Granular material comprising a carboxymethylcellulose binder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a granular material comprising at least one particulate material and a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, a wet granulation process for preparing the same, uses of the granular material and the use of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder for granulating a particulate material. The granules of the granular material have a sufficiently high hardness to remain stable during storage and transport, while they rapidly disintegrate upon application and exposure to moisture, which is achieved by using 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose binder with a viscosity from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s in 4 wt.-% solution and / or from 10 to 500 mPa.s in 2 wt.-% solution. The resulting granular material can be used in agriculture or on grass fields, e.g., for delivery of nutrients or active agents, and as an animal feed.

Description

[0001] Granular material comprising a carboxymethylcellulose binder

[0002] The present invention relates to a granular material comprising at least one particulate material and a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, a wet granulation process for preparing the same, uses of the granular material and the use of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder for granulating a particulate material.

[0003] Granular formulations play an important role in modern agriculture, providing a convenient and efficient means of delivering various macro- and micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and / or sulfur, fertilizers, as well as other active ingredients, such as fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, phytohormones, biostimulants, and / or soil conditioners, to crops. Granular materials offer benefits such as ease of handling, reduced dust generation, improved storage stability, flexibility of application and improved aeration.

[0004] Traditionally, sodium lignosulfonates have been widely employed as binders in the production of agricultural calcium carbonate granules, typically at a loading range of 3 to 5 wt.-%. However, the prices and logistical complexities associated with the competitive demand for lignosulfonates in various other industries have prompted the exploration of alternative binding agents. Sodium lignosulfonates, apart from their high cost, introduce undesirable attributes such as a brownish color and pronounced odor during processing and drying stages. Substitute binders that have been considered include molasses, starches, sugars and clays, but each alternative has distinct drawbacks. Molasses solutions are prone to bacterial growth, display storage challenges and contribute to a strong odor during processing, starches exhibit variable behavior depending on drying conditions, sourcing sugars with consistent quality can be difficult, and clays fail to impart adequate hardness to the granules.

[0005] Typically, granular materials are prepared by wet granulation, processes of which are known in the art.

[0006] Notably, W02001000712A1 discloses a dry pigment granulate containing organic hollow and / or solid pigments for applications such as paper coating, plastic blends, paints, coatings, and printing inks, and a method for its production. The pigment granulate comprises 5-99.5 wt.% organic polymer pigment, 0-94.5 wt.% inorganic pigment, and 0.5-5 wt.% of a binder or a mixture of binders. The pigment granulate is produced by granulating pigment particles, preferably by spray drying, with a suitable binder or mixture of binders. The binder can be a resin, an emulsion, a latex or a natural high polymer that is preferably used in paper coating applications. The particle size of the spray-dried granulate is between 4 and 400 pm. The granules are considered to reduce the amount of water and heating energy needed for paper coating and drying, as they do not contain aqueous plastic pigment dispersions, and to avoid or reduce the problems of settling, freezing, microbial growth and toxic additives associated with such dispersions.

[0007] Similarly, US20210283575A1 is about systems and methods for manufacturing granules from materials such as synthetic gypsum and fibers. The granules can be used for various applications, such as sorbents, soil amendments, erosion control materials, and fertilizers. The process is said to reprocess byproducts such as oversized and undersized granules into the final product using a system of classifiers, mills, conveyors, and weigh bins to minimize waste and increase efficiency. The high- shear mixer is used to mix and granulate ingredients in a way that produces granules with similar relative roundness or jagged ness, which can improve the quality and consistency of the product.

[0008] However, granular materials need to remain stable during storage and transport, whereas, especially for agricultural applications, they need to readily disintegrate once applied and exposed to moisture. The above patent applications do not address stability and disintegration properties of the obtained granules at all, which shows that it is necessary to identify and implement an improved binder allowing for the preparation of granules that remain structurally sound during storage and transport yet readily disintegrate upon exposure to moisture, especially in the context of granulation for agricultural applications.

[0009] Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide a granular material and a novel wet granulation process for the production of a granular material, exhibiting enhanced disintegration characteristics upon application, while maintaining structural integrity during storage and transportation. The inventive granular material and the inventive process also should overcome the disadvantages associated with the use of sodium lignosulfonates and the above-mentioned alternative binders, specifically with respect to color and odor, bacterial contamination, consistency of production, and price.

[0010] One or more of the foregoing objectives are achieved by the subject-matter as defined in the independent claims.

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a granular material is provided. The granular material comprises

[0013] • at least one particulate material, and

[0014] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material.

[0015] The granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and is characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0016] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or

[0017] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0018] The present inventors have identified carboxymethyl cellulose as a binder that imparts superior mechanical strength (as reflected by the hardness of the granules) to the granules, safeguarding against premature disintegration during storage and transportation. Simultaneously, this binder allows rapid disintegration upon exposure to application conditions, specifically the presence of water or moisture, ensuring the timely release of the particulate material and other optional components, such as active ingredients, for optimal efficacy. The carboxymethylcellulose binder is color- and odourless. The present inventors realized that the carboxymethylcellulose must have a specific viscosity in orderto allow for both high hardness and disintegration. If the viscosity is correctly set, the amount of binder that is required to achieve the advantageous properties is also lower than for, e.g., sodium lignosulfonate binders.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present aspect, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a weight-average molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, more preferably from 80 to 300 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 200, preferably from 20 to 130, more preferably from 25 to 100 mPa.s, most preferably from 30 to 80 mPa.s measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0022] Optionally, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a degree of substitution in the range from 0.4 to 1 .2, preferably from 0.5 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.6 to 0.9.

[0023] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to 8 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 2 mm or from 2 to 6 mm, as determined by fractional sieving.

[0024] Preferably, the granular material has a hardness in the range from 8 to 150 N, preferably from 10 to 100 N, more preferably from 15 to 85 N, most preferably from 20 to 60 N, wherein the hardness is determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 3.15 to 4 mm on a Kraemer Elektronik Haerte Tester HC7 taking the average value of 20 measurements.

