Development of hydrogel based on Carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(4-vinylpyridine) for controlled releasing of fertilizers

Abstract

A novel Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly (4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) hydrogel system is synthesized with different ratios, in the presence of cross-linker N, N,- methylene bis-acrylamide (MBA). The hydrogel is characterized via FTIR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The FTIR results showed a strong interaction between both CMC, P4VP and the loaded fertilizer. The water uptake of the hydrogel was evaluated by swelling tests under variations in pH, biodegradability was investigated in soil to simulate real-world conditions. To determine the best release behavior of urea and calcium nitrate from the hydrogel, fertilizers were loaded with different ratios onto the hydrogel during its formation. Fertilizers release was followed by Atomic absorption spectroscopy to study the release of calcium nitrate and urea. Release kinetic parameters were obtained based on different mathematical models as Zero order, First order, Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi models. The suitable proportionality between the mathematical models used and the fertilizers release was determined based on the correlation coefficients (R2). According to Zero order model urea release showed independent concentration. Based on Korsmeyer-Pappas and Higuchi models with high n value and R2 equals to 0.97. Compared to urea, Ca2+, Zero order and Higuchi have been ignored due to their poor correlation coefficients values as proportion with Ca2+ fertilizer release.

Micro-/Nano-Carboxymethyl Cellulose as a Promising Biopolymer with Prospects in the Agriculture Sector: A Review

“…Various polymers have been used as carriers for agricultural inputs (fertilizers and pesticides), pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements. Hydrogels are ideal for improving water efficiency in water-stress agriculture [ 75 , 76 ]. The availability of water and fertilizers influences agricultural production.…”

“…The availability of water and fertilizers influences agricultural production. Furthermore, the increase in fertilizer costs has had a direct impact on the recent rise in food prices, so fertilizers with lower costs and higher efficiency need attention [ 76 , 77 ]. Targeted fertilizer delivery systems with a high delivery capability, controlled release of nutrients, control of pests and diseases, and increasing resistance to drought are special goals that should be considered in the agricultural sector.…”

“…Mohamed, Fahim, and Soliman [ 76 ] recently synthesized CMC (0.25 g/L) and poly 4-vinylpyridine (P4VP) hydrogel systems with different ratios in the presence of cross-linker N,N’-methylene bisacrylamide and investigated their biodegradability in soil for future large-scale use in agriculture. The hydrogel characteristics were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy.…”

“…Fertilizer release was examined using different mathematical models (e.g., zero order, first order, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Higuchi models). The release mechanism was characterized as Super Case II transport, which is strongly affected by pH changes [ 76 ]. These findings point to the importance of using CMC (2%)-based hydrogels as agricultural inputs.…”

A Comprehensive Review of Cross-Linked Gels as Vehicles for Drug Delivery to Treat Central Nervous System Disorders

“…The N , N ′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) is a common crosslinker in water-soluble polymers, which can integrate amide groups in hydrogels [ 150 ], and has two terminal vinyl groups that can react with radicals [ 151 ]. MBA is a bifunctional molecule popular for producing hydrogels based on acrylic acid (AAc) and acrylamide (ACL), however, the synthesis of hybrid materials based on polysaccharides, proteins, and monomers such as soy protein/Aac, alginate,/chitosan/ACL and gel/dextrin/ACL through cross-linking with MBA has also occurred [ 130 ].…”