CELLAGRI: CELLULOSE-BASED MULCH FILMS WITH NATURE-INSPIRED WATER-MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS

The main idea of the project relies on cellulose-based films featuring passive water management by microfluidic structures. The base material is biobased, biodegradable, and broadly available. Unfortunately, the mechanical properties (tear resistance, stretchability, penetration stability) are not sufficient for agricultural applications. Moreover, in horticulture, cellulose is prone to the formation of fungi and mould. These drawbacks will be overcome by combination of different cellulose types like plant-based cellulose, regenerated cellulose and bacterial cellulose. Additional coatings will be applied that partly immerse the film. Such coatings will be modified in view of its surface structure to achieve water management or avoid mold formation in horticulture.