[0025] Preferably, the granular material has a disintegration in the range from 50 to 100%, preferably >65%, more preferably >75%, even more preferably >85%, most preferably >95%, wherein the disintegration is determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 3.15 to 4 mm, and the disintegration is measured by immersing the granular material in water for 5 min without agitation, and determining the amount of disintegrated granules that pass through a 1 mm sieve or 18 mesh sieve, wherein the disintegration corresponds to the amount of disintegrated granules relative to the initial amount of the granular material.

[0026] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the granular material comprises 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, preferably 0.4 to 1 .2 wt.-%, more preferably 0.5 to 1 .0 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the granular material comprises at most 10 wt.-%, preferably at most 5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 0.5 wt.-% and most preferably at most 0.2 wt.-% moisture, based on the total weight of the granular material.

[0028] Optionally, the granular material comprises less than 20 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 5 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 1 wt.-%, and most preferably less than 0.5 wt.-% of sodium chloride and / or sodium glycolate, based on the total weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in the granular material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, more preferably from 3 to 35 pm.

[0029] Preferably, the at least one particulate material comprises an inorganic particulate material, preferably selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably wherein the inorganic particulate material is selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof.

[0030] Preferably, the at least one particulate material comprises an inorganic particulate material in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably at least 97 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the granular material comprises at least one calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic mineral in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, and the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0032] The granular material may further comprise an agrochemical compound selected from fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, manure, micronutrients, phytohormones, biostimulants, soil conditioners, and mixtures thereof.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the granules of the granular material may further comprise at least one further binder in an amount of at most 5 wt.-%, preferably selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates, molasses, starches, cellulosics, sugars, clays and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Preferably, the granular material may further comprise an anti-dust coating on the surface of the granules, preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose, oils, waxes, mineral waxes, molasses, sugar, polymers, surfactants or mixtures thereof, more preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose or mixtures thereof, most preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises the same carboxymethyl cellulose as the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0036] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a wet granulation process, comprising the steps of a) providing at least one particulate material, b) providing a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, c) optionally pre-granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) in a mixer by gradual and / or immediate addition of water to obtain a pre-granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 3 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%, d) granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) by gradual addition of water to obtain a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-%, e) optionally drying the wet granulate to obtain a dry granulate, f) fractionating the wet granulate of step d) or the dry granulate of step e) to obtain a granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and wherein the granular material comprises 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material. The process is characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0037] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder on a Brookfield DV III Ultra viscometer at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or

[0038] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of this process, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a weightaverage molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, more preferably from 80 to 300 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 200, preferably from 20 to 130, more preferably from 25 to 100 mPa.s, most preferably from 30 to 80 mPa.s measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0042] Optionally, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a degree of substitution in the range from 0.4 to 1 .2, preferably from 0.5 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.6 to 0.9.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment of the inventive process, granulating step d) is carried out in a pan disc granulator, a drum granulator, or a high shear mixer, preferably in a pan disc granulator.

[0044] The binder of step b) may be provided as a powder, as a granulate or as a solution, preferably as a granulate or as a solution. Preferably, the solution comprises the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in an amount from 4 to 12 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solution.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one at least one particulate material is a calcium and / or magnesium- containing inorganic mineral and is provided in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material of step f), and optionally the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0046] Preferably, the binder of step b) has a purity of at least 50 wt.-%, more preferably of at least 60 wt.-%, even more preferably of at least 90 wt.-%, still more preferably of at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably of at least 97 wt.-%. A third aspect of the present invention relates to a granular material obtainable by the inventive process. Preferably, the so-obtained granular material is as described in connection with the granular material of the first aspect.

[0047] A fourth aspect of the present invention concerns the use of the granular material in agriculture, in horticulture, on grass fields, such as sports fields, or in an animal feed.

[0048] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder for granulating a particulate material, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0049] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or

[0050] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0051] It should be understood that for the purposes of the present invention, the following terms have the following meanings.

[0052] The term “granulation” as used herein refers to a process in which primary solid particles are made to adhere to form larger agglomerates comprising a plurality of primary particles. In this respect, a “granulate”, or “granular material” is understood to be a collection of a plurality of granules. Accordingly, a “granule” in the meaning of the present document is an agglomerate comprising a plurality of solid primary particles and at least one binder, unless stated otherwise or apparent from the context. Specifically, in the context of the provision of the binder in step b) of the process of the present invention, the term “granulate” indicates that the binder is provided in solid form with a particle size that is larger than that of a powder and with a generally round particle shape. Such granulate does not necessarily comprise solid primary particles and / or a further binder other than the at least one binder per se.

[0053] The term “particulate” in the meaning of the present document refers to materials composed of a plurality of primary particles. Said plurality of primary particles may be defined, for example, by its particle size distribution (dgs, dso etc.), such as their primary weight-based median particle size dso.

[0054] As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to a collection of at least two entities, for example two particles or granules.

[0055] The term “ground natural calcium carbonate” (GNCC) as used herein refers to a particulate material obtained from natural calcium carbonate-containing minerals (e.g. chalk, limestone, marble or dolomite) which has been processed in a wet and / or dry comminution step, such as crushing and / or grinding, and optionally has been subjected to further steps such as screening and / or fractionation, for example, by a cyclone or a classifier.

[0056] A “precipitated calcium carbonate” (PCC) in the meaning of the present invention is a synthesized material, obtained by precipitation following a reaction of carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) in an aqueous environment. Alternatively, precipitated calcium carbonate can also be obtained by reacting calcium- and carbonate salts, for example calcium chloride and sodium carbonate, in an aqueous environment. PCC may have a vateritic, calcitic or aragonitic crystalline form. PCCs are described, for example, in EP2447213A1 , EP2524898A1 , EP2371766A1 , EP2840065A1 , or WO2013142473A1 .

