Release mechanism of a novel slow-release nitrogen fertilizer--颗粒学报PARTICUOLOGY

Yu, X., & Li, B. (2019). Release mechanism of a novel slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Particuology, 45, 124-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2018.09.005

Release mechanism of a novel slow-release nitrogen fertilizer

Xiaolong Yu, Bogang Li ^*

College of Materials Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China

10.1016/j.partic.2018.09.005

Volume 45, August 2019, Pages 124-130

Received 10 June 2018, Revised 22 August 2018, Accepted 1 September 2018, Available online 13 April 2019, Version of Record 10 June 2019.

E-mail: libogang@scu.edu.cn

Highlights

• Phosphogypsum granulation was first used to produce slow-release urea particles.

• Expansion of brittle cracks in the coating resulted in faster urea dissolution.

• Span™ 80 improved adhesion between the paraffin coating and fertilizer core.

Abstract

We developed a novel slow-release nitrogen fertilizer with the aim of increasing the efficiency of urea use, recycling phosphogypsum, and reducing related pollution. Phosphogypsum was used as a granulating agent and carrier for urea to prepare a novel fertilizer core, which was coated with paraffin wax. Span™ 80 was added to the paraffin to improve the wetting and adhesion between the paraffin coating and the fertilizer core. Paraffin-coated urea particles were prepared as a control sample using this method and their urea-release behavior was investigated. The results showed that less than 35% of urea from the paraffin-coated phosphogypsum-granulated urea was released over 28 days of submersion in water. The urea release was sustained much longer than that of paraffin-coated urea (only 7 days due to the expansion of brittle cracks in the coating). The release patterns of all coated fertilizers followed a logistic model. The release efficiency of paraffin-coated fertilizers could be improved by increasing the particle size of the fertilizer cores and improving adhesion between the paraffin coating and fertilizer core.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Coated urea; Phosphogypsum; Release rate; Surface stress; Coating adhesion

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