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Lixia Li1,2, Meng Wang3, Xiandong Wu4,3
1Institute of Plant Nutrition and Resource, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China. ashleyllx@163.com.
Scientific Reports
|May 11, 2021
Summary
Polyurethane coatings for fertilizers were enhanced using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). Different POSS types fine-tuned nutrient release, offering a tunable fertilizer coating solution.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Bio-based polymer coatings are crucial for controlled-release fertilizers.
- Nanocomposite modification offers a promising route to enhance coating properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of different polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) on castor oil-based polyurethane coatings for urea.
- To evaluate the impact of POSS vertex groups on coating properties and nutrient release.
Main Methods:
- In-situ polymerization of polyurethane with two types of POSS (PEG- and octaphenyl-substituted) on urea granules.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
- Evaluation of nutrient release patterns and periods.
Main Results:
- POSS incorporation significantly influenced the dispersion and interaction within the polyurethane matrix.
- Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-functionalized POSS showed better compatibility and dispersibility than octaphenyl-POSS.
- Coating properties and urea release profiles were effectively tuned by POSS type, even at low concentrations (2 wt%).
Conclusions:
- The vertex group of POSS plays a critical role in tailoring the performance of bio-based polyurethane coatings.
- This POSS modification provides an effective strategy for regulating coated fertilizer properties.
- The study presents an alternative method for developing advanced, tunable fertilizer coatings.