[0057] A “surface-reacted calcium carbonate” according to the present invention is a reaction product of ground natural calcium carbonate (GNCC) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) treated with carbon dioxide and one or more HsO+ion donors, wherein the carbon dioxide is formed in situ by the HsO+ion donors treatment and / or is supplied from an external source. A HsO+ion donor in the context of the present invention is a Bnansted acid and / or an acid salt.

[0058] The “particle size” of particulate and granular materials herein is described by its distribution of particle sizes c / x(wt). Therein, the value c / x(wt) represents the diameter relative to which x % by weight of the particles have diameters less than c / x(wt). This means that, for example, the cbo(wt) value is the particle size at which 20 wt.% of all particles are smaller than that particle size. The cfeo(wt) value is thus the weight median particle size, i.e. 50 wt.% of all particles are smaller than that particle size and the c / 9s(wt) value, referred to as weight-based top cut, is the particle size at which 98 wt.% of all particles are smaller than that particle size. Alternatively, the “particle size” can be described as volume-based particle size distribution c / x(vol). Therein, the value c / x(vol) represents the diameter relative to which x % by volume of the particles have diameters less than c / x(vol). This means that, for example, the c / 2o(vol) value is the particle size at which 20 vol.% of all particles are smaller than that particle size. The cfeo(vol) value is thus the volume median particle size, i.e. 50 vol.% of all particles are smaller than that particle size and the cfo8(vol) value, referred to as volume-based top cut, is the particle size at which 98 vol.% of all particles are smaller than that particle size.

[0059] The weight-based median particle size cfeo(wt) and top cut c / 9s(wt) of the particulate materials are measured by the sedimentation method, which is an analysis of sedimentation behaviour in a gravimetric field. The measurement is made with a Sedigraph™ 5120 of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, USA. The method and the instrument are known to the skilled person and are commonly used to determine particle size distributions. The measurement is carried out in an aqueous solution of 0.1 wt.% N34P2O7. The samples are dispersed using a high speed stirrer and sonication.

[0060] The “particle size” of surface-reacted calcium carbonate herein can alternatively be described as volume-based particle size distribution. Volume median particle size dso was evaluated using a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 Laser Diffraction System. The dso or dgs value, measured using a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 Laser Diffraction System, indicates a diameter value such that 50 % or 98 % by volume, respectively, of the particles have a diameter of less than this value. The raw data obtained by the measurement are analysed using the Mie theory, with a particle refractive index of 1 .57 and an absorption index of 0.005

[0061] The weight median particle size dso of the “granules” or “granular material” is determined by fractional sieving, preferably according to the ISO 3310-1 :2000(E) standard. This method and / or standard can also be used for determining the dso in case of particles larger than 50 pm.

[0062] Unless indicated otherwise, the “total moisture content”, or “moisture”, of a material refers to the percentage of moisture (i.e. water) which may be desorbed from a sample upon heating to 220 °C. The “total moisture content” is determined according to the Coulometric Karl Fischer measurement method, wherein the filler material is heated to 220°C, and the water content released as vapor and isolated using a stream of nitrogen gas (at 100 ml / min) is determined in a Coulometric Karl Fischer unit (e.g. Mettler-Toledo coulometric KF Titrator C30, combined with Mettler-Toledo oven DO 0337).

[0063] The “dry weight”, or “total dry weight” of any granular material and particulate material disclosed herein can be determined using a Moisture Analyser MJ33 (Mettler-Toledo, Switzerland), with the following settings: drying temperature of 160 °C, automatic switch off if the mass does not change more than 1 mg over a period of 30 s, standard drying of 5 g of suspension or granular or particulate material.

[0064] A “carboxymethyl cellulose”, or CMC, in the meaning of the present invention refers to a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COO-) bound to some or all of the hydroxyl groups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone. The term includes the corresponding free acid, salts and mixtures of the same (e.g., 50% of the carboxymethyl groups can be protonated and the remaining 50% can be deprotonated, i.e., the proton is replaced by an appropriate cation), and expressly includes sodium CMC.

[0065] For the purpose of the present invention, the term “viscosity” refers to the Brookfield viscosity.

[0066] The "degree of substitution" (DS) of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) refers to the average number of carboxymethyl groups that have replaced the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose molecule. It is thus a quantitative measure indicating the extent to which carboxymethyl groups have been introduced per glucose unit in the cellulose chain during the chemical modification process. The DS value is expressed as a fraction or percentage, typically ranging from 0 (indicating no substitution) to 2 (indicating the presence of two carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit on average) or above. The degree of substitution is an important parameter influencing the physical and chemical properties of carboxymethyl cellulose, including its solubility and viscosity.

[0067] Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g., “a”, “an” or “the”, this includes a plural of that noun unless anything else is specifically stated.

[0068] Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “consisting of’ is considered to be a preferred embodiment of the term “comprising”. If hereinafter a group is defined to comprise at least a certain number of embodiments, this is also to be understood to disclose a group, which preferably consists only of these embodiments.

[0069] Terms like “obtainable” or “definable” and “obtained” or “defined” are used interchangeably. This, for example, means that, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the term “obtained” does not mean to indicate that, for example, an embodiment must be obtained by, for example, the sequence of steps following the term “obtained” though such a limited understanding is always included by the terms “obtained” or “defined” as a preferred embodiment.

[0070] Whenever the terms “including” or “having” are used, these terms are meant to be equivalent to “comprising” as defined hereinabove.

[0071] In the following, details and preferred embodiments of the inventive granular material, the inventive wet granulation process and the inventive uses will be set out in more detail. It is to be understood that the technical details and embodiments, which are described for any one of the aspects of the present invention, also apply to each of the remaining aspects of the invention. The granular material

[0072] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a granular material is provided. The granular material comprises

[0073] • at least one particulate material, and

[0074] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material.

