MUMBAI, India, Aug. 12 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641086864 A) filed by Mepco Schlenk Engineering College on July 16, 2026, for Uv-Resistant Biodegradable Mulch Film Using chitosan Matrix With Natural And Nano Additives.
Inventors include Dr. R. Sasireka; V. Aishwarya; and K. Kayathri.
The application for the patent was published on August 07, 2026, under issue no. 32/2026.
Abstract: The growing use of plastic films in agriculture is of serious environmental concern, and there is an urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. This research focused on the production of biodegradable films based on chitosan as the main biopolymer, supplemented with cinnamon essential oil, onion peel extract, and silver-doped titanium dioxide (h02) nanoparticles. Chitosan, a chitin-derived material, gives a good biodegradable matrix, and the addition of natural compounds like cinnamon essential oil and onion peel extract adds inherent antimicrobial activity to the films that further improve protective action against different pathogens that are found in agricultural environments. Synthesis was carried out through the preparation of chitosan solutions and then the stepwise addition of cinnamon essential oil and onion peel extract. Silver doped TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a sol-gel route and incorporated into the chitosan matrix to improve the film's UV resistance and antibacterial activity. The films thus formed were analyzed through a range of analytical tools, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for the evaluation of functional groups, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for the estimation of thermal stability, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis. Mechanical characteristics, including tensile strength and elongation at break, were thoroughly tested to assess the films performance in operational conditions. Biodegradability was examined through soil burial tests, where a substantial decrease in weight and structural integrity within a defined timeframe confirmed their compatibility with the environment. Experimental findings showed that the films with added cinnamon essential oil and onion peel extract improved antimicrobial activities without sacrificing the mechanical properties of the chitosan matrix. In addition, incorporation of silver-doped TiO2 significantly enhanced the films resistance to UV degradation, enabling longer use in sunlight-exposed agricultural environments. In summary, this research demonstrates the potential of synthesizing multifunctional biodegradable films by the synergistic effect of natural extracts and nanoparticles. The results indicate that such innovative films not only provide a potential substitute for traditional plastic films in agriculture but also open the door to reducing the environmental effects of plastic waste.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
