Fertilizer-releasing biocomposites based on chitosan and cellulose obtained by spray drying technique

Abstract

Enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) have the potential to improve the agricultural systems by specific formulation of materials which has mechanisms of slow or controlled release. Studies have shown that the use of EEFs promote an increase in nutrients use efficiency, reduces the doses of application and the frequency of the application along with the cost of the fertilizer. Because of its bio-degradability, easy availability and unique properties, nanocelluloses are promising structural polysaccharides at nanoscale that can be used as reinforcing material for polymer composites. The possibility of surface modification on the chemical structure of nanocellulose provides versatile materials with respect to better properties. Chemical surface modification leads these materials to potential use as excipients or matrices for the binding and controlled release of fertilizer compounds. In this BEPE project, nanocelluloses will be functionalized via chemical modification in order to increase the nanocellulose charges negatively and/or positively and improve the nanocellulose-NPK fertilizer interaction. We will focus our efforts on attempt to obtain the best results in order to easy and reproductive procedures to development of modified-nanocelluloses with enhanced interaction with micronutrient as nitrogen, phosphors, and potassium. It is expected that these modified-nanocellulose exhibit high ability to sorption of specific types of nutrients and effectively release these compounds. Finally, the nanocellulose's ability to release the nutrient in a slow or controlled mode in water medium will be investigated. Prof. Hsieh has focused on developing nanocellulose functionalization and, in collaboration, her research in modified-nanocellulose with functional properties is expected to enrich this project. (AU)