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In this work, double-layer mulch composite fi lm was prepared from natural materials (bacterial cellulose; BC, alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose; CMC, and calcium hydrogen phosphate; CaHPO4) by the solvent casting method. The BC/CaHPO4 fi lm was casted as a second layer and serves two purposes: soil water absorption and slow-release fertilizer. The mechanical properties of the double layer fi lm are signifi cantly improved by using the double-layer casting technique with the tensile strength of 17.4 MPa and the percentage of elongation at break of 78.7%. The percentage of water absorption and biodegradation was increased to 60% and 48.7%, respectively, within 30 days. Morphological evidence confirmed that the double-layer composite film degraded gradually, as cracks appeared on its surface when buried in soil for a longer period of time. This result was consistent with increasing biodegradation percentage. In addition, the double-layer composite film fully supported the decrease in temperature and increase of soil moisture via ultra violet (UV) protection.

This research aims to reduce production capital costs and added value to natural products. The bio-mulching film was prepared by bacterial cellulose (BC) “Acetobacter xylinum”, extracted from three rotten fruits, grape, coconut, and pineapple under standard tests in the laboratory. The analysis from the FTIR technique confirmed to cellulose molecular vibration of BC films. XRD pattern was matched to structure crystallinity of JCPDS standard file which possessed a high percentage of crystallinity. The SEM micrographs were also revealed the 3D nanofiber network structure. The absorption capability of BC films could highly hold water in its structure. In addition, the mechanical properties of BC films came from rotten coconut, given the highest tensile strength (7.2 ± 1.1 MPa) according to nano-fiber symmetric with its dense structure. Nevertheless, the soil burial testing emphasized BC films could reduce soil temperature and increase moisture content in the soil as well. The biodegradation rate of BC films in 30 days was moderately fair. The BC film from rotten coconut had the slowest biodegradation rate (approximately 22.3 4.2%), applicable to biodegradable mulching film.

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