Engineered thin coatings of cross-linked silane polymers with urea group onto polypropylene fabrics for controlled release of thymol against molds in hay

Abstract

With world population on the rise, animal food source production has significantly increased. Susceptibility of hay and other sources to molds poses a serious threat to food quality and safety. This study proposes an innovative approach to address this issue – an anti-mold fungicide comprising thymol bound on silica urea thin coating of polypropylene fabrics. The coating enhances the thermal stability of thymol allowing prolonged release. Coating composition and morphology as well as thermal stability and release rates were investigated. The coating provided efficient protection against mold growth with no side effects on hay exposed to thymol fumes. The results underscore the potential of this fungicide as a safe and effective hay preservative.