Enhanced efficiency fertilizer (EEF) research is growing in its importance face the urgency for sustainable agriculture practices. One of the branches in this field is the use of polymeric matrices to carry or encapsulate the fertilizer, which makes the solubilization of the nutrient delayed and consequently their availability longer. So, the versatility of the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) applications would not escape from the eyes of the EEF’s researchers. The chemical and physical properties of the glycoside structure allow chemical modifications, making CNF able to interact with hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances. In the present work, we evaluated the use of charged-CNF as a nutrient carrier and reinforcement to the polymeric matrices of the EEFs. The CNFs encapsulated the nutrient by spray drying technique, and then the second coating with polyhydroxybutyrate/starch by melting process. Previously, CNF has been functionalized via a chemical modification to increase the nanocellulose charges negatively (TEMPO-oxidation) and positively (etherification reaction using quaternary salts) and improve the CNF-nutrient and the CNF-polymeric matrix interactions. These materials were characterized morphologically, structurally, and thermally. The nutrient release tests evaluated the effectiveness of the matrix in delaying the nutrient release, and the biodegradation profile ensured the matrices were harmless to the environment. All the materials were considered biodegradable, and the release mechanism followed the non-Fickian diffusion model, dependent on the polymeric chain relaxation and diffusional coefficient.

PHB/Starch/CNF as carrier matrices for enhanced efficiency fertilizer

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.