Abstract
Agricultural paper mulch is an indispensable part of modern agriculture. It had the functions of heat preservation, moisture preservation, insect resistance, disease prevention, and weed growth inhibition. In order to extend the service life of the paper mulch, we use the solution immersion method to modify the surface of the paper mulch. A super-hydrophobic paper mulch is mainly prepared by using hydrophobic silica. The static contact angle of the super-hydrophobic paper mulch with water is 160.6°. The super-hydrophobic paper mulch samples were immersed in acid solution (pH = 4.6 H2SO4) and alkaline solution (pH = 8.5 NaOH). The main instruments are contact angle tester, tensile testing machine and high-speed camera. The hydrophobic properties, mechanical properties and rebound properties of the two kinds of paper mulches were compared. The results showed that the tensile strength and droplet bounce height of the superhydrophobic paper mulch decreased after being soaked in acid or alkaline solution for 48 h. The mass loss rate of paper mulch was more significant in acid solution, but its contact angle was still greater than 145°, and it had good bounce performance. After observing the microscopic morphology of its surface, it was found that silica had a micro-rough structure on the surface of the paper mulch. The method was simple and environmentally friendly, and can alleviate the problem of poor acid and alkali corrosion resistance of the paper mulch, and had extraordinary significance for environmental protection.
Highlights
Paper mulch is made of plant fiber, which is essentially different from traditional plastic mulch in composition
The results showed that the tensile strength and droplet bounce height of the superhydrophobic paper mulch decreased after being soaked in the acid or alkaline solution for 48 hours
The mass-loss rate of the paper mulch in acid solution is more significant, and its contact angle is still greater than 145° which treats as a good bounce performance
Summary
Paper mulch is made of plant fiber, which is essentially different from traditional plastic mulch in composition. Because of the exposure in the harsh outdoor environment for a long time, the paper mulch needs to have good durability. In both of the slightly acidic and alkaline soil and under the erosion of rain, it can still provide heat preservation and moisturizing living environment for plants [67]. The fibers in the paper mulch will be corroded in an acidic or alkaline environment [26,27], and the surface is covered with a layer of low surface energy material, which can make the paper mulch achieve the super-hydrophobic effect. A hydrophobic SiO2 is attached to the surface of the paper mulch to prepare a acid and alkali-resistant paper mulch that has a good hydrophobicity and protect the fibers in the paper mulch
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