[0075] The granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and is characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0076] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or

[0077] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0078] The at least one particulate material

[0079] The granular material of the present invention comprises at least one particulate material. For the purposes of the present invention, the at least one particulate material is understood to be composed of primary particles, i.e., the individual grains of the particulate material. Prior to granulation, the primary particles may be present in agglomerated or aggregated form. In the granular material, several primary particles are agglomerated to form the individual granules of the granular material.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to specific types of particulate materials. The at least one particulate material may be selected from the group consisting of inorganic particulate materials, organic particulate materials, and mixtures thereof. However, from the viewpoint of the preferred applications of the inventive granules in agriculture and fertilization, it is preferred that the at least one particulate material is selected from materials that are beneficial in these types of application. For example, calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, especially calcium carbonate, gypsum and dolomite, are particularly useful for such kind of application, since they provide the soil with calcium and magnesium minerals.

[0081] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the at least one particulate mineral material is at least one inorganic particulate material. For example, the at least one inorganic particulate material is selected from the group comprising calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, natural ground calcium carbonate, natural and / or synthetic precipitated calcium carbonate, dolomite, calcium sulphate, kaolin, clay, barite, talcum, quartz, mica, gypsum, aluminium hydroxide, aluminium silicate, titanium dioxide, magnesite, hydromagnesite, hydroxylapatite, perlite, sepiolite, brucite and mixtures thereof, and preferably selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals. More preferably, the inorganic particulate material is selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof.

[0082] The inorganic particulate material can be a pure mineral or may comprise mineral impurities. For example, calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals may comprise impurities such as quartz, mica, and / or other silicates. Typically, the amount of such mineral impurities is below 20 wt.-%, preferably below 15 wt.-%, more preferably below 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the at least one inorganic particulate material.

[0083] Preferably, the calcium carbonate is selected from ground natural calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium carbonate, surface-reacted calcium carbonate and mixtures thereof. The use of surface-reacted calcium carbonate or mixtures thereof with other types of calcium carbonate is particularly advantageous, if the granules comprise an agrochemical compound as described below. More particularly, the surface-reacted calcium carbonate can act as a carrier for the agrochemical compound, as described, e.g., in EP2747752A1 or EP3244732A1 .

[0084] In another preferred embodiment, the at least one particulate mineral material is at least one organic particulate material. For example, the at least one organic material is selected from the group comprising polymer particles, carbohydrates such as starch, modified starch, cellulose, modified cellulose and cellulose based pulp, and mixtures thereof.

[0085] As outlined above, mixtures of more than one particulate material, e.g., selected from those mentioned above, can be used.

[0086] SRCC

[0087] The surface-reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural ground calcium carbonate or precipitated calcium carbonate with carbon dioxide and one or more HaO+ion donors, wherein the carbon dioxide is formed in situ by the HaO+ion donors treatment and / or is supplied from an external source.

[0088] A HaO+ion donor in the context of the present invention is a Bnansted acid and / or an acid salt.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is obtained by a process comprising the steps of: (a) providing a suspension of natural or precipitated calcium carbonate, (b) adding at least one acid having a pKavalue of 0 or less at 20°C or having a pKavalue from 0 to 2.5 at 20°C to the suspension of step (a), and (c) treating the suspension of step (a) with carbon dioxide before, during or after step (b). According to another embodiment the surface-reacted calcium carbonate is obtained by a process comprising the steps of: (A) providing a natural or precipitated calcium carbonate, (B) providing at least one water-soluble acid, (C) providing gaseous CO2, (D) contacting said natural or precipitated calcium carbonate of step (A) with the at least one acid of step (B) and with the CO2 of step (C), characterised in that: (i) the at least one acid of step B) has a pKaof greater than 2.5 and less than or equal to 7 at 20°C, associated with the ionisation of its first available hydrogen, and a corresponding anion is formed on loss of this first available hydrogen capable of forming a water-soluble calcium salt, and (ii) following contacting the at least one acid with natural or precipitated calcium carbonate, at least one water-soluble salt, which in the case of a hydrogen-containing salt has a pKaof greater than 7 at 20°C, associated with the ionisation of the first available hydrogen, and the salt anion of which is capable of forming water-insoluble calcium salts, is additionally provided.

[0090] “Natural ground calcium carbonate” (GCC) preferably is selected from calcium carbonate containing minerals selected from the group comprising marble, chalk, limestone and mixtures thereof. Natural calcium carbonate may comprise further naturally occurring components such as alumino silicate etc. In general, the grinding of natural ground calcium carbonate may be a dry or wet grinding step and may be carried out with any conventional grinding device, for example, under conditions such that comminution predominantly results from impacts with a secondary body, i.e. in one or more of: a ball mill, a rod mill, a vibrating mill, a roll crusher, a centrifugal impact mill, a vertical bead mill, an attrition mill, a pin mill, a hammer mill, a pulveriser, a shredder, a de-clumper, a knife cutter, or other such equipment known to the skilled man. In case the calcium carbonate containing mineral material comprises a wet ground calcium carbonate containing mineral material, the grinding step may be performed under conditions such that autogenous grinding takes place and / or by horizontal ball milling, and / or other such processes known to the skilled man. The wet processed ground calcium carbonate containing mineral material thus obtained may be washed and dewatered by well-known processes, e.g. by flocculation, filtration or forced evaporation prior to drying. The subsequent step of drying (if necessary) may be carried out in a single step such as spray drying, or in at least two steps. It is also common that such a mineral material undergoes a beneficiation step (such as a flotation, bleaching or magnetic separation step) to remove impurities.

[0091] “Precipitated calcium carbonate” (PCC) in the meaning of the present invention is a synthesized material, generally obtained by precipitation following reaction of carbon dioxide and calcium hydroxide in an aqueous environment or by precipitation of calcium and carbonate ions, for example CaCh and Na2COs, out of solution. Further possible ways of producing PCC are the lime soda process, or the Solvay process in which PCC is a by-product of ammonia production. Precipitated calcium carbonate exists in three primary crystalline forms: calcite, aragonite and vaterite, and there are many different polymorphs (crystal habits) for each of these crystalline forms. Calcite has a trigonal structure with typical crystal habits such as scalenohedral (S-PCC), rhombohedral (R- PCC), hexagonal prismatic, pinacoidal, colloidal (C-PCC), cubic, and prismatic (P-PCC). Aragonite is an orthorhombic structure with typical crystal habits of twinned hexagonal prismatic crystals, as well as a diverse assortment of thin elongated prismatic, curved bladed, steep pyramidal, chisel shaped crystals, branching tree, and coral or worm-like form. Vaterite belongs to the hexagonal crystal system. The obtained PCC slurry can be mechanically dewatered and dried.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the precipitated calcium carbonate is precipitated calcium carbonate, preferably comprising aragonitic, vateritic or calcitic mineralogical crystal forms or mixtures thereof.

