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A biodegradable biomass-based polymeric composite for slow release and water retention
Wenjia Kong1, Qian Li1, Xiaodi Li1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
Journal of Environmental Management
|October 5, 2018
Summary
This study developed a novel super absorbent resin (SAR) from chicken feather protein and polymers for slow-release fertilizer. The enhanced fertilizer improves nutrient supply and soil water retention, showing promising biodegradability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Slow-release fertilizers offer stable nutrient supply but lack comprehensive analysis of water-retention and biodegradability.
- Polymer-fertilizer composites present opportunities for developing advanced fertilizers with improved properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel super absorbent resin (SAR) composite for slow-release nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer.
- To investigate the synthesis mechanism, morphology, chemical, and mechanical structure of the prepared CFP-g-PKA/PVA/NP semi-IPNs SAR.
- To evaluate the slow-release behavior, biodegradability, and impact on soil water retention of the developed SAR.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of chicken feather protein-graft-poly(potassium acrylate)-polyvinyl alcohol semi-IPNs SAR (CFP-g-PKA/PVA/NP semi-IPNs SAR).
- Optimization of reactant doses using response surface methodology (RSM).
- Field trials (30-day) and soil burying experiments (120-day) to assess nutrient release, biodegradability, and soil properties.
Main Results:
- The synthesized CFP-g-PKA/PVA/NP semi-IPNs SAR demonstrated slow-release properties with maximum N and P release of 69.46% and 65.23%, respectively.
- Field trials indicated that particle size, soil salinity, pH, and moisture content influence N and P release rates.
- Biodegradability tests and microstructure monitoring confirmed the material's degradation, and soil application improved water retention.
Conclusions:
- The developed CFP-g-PKA/PVA/NP semi-IPNs SAR is an effective slow-release fertilizer with enhanced nutrient delivery and soil conditioning properties.
- The composite material exhibits favorable biodegradability, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional fertilizers.
- This novel super absorbent resin holds potential for sustainable agriculture by improving nutrient use efficiency and soil health.
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