Glufosinate Ammonium-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes for Slow-Release Weeding Polymer Mulch Films

Abstract

Improving the performance and giving function to poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)-based biodegradable mulch film have always been research hotspots. However, the problems of a translucent PBAT-based film, which decreases in performance over time and is easily damaged by weeds, need to be solved. In this study, 11.17 wt % of the commercial contact herbicide Glufosinate-ammonium (Glu) was loaded into the lumen of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The Glu-loaded HNTs (Glu@ HNTs) and other treatment groups were further incorporated into the PBAT/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films by melt blending and blow molding. Results demonstrated that Glu, HNTs, and Glu@HNTs dispersed uniformly in the composite films. Remarkably, while maintaining the original tensile strength of the film, the nominal strain of transverse fracture was increased by 19.6% to 51.2%, and the least water vapor transmission was reduced by 46.7% to 68.5%. Furthermore, the composite films added with Glu@HNTs can successfully kill green bristlegrass and show a good slow-release effect, which can avoid premature release of the herbicide before the weeds grow up. Overall, the combination of inorganic nanofiller-modified PBAT/PLA film and weeding has positive significance for reducing soil pollution and helping the long-term efficient use of biodegradable mulching.

Study on Enteromorpha Polysaccharide/Konjac Glucomannan Mulch Films with Biochar as a Fertilizer Carrier

“…The WVP value of urea-BCF (8.81 ± 0.039 × 10 –12 g·cm/cm 2 ·s·Pa) was lower than those of other films at 50% RH. This outcome might be the result of biochar increasing the tortuosity of the pores in the films to inhibit water vapor diffusion. , In addition, it could be attributed to the decrease of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups due to the reaction of EP and KGM with urea . However, the urea-BCF was hydrophilic and had effective water vapor barrier properties, which were essential for usage as mulch films to preserve soil humidity and benefit the urea’s gradual release.…”

“…Therefore, the combination of porous filler and film to prepare fertilizer mulch is an attractive way. 17 Recently, the porous filler used as agricultural fertilizer carriers includes attapulgite, 18 halloysite, 19 zeolite, 20 and biochar. 21 Biochar is a carbon-rich material, created by the thermochemical conversion of organic materials in an oxygendepleted atmosphere.…”

Recent Advances of Biodegradable Agricultural Mulches from Renewable Resources

“…In another work, Jia et al loaded the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium (Glu) into the lumen of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) to form Glu@HNTs . As shown in Figure d, Glu@HNTs were further incorporated into PBAT/PLA composite membranes by melt blending and blow molding with other components.…”

“…(d) Schematic diagram of Glu@HNTs being further incorporated into PBAT/PLA composite mulch and releasing drug for weed control. Reproduced with permission from ref . Copyright 2023, American Chemical Society.…”