The Study of Chitosan Solution Coating on Water Barrier Property of Seedling Paper Bag Made from Water Hyacinth

Abstract

Seedling bags are low cost and light weight containers used by farmers to germinate and sprout seeds into seedlings before transplanting into the ground. However, cutting and removing seedling bags before the transplantation can damage the plant roots and cause losses in their productivity. In addition, plastics used in conventional seedling bags contribute to more plastic waste during this process. This study offers a solution to these problems with alternative biodegradable materials; i.e. modified papers made from an invasive alien aquatic plant species—water hyacinth—and enhanced with Chitosan solution coating. Papers were made from water hyacinth and dipped or sprayed with Chitosan solution in acetic acid at concentrations of 1% wt., 1.5% wt., and 2% wt. The dipping method showed better water barrier properties than the spraying method in every concentration, with 2% wt. concentration having the best barrier properties. The 2% wt. concentration of Chitosan coating by dipping method changed the water contact angle of the water hyacinth paper from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic surface. This enhancement in water resistance was confirmed by water absorption time, which reached over 1.5 hours—3 times longer than the spraying method.