Novel biodegradable nanocomposite hydrogels based on biopolymers and various montmorillonite contents as high-strength coating membranes for efficient slow-release fertilizers

• Published in: Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry (Seoul, Korea) Vol. 127; pp. 191 - 209
• Main Authors: Jumpapaeng, Punnapat, Suwanakood, Pitchayaporn, Nanan, Suwat, Saengsuwan, Sayant
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 25.11.2023; 한국공업화학회
• Subjects: Acrylamide; Cassava starch; Hybrid hydrogels; Montmorillonite; Natural rubber; 화학공학; Cassava starch; Acrylamide; Hybrid hydrogels; Natural rubber; Montmorillonite
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2023.07.005
• ISSN: 1226-086X

[Display omitted] •Montmorillonite (MMT) incorporation into the CSt-g-PAM/NR/MMT (BHM) hydrogels improved mechanical strength and biodegradability.•BHM3 was the most effective coating membrane with high water swelling (7074%).•FWBHM3 slow-release fertilizer provided the highest product yields while retaining good growth performance.•The FWBHM3 could be a promising low-cost and eco-friendly option for agricultural applications. Slow-release fertilizers (SRF) have emerged as a sustainable remedy to the environmental problems caused by conventional water-soluble fertilizers. They have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing fertilizer dosage applications, enhancing fertilizer utilization efficiency, minimizing losses, and ultimately improving crop yield. This study developed biodegradable nanocomposite hydrogels (BHM) as a promising approach by combining cassava starch (Cst), polyacrylamide (PAM), natural rubber (NR), and various montmorillonite (MMT) contents (0–10 wt%) and fabricating via free-radical polymerization and semi-interpenetrating polymer network technology, crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. Notably, the addition of MMT played a crucial role and significantly improved the tensile strength, biodegradability, and N release efficiency of the BHM hydrogels. BHM3 (3 wt% MMT) demonstrated the highest swelling ratio of 7074% and improved N release efficiency, mechanical strength, and biodegradation rate by 39.1%, 260% and 58%, respectively, compared to BHM0. The FWBHM formulations (urea coated with BHM and wax layers) also exhibited good biosafety. Finally, FWBHM3 yielded acceptable growth rates, a greater yield, and a 4-fold lower price than commercial SRF. These findings provide a promising route for developing new nanocomposite hydrogels based on Cst, NR, and MMT components with high swelling and water-retention, high strengths, and excellent biodegradation with greater slow-release duration and sustained environments.