Polymers and its applications in agriculture

Abstract

Graphical Abstract RbstractPolymers are a class of soft materials with numerous and versatile mechanical and chemical properties that can be tuned specific to their application. Agriculture is an expanding area due to the requirement for indispensable food to meet the demands of a growing global population. Consequently, development of technology to improve the quality of the soil and agriculture manages is still under development. Intelligent agricultural supplies (controlled or slow release agrochemicals and superabsorbents) and biosorbents contribute to an expanding niche using technology from polymers. This review elucidates the state-of-the-art and will discuss some important aspects of using polymers in intelligent fertilizers, as well as superabsorbent, biosorbent and biodegradation processes in agriculture that are environmentally, technically, socially, and economically sustainable.

Valorization of Colombian fique (Furcraea bedinghausii) for production of cellulose nanofibers and its application in hydrogels

“…Hydrogels are polymers with a crisscrossed three-dimensional structure which allows to absorb, store and release water molecules 1 . Its application is oriented to the manufacture of personal hygiene products, medical 2 , 3 , environmental 4 – 6 and agricultural applications 7 , 8 .…”

“…Its application is oriented to the manufacture of personal hygiene products, medical 2 , 3 , environmental 4 – 6 and agricultural applications 7 , 8 . Hydrogels for application in agriculture are usually synthesized based on acrylates or similar monomers (acrylamide, methyl methrillate among others), because cross-linked polymers with high absorption capacity and bloating rate are obtained 1 , 9 and low toxicity 10 , 11 . One of the main limitations of hydrogels for agricultural applications is their low mechanical strength 10 , 12 , 13 .…”

Sustainable Materials with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Based on Industrial Polyhydroxyalkanoates Reinforced with Organomodified Sepiolite and Montmorillonite

“…More recently, the material has found new niches in the replacement of conventional oil-based plastic products. Good examples can be found in the food and cosmetic packaging sectors [19], mulch films for agricultural purposes [20], as bio-fuels [21] and even as interior automobile parts. However, PHA biopolymers face a technical barrier which is unique and intrinsic to this biopolyester family and the way it is produced: rancid odour [22].…”

Production of Porous Films Based on Biodegradable Polyesters by the Casting Solution Technique Using a Co-Soluble Porogen (Camphor)

“…Here W d and W w are weights of the dry and moist samples, respectively, d ethanol is ethanol density-0.789 g/cm 3 , d polymer is polymer density-1.25 g/cm 3 for PHB and 1.145 g/cm 3 for PCL.…”