摘要 |
A composition which forms a firm, bound aggregate-water support for floral arrangements with 60%-80% by weight water. The composition comprises a water-insoluble, water-retaining binder, such as a particulate, water-insoluble, water-swellable, cross-linked polymer, and inert non-packing, highly porous water-trapping, aggregate particles dispersed throughout, the particles being present in an amount and having a bulk density and surface area effective to disperse the composition through-out the water as the composition is added to it without hand kneading or stirring. Only sufficient binder, 0.1% to 5.0% by weight, is present to firmly bind the aggregate particles together. Rice hull ash is prefered as the aggregate and the preferred binder is acrylonitrile-starch graft copolymer. The composition can be added to water in a container of any size or shape in an amount sufficient to form the bound aggregate and the composition sinks in and disperses throughout the water and forms a support without the need for mixing with a mixer or kneading with the hands. The aggregate-water support is also used for rooting of some plants and transporting cut flowers. |