[0093] Precipitated calcium carbonate may be ground prior to the treatment with carbon dioxide and at least one HaO+ion donor by the same means as used for grinding natural calcium carbonate as described above.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is in form of particles having a weight median particle size cfeo of 0.05 to 10.0 pm, preferably 0.2 to 5.0 pm, more preferably 0.4 to 3.0 pm, most preferably 0.6 to 1 .2 pm, especially 0.7 pm. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is in form of particles having a top cut particle size da of 0.15 to 55 pm, preferably 1 to 40 pm, more preferably 2 to 25 pm, most preferably 3 to 15 pm, especially 4 pm.

[0095] The natural and / or precipitated calcium carbonate may be used dry or suspended in water. Preferably, a corresponding slurry has a content of natural or precipitated calcium carbonate within the range of 1 wt.-% to 90 wt.-%, more preferably 3 wt.-% to 60 wt.-%, even more preferably 5 wt.-% to 40 wt.-%, and most preferably 10 wt.-% to 25 wt.-% based on the weight of the slurry.

[0096] The one or more HsO+ion donor used for the preparation of surface reacted calcium carbonate may be any strong acid, medium-strong acid, or weak acid, or mixtures thereof, generating HsO+ions under the preparation conditions. According to the present invention, the at least one HsO+ion donor can also be an acidic salt, generating HsO+ions under the preparation conditions.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the at least one HsO+ion donor is a strong acid having a pKaof 0 or less at 20°C.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the at least one HsO+ion donor is a medium-strong acid having a pKavalue from 0 to 2.5 at 20°C. If the pKaat 20°C is 0 or less, the acid is preferably selected from sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or mixtures thereof. If the pKaat 20°C is from 0 to 2.5, the HsO+ion donor is preferably selected from H2SO3, H3PO4, oxalic acid, or mixtures thereof. The at least one HsO+ion donor can also be an acidic salt, for example, HSO4 or H2 O4; being at least partially neutralized by a corresponding cation such as Li+, Na+or K+, or HPC2-, being at least partially neutralised by a corresponding cation such as Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+or Ca2+. The at least one HsO+ion donor can also be a mixture of one or more acids and one or more acidic salts.

[0099] According to still another embodiment, the at least one HsO+ion donor is a weak acid having a pKavalue of greater than 2.5 and less than or equal to 7, when measured at 20°C, associated with the ionisation of the first available hydrogen, and having a corresponding anion, which is capable of forming water-soluble calcium salts. Subsequently, at least one water-soluble salt, which in the case of a hydrogen-containing salt has a pKaof greater than 7, when measured at 20°C, associated with the ionisation of the first available hydrogen, and the salt anion of which is capable of forming waterinsoluble calcium salts, is additionally provided. According to the preferred embodiment, the weak acid has a pKavalue from greater than 2.5 to 5 at 20°C, and more preferably the weak acid is selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, propanoic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary cations of said water-soluble salt are selected from the group consisting of potassium, sodium, lithium and mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, said cation is sodium or potassium. Exemplary anions of said water-soluble salt are selected from the group consisting of phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, oxalate, silicate, mixtures thereof and hydrates thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, said anion is selected from the group consisting of phosphate, dihydrogen phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, mixtures thereof and hydrates thereof. In a most preferred embodiment, said anion is selected from the group consisting of dihydrogen phosphate, monohydrogen phosphate, mixtures thereof and hydrates thereof. Water-soluble salt addition may be performed dropwise or in one step. In the case of drop wise addition, this addition preferably takes place within a time period of 10 minutes. It is more preferred to add said salt in one step.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one HsO+ion donor is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sulphurous acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably the at least one HsO+ion donor is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sulphurous acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, H2PO4; being at least partially neutralised by a corresponding cation such as Li+, Na+or K+, HPC2-, being at least partially neutralised by a corresponding cation such as Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, or Ca2+and mixtures thereof, more preferably the at least one acid is selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, sulphurous acid, phosphoric acid, oxalic acid, or mixtures thereof, and most preferably, the at least one HsO+ion donor is phosphoric acid.

[0101] The one or more HaO+ion donor can be added to the suspension as a concentrated solution or a more diluted solution. Preferably, the molar ratio of the HaO+ion donor to the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is from 0.01 to 4, more preferably from 0.02 to 2, even more preferably 0.05 to 1 and most preferably 0.1 to 0.58.

[0102] As an alternative, it is also possible to add the HaO+ion donor to the water before the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is suspended.

[0103] In a next step, the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is treated with carbon dioxide. If a strong acid such as sulphuric acid or hydrochloric acid is used for the HaO+ion donor treatment of the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate, the carbon dioxide is automatically formed. Alternatively or additionally, the carbon dioxide can be supplied from an external source.

[0104] HsO+ion donor treatment and treatment with carbon dioxide can be carried out simultaneously which is the case when a strong or medium-strong acid is used. It is also possible to carry out HsO+ion donor treatment first, e.g. with a medium strong acid having a pKain the range of 0 to 2.5 at 20°C, wherein carbon dioxide is formed in situ, and thus, the carbon dioxide treatment will automatically be carried out simultaneously with the HaO+ion donor treatment, followed by the additional treatment with carbon dioxide supplied from an external source.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the HaO+ion donor treatment step and / or the carbon dioxide treatment step are repeated at least once, more preferably several times. According to one embodiment, the at least one HaO+ion donor is added over a time period of at least about 5 min, preferably at least about 10 min, typically from about 10 to about 20 min, more preferably about 30 min, even more preferably about 45 min, and sometimes about 1 h or more.

