Abstract
New slow-release agrochemical formulations based on cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels and liquid fertilizers (LF) were prepared by free radical copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide directly in the LF solution. Two NPK liquid fertilizer compositions containing urea and potassium and ammonium phosphates were employed. For comparison, AA was also polymerized under identical conditions in distilled water. The resulting products were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and their water absorption and slow-release properties were determined. The results showed that the swelling degree (SD) of the hydrogels synthesized depended on the overall concentration of reactants (monomers and initiator), LF composition and cross-linking agent, and initiator concentrations. By appropriately combining these reaction parameters, superabsorbent hydrogels with SDs in distilled water ranging from a few hundred to 1000 g of water/g of xerogel can be obtained. The fertilizer-containing hydrogels displayed slow-release properties in still distilled water at room temperature. These slow-release formulations will be tested in the future for their effect on corn and sunflower crops.
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