mixture of distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar, where the starch is selected from the group consisting of corn, potato, tapioca, rice flour, and arrowroot;
heating the mixture in a borosilicate glass beaker in a laboratory hot bath at a temperature of 250 degrees Celsius;
stirring the mixture at approximately 50 rpm using a stainless steel stirrer until it forms a gel-like slurry;
adding the ground bleached pulp to the gel-like slurry to form a uniform mixture;
preparing the hydrophobic biodegradable coating from the uniform mixture;
applying the hydrophobic biodegradable coating to a substrate using a coating mechanism selected from the group consisting of dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein the mixture further comprises adjusting the thickness of the ground pulp with additional water.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein applying the biodegradable polymer coating composition, comprising:
diluting the coating composition with water to adjust the consistency of the composition;
applying the diluted coating composition to the article using an application method selected from the group consisting of spraying, brushing, pouring over, and forming a separate layer by setting in a tray or vessel.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein the substrate material is selected from the group consisting of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metals, ceramics, and composites.
The method (100) of Claim 1, wherein the gelatin and vinegar in the mixture act as cross-linking and pH adjusting agents, respectively.
The method (100) of Claim 1, further comprising curing the applied coating under conditions suitable to achieve desired mechanical and chemical properties of the coating.
A system (200) for preparing and applying a biodegradable polymer coating, comprising:
a collection unit (202) for collecting stubble and husks of corn;
a cooking unit (204) comprising a stainless steel pressure cooker for cooking the collected stubble and husk pulp with water;
a bleaching unit (206) configured to treat the cooked pulp with a 4% chlorine concentrated NaOCl solution;
a washing unit (208) to rinse the bleached pulp until neutral pH is achieved;
a grinding unit (210) to grind the washed pulp into smaller particles;
a mixing unit (212) comprising a borosilicate glass beaker placed within a laboratory hot bath setup, the mixing unit (212) being configured to mix distilled water, starch, glycerin, gelatin, and vinegar to form a gel-like slurry;
a stirring mechanism (214) integrated within the mixing unit (212), capable of stirring the mixture at a set speed using a stainless steel stirrer;
an addition module (216) for incorporating the ground bleached pulp into the gel-like slurry to achieve a uniform mixture;
a coating application unit (218) capable of applying the biodegradable polymer coating using methods including dip coating, brush coating, spray coating, and spin coating;
a control system (220) configured to regulate temperatures and stirring speeds according to predetermined settings to maintain the quality and consistency of the coating mixture.
The system (200) of Claim 7, wherein the cooking unit (204) is further equipped with an automated pressure release system to safely manage internal pressure based on the steam generation from the cooking process.
The system (200) of Claim 7, wherein the mixing unit (212) includes an ultrasonic mixer to enhance the homogenization of the gel-like slurry and pulp mixture.

METHOD FOR PREPARING HYDROPHOBIC BIODEGRADABLE COATING FROM AGRICULTURAL BY-PRODUCTS