[0106] Subsequent to the HaO+ion donor treatment and carbon dioxide treatment, the pH of the aqueous suspension, measured at 20°C, naturally reaches a value of greater than 6.0, preferably greater than 6.5, more preferably greater than 7.0, even more preferably greater than 7.5, thereby preparing the surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate as an aqueous suspension having a pH of greater than 6.0, preferably greater than 6.5, more preferably greater than 7.0, even more preferably greater than 7.5.

[0107] In a particular preferred embodiment the surface reacted calcium carbonate is a reaction product of natural ground calcium carbonate (GNCC) with carbon dioxide and phosphoric acid, wherein the carbon dioxide is formed in situ by the phosphoric acid treatment.

[0108] Further details about the preparation of the surface-reacted natural calcium carbonate are disclosed in W00039222A1 , W02004083316A1 , WO2005121257A2, W02009074492A1 , EP2264108A1 , EP2264109A1 and US20040020410A1 , the content of these references herewith being included in the present application.

[0109] Similarly, surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate is obtained. As can be taken in detail from W02009074492A1 , surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate is obtained by contacting precipitated calcium carbonate with HsO+ions and with anions being solubilized in an aqueous medium and being capable of forming water-insoluble calcium salts, in an aqueous medium to form a slurry of surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate, wherein said surface-reacted precipitated calcium carbonate comprises an insoluble, at least partially crystalline calcium salt of said anion formed on the surface of at least part of the precipitated calcium carbonate.

[0110] Said solubilized calcium ions correspond to an excess of solubilized calcium ions relative to the solubilized calcium ions naturally generated on dissolution of precipitated calcium carbonate by HsO+ions, where said HsO+ions are provided solely in the form of a counterion to the anion, i.e. via the addition of the anion in the form of an acid or non-calcium acid salt, and in absence of any further calcium ion or calcium ion generating source.

[0111] Said excess solubilized calcium ions are preferably provided by the addition of a soluble neutral or acid calcium salt, or by the addition of an acid or a neutral or acid non-calcium salt which generates a soluble neutral or acid calcium salt in situ.

[0112] Said HsO+ions may be provided by the addition of an acid or an acid salt of said anion, or the addition of an acid or an acid salt which simultaneously serves to provide all or part of said excess solubilized calcium ions.

[0113] In a further preferred embodiment of the preparation of the surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate, the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate is reacted with the one or more HsO+ion donors and / or the carbon dioxide in the presence of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicate, silica, aluminium hydroxide, earth alkali aluminate such as sodium or potassium aluminate, magnesium oxide, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the at least one silicate is selected from an aluminium silicate, a calcium silicate, or an earth alkali metal silicate. These components can be added to an aqueous suspension comprising the natural or precipitated calcium carbonate before adding the one or more HaO+ion donors and / or carbon dioxide.

[0114] Alternatively, the silicate and / or silica and / or aluminium hydroxide and / or earth alkali aluminate and / or magnesium oxide components) can be added to the aqueous suspension of natural or precipitated calcium carbonate while the reaction of natural or precipitated calcium carbonate with the one or more HsO+ion donors and carbon dioxide has already started. Further details about the preparation of the surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate in the presence of at least one silicate and / or silica and / or aluminium hydroxide and / or earth alkali aluminate component(s) are disclosed in WO 2004 / 083316 A1 , the content of this reference herewith being included in the present application.

[0115] The surface-reacted calcium carbonate can be kept in suspension, optionally further stabilised by a dispersant. Conventional dispersants known to the skilled person can be used. A preferred dispersant is comprised of polyacrylic acids and / or carboxymethylcellu loses.

[0116] Alternatively, the aqueous suspension described above can be dried, thereby obtaining the solid (i.e. dry or containing as little water that it is not in a fluid form) surface-reacted natural or precipitated calcium carbonate in the form of granules or a powder.

[0117] Properties of the at least one particulate material

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, more preferably from 3 to 35 pm. If the particle size of the particulate material is very small, the required amount of binder to obtain sufficiently stable granules increases, which may compromise the disintegration capabilities. On the other hand, if the particle size of the particulate material is too high, the granular material will dissolve only slowly after application, such that the minerals and nutrients are only slowly released at the target application, despite the good disintegration properties of the granules.

[0119] Depending on the at least one particulate material, the same may additionally or alternatively have a primary volume-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, more preferably from 3 to 35 pm, especially if the at least one particulate material comprises or consists of SRCC.

[0120] In another preferred embodiment, the at least one particulate material comprises an inorganic particulate material in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably at least 97 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material. Of course, the at least one particulate material may also consist essentially of or consist of an inorganic particulate material.

[0121] Accordingly, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one particulate material of the granular material comprises at least one inorganic particulate material, preferably selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material. In this embodiment, the at least one particulate material preferably has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm.

[0122] In another preferred embodiment, the at least one particulate material is at least one inorganic particulate material, preferably selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, and preferably has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm.

[0123] The at least one particulate material may have a theoretical density of more than 1 g / cm3, such as more than 1 .5 g / cm3or even more than 2.0 g / cm3. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one particulate material may have a bulk density of more than 0.6 g / cm3, preferably more than 0.7 g / cm3, more preferably more than 0.8 g / cm3, most preferably more than 0.9 g / cm3or even more than 1 .0 g / cm3. “Bulk density” in the meaning of the present invention is a property of powders, granules and other “divided” solids and is defined as the mass of many particles of the material divided by the total volume they occupy.

[0124] The at least one particulate material preferably is present in the granular material in an amount from 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, preferably 85 to 99.7 wt.-%, more preferably 90 to 99.4 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of granular material.

