Poly(lactic acid) and Osage Orange wood fiber composites for agricultural mulch films

Osage Orange wood (OO) was combined with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to form a polymer composite intended for use as an agricultural mulch film. The PLA–OO mechanical properties were comparable to existing mulch film products and had the advantage of being completely biodegradable through a single growing season. PLA–OO composites were evaluated for mechanical properties in both dry and wet conditions. The availability of its organic components useful for release into the environment was determined to be significantly higher than native OO before thermomechanical treatment. PLA–OO mulch films will provide a weed barrier and control soil erosion, as well as allowing the controlled release of the OO phytochemical components for additional protection.