Water Resistant, Biodegradable, Cellulosic Waste Bag
Navy SBIR FY2010.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1
Topic No.: N101-072
Topic Title: Water Resistant, Biodegradable, Cellulosic Waste Bag
Proposal No.: N101-072-1145
Firm: KaZaK Composites Incorporated
10F GIll Street
Woburn, Massachusetts 01801
Contact: Wodrow Holley
Phone: (781) 932-5667
Web Site: kazakcomposites.com
Abstract: KaZaK proposes to develop a water resistant cellulosic waste bag constructed from typical Kraft paper and glue materials as found in traditional paper bag products. The water resistance will derive from a proprietary surface coating that is inorganic and of natural origin. The coating will be applied either without the need for binder or with very minimal use of binder. The coating has a demonstrated water resistance as measured by contact angle of 175�. An ideal contact angle is 180�. Typical hydrophobic coatings are in the range of 120� to 140�. This superior water resistance will make the Kraft bags suitable for containment of water laden food scraps and other allowable marine disposable refuse items while at-sea. Plastic bags are not optimal as they cannot be disposed of while underway due to maritime dumping restrictions given by MARPOL Annex V. As the surface coating is of natural origin and the bag substrate will be Kraft paper, which has highly acceptable biodegradation properties, the resulting product will meet the MARPOL Annex V biodegradability criteria. The extremely hydrophobic coating will render the treated paper suitable for collection of moisture laden refuse without compromising the substrate's strength and sanitary integrity.
Benefits: Proper handling and disposal of waste materials is vital and if it is not done correctly, can become unsanitary and unhealthy for the ship's crew and life threatening for marine mammals and fish. Currently no plastic polymer product meets the standards for biodegradation as given by ASTM 7081, which defines biodegradability for marine refuse. In many situations where waste disposal at-sea is limited by the restrictions given by MARPOL Annex V, this can be of critical importance. The proper collection and containment of food scraps and other moisture laden waste in an acceptable manner with respect to sanitation requires moisture proof materials. Unfortunately these materials do not meet the requirements of MARPOL Annex V. As a result additional manpower, expense and exposure to health risks must be incurred to store the materials until they can be returned to land for acceptable disposal procedures. This product will meet the biodegradability standards and have properties suitable for a number of articles necessary for habitation and work related activities. Substitution of cellulose / paper based products for plastic and other non-disposable at-sea consumable items will be possible. Among these potential product offerings are waste disposal bags, protection garments, and food service packaging. Markets for the product will include military, commercial and private vessels that must accommodate large numbers of individuals while on missions for extended periods at-sea. A large land-based market would be expected to follow for recreational and commercial applications.

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