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Biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/cellulose‐based superabsorbent hydrogel composite material as water and fertilizer reservoir in agricultural applications
Author(s) -
Calcagnile Paola,
Sibillano Teresa,
Giannini Cinzia,
Sannino Alessandro,
Demitri Christian
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.47546
Subject(s) - thermogravimetric analysis , differential scanning calorimetry , materials science , cellulose , fertilizer , composite number , chemical engineering , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
The work presents a fully degradable superabsorbent composite material to be used in agricultural and horticultural applications. It is designed to retain and release fertilizer solutions to the soil in a controlled manner, permitting resource optimization. Because of its ability to absorb and release large amounts of saline water, a natural superabsorbent hydrogel derived from cellulose was chosen. Potassium nitrate was chosen to model the fertilizer. Poly(lactic acid) was added to the final composition in order to delay solution release. The composite material was obtained using easily available and low‐cost starting materials and using a simple manufacturing process, using a standard mixer. After being analyzed for morphological (scanning electron microscopy), physical (X‐ray diffraction), chemical (energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy), and thermal properties (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry), the material was tested using two different Mediterranean cultivations ( Pomodoro di Morciano di Leuca and Cicoria Otrantina ) and two different kinds of soil (red and white soils). The analysis revealed different water release characteristics for different soils. These findings have been confirmed by measuring plant growth for both species, as well as fruit yield of the tomatoes. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47546.