Biomimetic Modification of Water-Borne Polymer Coating with Carnauba Wax for Controlled Release of Urea

Benefitting from the special structure of the leaf cuticle layer, plants have natural hydrophobicity and anti-fouling abilities. Inspired by the leaf surface structure, a biomimetic modification strategy was raised to improve the surface hydrophobicity of polyacrylate coating for controlled release fertilizer. Double-layer (polyacrylate and carnauba wax) coated fertilizer was obtained after biomimetic modification. The quality of controlled release fertilizer modified with the carnauba wax was greatly enhanced, and the coating material was effectively saved. The surface appearance of polyacrylate-coated fertilizer was improved for the surface blemish was repaired by the loaded carnauba wax. The characterizations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the hydrogen bonds were formed between the water-based polyacrylate membrane and the carnauba wax layers. By optimizing the content of polyacrylate and carnauba wax, the release duration of the fertilizer was effectively prolonged, which was improved from 1 month to more than 2 months after the biomimetic modification. Therefore, biological wax as an environmentally-friendly natural material that has showed a broad potential in the application of coated controlled release fertilizer.