Biodegradable hydrophobic composite materials and process for the preparation thereof

摘要

The present invention relates to biodegradable hydrophobic composite materials and a process for the preparation of said hydrophobic biodegradable materials from the seaweed polysaccharides through grafting reaction with vinylated monomers e.g. vinyl acetate. The said composites can be used as a substitute for synthetic ropes for varied applications including seaweed cultivation in the open sea. The results of cultivation experiments showed that ropes are suitable for cultivation of seaweeds in the sea environment, and exhibit higher biomass yield as compared to synthetic ropes. The prepared composites are very flexible and can be used for making handles for carry bags and for the preparation of biodegradable designs, bowls, pots, jars, gift items, stud caps and bracelets.

主权项

1. A hydrophobic biodegradable composite prepared from a seaweed derived polysaccharide through a grafting reaction with vinyl acetate comprising:
[a] seaweed derived polysaccharide in the range of 30 to 80 wt %; [b] vinyl acetate in the range of 8 to 60 wt %; and [c] plasticizer in the range of 2 to 15 wt %;wherein, the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, ethylene glycol, and sorbitol; andwherein moisture content of said composite is in the range of 5 to 15 wt %.