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Natural resources derived biocomposites as potential carriers of green pesticides in agricultural field: Designing and fabrication of a pot‐like device
Author(s) -
Viscusi Gianluca,
Liparoti Sara,
Pantani Roberto,
Gorrasi Giuliana
Publication year - 2021
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.51240
Subject(s) - materials science , pectin , fabrication , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , composite material , chemical engineering , chemistry , medicine , biochemistry , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
Hemp fibers (HF) are used as filler in pectin to produce biocomposites. To improve the compatibility of the filler with the polymeric matrix, HF are treated through mechanochemically assisted alkaline attack. The effect of the treatment time on the morphology of HF is investigated through atomic force microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Cinnamic acid, a green pesticide, is added to the composites in order to test the capability of such materials to act as potential devices in the agricultural field. Analysis of thermal, mechanical, barrier properties and surface energy are evaluated on biocomposites and compared either to unfilled pectin or to composites filled with untreated HF. The release of cinnamic acid is evaluated and found to be dependent on the fibers' treatment time. The design and the fabrication of a pot prototype is also reported. The manufacture appears promising as green functional container for plants to be implanted in the ground.