Copolyester-coated mineral fertilizers – preparation, characterization, and nutrient release

Abstract

Two different copolyesters, aliphatic poly(butylene succinate-co-dilinoleate) and aliphatic-aromatic poly(ethylene succinate-co-terephthalate), were used in the preparation of controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs). The properties of the resulting polymer-coated materials were examined via scanning electron microscopy and strength testing machinery, whereas nutrient release was measured in water and soil with the use of photometric method. Both polymer-coated materials meet the criteria of CRFs when their polymer content is higher than 18 wt %. Differences in the results of the experiments performed in soil and water were explained by the discrepancies in the structure and composition of both copolymers and their degradation tendencies. Both polymer-coated materials were proven to be more resistant toward crushing strength than the initial fertilizer. For interpretation of the experimental kinetic data, a sigmoidal equation was successfully applied.