Method of Preparation, Study of the Structure and Mechanical Properties of the Composite Material “Chitosan–Titanium Dioxide” for Agricultural Use

Abstract

Bioprotective materials for agriculture are an important part of the modern world. A wide range of different compounds are used for their development. For example, titanium dioxide, in addition to its protective properties, has a positive effect on the digestibility of nutrients, improves the efficiency of fertilizers and, accordingly, reduces their consumption, which is especially important in the modern world. However, direct injection of titanium dioxide is ineffective due to the processes of its loss. The best option is a prolonged isolation that provides the required concentration of titanium dioxide in the soil for the plant. The introduction of titanium dioxide into the polymer matrix can solve this problem by gradual release. In turn, such a polymer matrix has a number of requirements for their properties. A possible solution may be chitosan – a non-toxic, non-immunogenic, antimicrobial, biologically safe and biodegradable material. The paper considers the preparation of the composite material “chitosan–titanium dioxide” in granular form. The efficiency of a material with mass ratios of chitosan to titanium dioxide of 1 : 1, 2 : 1 and 3 : 1, as well as chitosan without titanium dioxide, has been studied. The structure and mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials are investigated.