| CPC C09K 3/32 (2013.01) [B01J 20/24 (2013.01)] | 17 Claims |

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1. An absorbent composition comprising a hydrophilic cellulosic material functionalized with one or more hydrophobic chemical modification agents;
wherein the one or more hydrophobic chemical modification agents comprise an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), rosin, rosin salts, cationic molecules with alkyl chains (5-18 carbons) comprising quarternary ammonium surfactant such as C8-10 alkylamidodimethyl propylamines, C8-10 alkyl hydroxyethyl dimethylammonium chloride, and epoxy groups such as 2-(tertbutyl) oxirane, and 2-cyclohexyloxirane, alkyl molecules with anhydride groups such as carboxylic anhydride, alkyl molecules with acryl groups such as alkyl acrylates, polyacrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof;
wherein the one or more hydrophobic chemical modification agents are polymerized with or grafted to the hydrophilic cellulosic material via a chemical, physical or ionic bonds; and
wherein the hydrophilic cellulosic material exhibits an increased level of hornification;
wherein the absorbent composition is a biodegradable water repellent article having an outer surface formed of a biodegradable water repellent cloth and wherein the biodegradable water repellent article is filled with biodegradable water repellent particles.
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