The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the crosslinking agent on the production of biopolymer composites with immobilized eggshells. Capsules with various chemical composition were produced: pure alginate (ALG) and alginate with carboxymethylcellulose and different content of biosorbent (5 wt% and 10 wt%). Two crosslinking agents have been used for the production of composites, i.e. Cu 2+ ions and Ca 2+ ions. Physicochemical properties (drying kinetics, swelling) and sorption properties of the structures were examined. Composite functional groups responsible for binding Cu 2+ cations using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were located. Desorption of Cu 2+ ions was performed to investigate the effect of crosslinkers on the release of cations (composites crosslinked with Ca 2+ ions slower desorb the Cu 2+ ions). The results showed that the type of the crosslinking agent has a significant influence on the physicochemical properties of biocomposites, as well as the binding and release of Cu 2+ ions. Based on the result, biocomposites with immobilized biomass crosslinked with Ca 2+ ions could be used in the future as controlled release fertilizers.
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