[0125] The carboxymethyl cellulose binder

[0126] The granular material of the present invention comprises 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder. The carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0127] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0128] The present inventors realized that a carboxymethyl cellulose binder must have a viscosity as specified, so that the inventive granular material combines the desired properties of both adequate hardness and sufficient disintegration. The viscosity can be measured either in a 4 wt.-% or a 2 wt.-% aqueous preparation, or in a 10 wt.-% aqueous preparation. Preferably, the aqueous preparation consists of the CMC binder and water. If the viscosity is below the claimed range, the obtained granules readily disintegrate, but have an insufficient hardness. If the viscosity is above the claimed range, the obtained granules have a superior hardness, but provide an insufficient disintegration. Within the inventive viscosity range, an excellent balance between disintegration properties and hardness is provided. At the same time, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is colorless and odorless and can be used at lower amounts, compared to, e.g., lignosulfonates, which reduces costs and increases the content of the desired ingredients (e.g., the at least one particulate material and / or an agrochemical compound, if present) in the granular material.

[0129] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “carboxymethyl cellulose” is considered to encompass carboxymethyl cellulose in protonated, partially deprotonated and fully deprotonated form. Thus, the carboxymethyl groups of the carboxymethyl cellulose may be protonated or the proton may be substituted by a corresponding cation. The cations are not particularly limited and include ammonium, alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, and others. Preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal carboxymethyl celluloses, alkaline earth metal carboxymethyl celluloses and mixtures thereof, more preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is selected from the group consisting of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, potassium carboxymethyl cellulose, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose and mixtures thereof, and most preferably the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0130] Preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a pH value in the range from 5.5 to -11 , preferably from 6.0 to 10, most preferably 6.5 to 8 when measured in a 1 wt.-% aqueous preparation. Preferably, the aqueous preparation consists of the CMC binder and water. In the inventive process described below, the pH may be adjusted to the desired value. Thus, especially preferably, the binder is a sodium CMC with a pH value in the range from 5.5 to 11 , preferably from 6.0 to 10, when measured in a 30 wt.-% aqueous preparation that preferably consists of the sodium CMC and water.

[0131] The carboxymethyl cellulose binder may comprise impurities, originating from its manufacturing process, often sodium chloride and / or sodium glycolate. It is preferred that the amount of such impurities is low. Thus, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder preferably comprises at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 98 wt.-% and most preferably at least 99 wt.-% of pure carboxymethyl cellulose, based on the total dry weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 60 to 2000 mPas or from 60 to 1000 mPas, more preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, still more preferably from 80 to 300 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 200, preferably from 20 to 130, more preferably from 25 to 100 mPa.s, most preferably from 30 to 80 mPa.s measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0133] In another embodiment of the present invention, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity of more than 200 mPas measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 10 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm. Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity of more than 200 mPas measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 10 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 60 rpm. Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity of more than 200 mPas measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 10 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 30 rpm. Preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity of more than 400 mPas, more preferably more than 750 mPas or even more than 1000 mPas measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 10 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, 60 rpm and / or 30 rpm.

[0134] Thus, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 60 to 1000 mPas, more preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and a Brookfield viscosity of more than 200 mPas, preferably more than 400 mPas, more preferably more than 750 mPas or even more than 1000 mPas measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 10 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, 60 rpm and / or 30 rpm.

[0135] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a weight-average molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography. Gel permeation chromatography is a standard method for determining the molecular weight of polymers. Preferably, the weight-average molecular weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is determined using an aqueous solution of 0.2 M NaNCh 10.01 M Phosphate pH7 buffer in water as eluent and calibrated with a pullulan standard with a weight-average molecular weight in the expected range. More preferably, the weight-average molecular weight is determined by a process as specified in the example section.

[0136] The weight-average molecular weight also is an indicator of the performance of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, albeit not as precise as the viscosity. More precisely, the present inventors realized that a carboxymethyl cellulose with a weight-average molecular weight of above 200,000 g / mol leads to granules that do not readily disintegrate, whereas a weight average molecular weight of below 10,000 g / mol leads to granules that are not sufficiently mechanically stable.

[0137] Thus, the invention relates in one aspect to a granular material, comprising

[0138] • at least one particulate material, and

[0139] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a weight-average molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0140] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a degree of substitution (DS) in the range from 0.4 to 1 .2, preferably from 0.5 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.6 to 0.9. The viscosity of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is inter alia influenced by the DS.

[0141] Preferably, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is present in the granular material in an amount from 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, preferably 0.4 to 1 .2 wt.-%, more preferably 0.5 to 1 .0 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material.

[0142] The granular material may comprise other or further binders, as described below. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder. In other words, in this preferred embodiment, the granules of the granular material comprise the carboxymethyl cellulose binder as the only binder.

[0143] Properties of the granular material

[0144] The granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving. The size of the granular material is not particularly limited and can be adjusted by selecting an appropriate method for wet granulation and adequately setting the parameters, as disclosed below. The size of the granular material typically depends on the intended application of the granular material. For example, a particle size dso in the range from 2 to 6 mm is usually preferred for agricultural applications, whereas a smaller particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to 2 mm may be preferred for applications in home and garden and on sports fields.

[0145] Accordingly, the granular material preferably has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to 8 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 2 mm or from 2 to 6 mm, as determined by fractional sieving.

[0146] The granular material of the present invention has a certain mechanical strength so that the particles are sufficiently durable during storage and transportation. For the purposes of the present invention, this property is reflected by a certain hardness of the granular material.

[0147] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the granular material has a hardness in the range from 8 to 150 N, preferably from 10 to 100 N, more preferably from 15 to 85 N, most preferably from 20 to 60 N, wherein the hardness is determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 3.15 to 4 mm on a Kraemer Elektronik Haerte Tester HC7 taking the average value of 20 measurements.

[0148] The method involves randomly selecting 20 individual granules in the defined size range and measuring the force required to crush the granule. In case the granular material does not comprise a sufficient amount of granules with a size from 3.15 to 4 mm, it is possible to randomly select 20 individual granules having a size that does not deviate by more than about 20% of the weight mode particle size, i.e., the particle size at which the particle size distribution curve is at a maximum. Smaller granules require less force to be crushed, such that the hardness scales with the cross section of the particles. Therefore, the mechanical strength of the granular material of the present invention can also be expressed in terms of a strength, being defined as the hardness divided by the cross-sectional area of the particles. The cross-sectional area can be determined, e.g., by measuring the largest diameter of the granule of the granular material, assuming ideal sphericity, and calculating the area by the equation A = IT r2= % IT d2.

