Synthesis and characterization of bio-based PA/EP interpenetrating network polymer as coating material for controlled release fertilizers
This article was published online on 23 November 2017. Author requested additional corresponding author be added. This notice is included in the online and print versions to indicate that both have been updated 12 December 2017.
ABSTRACT
A novel controlled release fertilizer was developed using interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) as the coating material. The IPN was successfully sprayed on the surface of the urea particles to form IPN-coated fertilizers (IPNCU) for controlled nitrogen release. The IPN was synthesized by bio-based polyamide (PA) from d-glucaric acid and epoxy (EP) through network interpenetrating. The chemical structure and microscopic morphology characteristics of IPN were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, and scanning electron microscopy. The property of IPN with the different PA/EP mass ratios were investigated and compared with that of EP-coated fertilizers (EPCU). The nutrient release behaviors of IPNCU in water and soil were detected. The results showed that the IPNCU with 5% PA content increased the nitrogen release longevity by 41 days, raised the water contact angle of surface by 23.9°, and then significantly slowed the nitrogen release rate of the IPNCU. The nutrient release mechanism of IPNCU was discussed in detail. This work indicated that the environment-friendly IPN with superior controlled release properties could be especially useful in horticultural and agricultural applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46052.