[0149] Thus, additionally or alternatively, the granular material may have a strength in the range from 0.5 N / mm2to 15 N / mm2, preferably from 1 .0 N / mm2to 12 N / mm2, more preferably from

[0150] 1 .5 N / mm2to 10 N / mm2, and most preferably from 2.0 N / mm2to 7.5 N / mm2, determined on a Kraemer Elektronik Haerte Tester HC7, taking the average value of 20 measurements. Here, the method involves randomly selecting 20 individual granules, preferably having a size that does not deviate by more than about 20% of the weight mode particle size, measuring their hardness and dividing the same by the cross-sectional area of the particles.

[0151] For example, if the weight median particle size dso of the granules is in the range from 0.5 to 2 mm, the hardness and / or strength may be determined on a Kraemer Elektronik Haerte Tester HC7, taking the average value of 20 measurements of randomly selected individual granules in the size range from 1 .7 to 2.0 mm. In such case, the hardness may range from 1 to 30 N, preferably from 2 to 20 N, more preferably from 3 to 15 N and most preferably from 4 to 10 N.

[0152] Moreover, the granular material readily disintegrates upon application, when the granular material comes into contact with water or moisture. For the purposes of the present invention, this property is reflected by a certain disintegration of the granular material.

[0153] The “disintegration” refers to the weight amount of disintegrated granules that, after immersion of the granular material in water for a certain duration without agitation, pass through a sieve of a predetermined size. For example, a disintegration of 100% means that the granular material was completely disintegrated and passed through the sieve, whereas a disintegration of 0% means that the granular material was not disintegrated and fully retained on the sieve.

[0154] Preferably, the granular material of the present invention has a disintegration in the range from 50 to 100%, preferably >65%, more preferably >75%, even more preferably >85%, most preferably >95%, wherein the disintegration is determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 3.15 to 4 mm, and the disintegration is measured by immersing the granular material in water for 5 min without agitation, and determining the amount of disintegrated granules that pass through a 1 mm sieve or 18 mesh sieve, wherein the disintegration corresponds to the amount of disintegrated granules relative to the initial amount of the granular material. Preferably, 50 mL water are used for 5 g of granules. According to a preferred embodiment of the measuring method, after immersing and placing the granular material on the sieve, the residue on the sieve is rinsed with water in an amount from 10 to 15 mL / g of the initial amount of the granular material.

[0155] In case the granular material does not comprise a sufficient amount of granules with a size from 3.15 to 4 mm, it is possible to use instead a fraction of the granular material having a size that does not deviate by more than about 20% of the weight mode particle size and to adjust the sieve so that its openings have a size that is about one third to one fourth of the weight mode particle size.

[0156] For example, if the weight median particle size dso of the granules is in the range from 0.5 to 2 mm, the disintegration may be determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 0.8 to 1 .2 mm by immersing the granular material in water for 5 min without agitation, and determining the amount of disintegrated granules that pass through a 250 pm sieve or 60 mesh sieve.

[0157] As outlined above, the granular material is also characterized by a good whiteness and an improved smell, compared to a granular material employing, e.g., a lignosulfonates or molasses as binder.

[0158] The granular material may have a bulk density of more than 0.6 g / cm3, preferably more than 0.7 g / cm3, more preferably more than 0.8 g / cm3, most preferably more than 0.9 g / cm3or even more than 1 .0 g / cm3.

[0159] The granular material preferably consists of or consists essentially of granules. However, it is not excluded that the granular material may comprise minor amounts of non-granular material, such as residual or abraded particles of the at least one particulate material, or particles of the agrochemical compound. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the granular material comprises at least 85 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably at least 98 wt.-% granules.

[0160] Optional compounds of the granular material

[0161] The granular material of the present invention may comprise various optional compounds. For example, the granular material typically comprises residual amounts of moisture, which can be present due to a wet granulation step. Preferably, the granular material comprises at most 10 wt.-%, preferably at most 5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 0.5 wt.-% and most preferably at most 0.2 wt.-% moisture, based on the total weight of the granular material. The amount of water may be reduced by a drying step, as described hereinbelow.

[0162] Furthermore, the granular material may comprise residual amounts of impurities of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, notably sodium chloride and / or sodium glycolate. Preferably, however, the granular material comprises less than 20 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 5 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 1 wt.-%, and most preferably less than 0.5 wt.-% of sodium chloride, based on the total weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in the granular material. Additionally or alternatively, the granular material comprises less than 20 wt.-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 5 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 1 wt.-%, and most preferably less than 0.5 wt.-% of sodium glycolate, based on the total weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in the granular material. Particularly preferably, the granular material comprises less than 20 wt.%, preferably less thanlO wt.-%, more preferably less than 5 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 1 wt.-%, and most preferably less than 0.5 wt.-% of the sum of sodium chloride and sodium glycolate, based on the total weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in the granular material. The amount of impurities may be reduced by employing a purified carboxymethyl cellulose grade.

[0163] Furthermore, the granular material of the present invention may comprise an agrochemical compound, at least one further binder, at least one surfactant, and / or an anti-dust coating, as described below. These compounds may be present within the granules of the granular material, or may be admixed with the granules of the granular material. Agrochemical compounds

[0164] According to the present invention, the granular material may comprise an agrochemical compound.

[0165] Preferably, the agrochemical compound is selected from fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, manure, micronutrients, phytohormones, biostimulants, soil conditioners, and mixtures thereof. The agrochemical compound may be provided in neat form or in form of a formulated plant protection product, e.g., loaded onto an SRCC as carrier as described hereinabove.

[0166] Agrochemical compounds are widely used in agriculture to improve the cultivation of useful plants. Many of these agrochemical compounds are known as plant or crop protection products which may be used to protect plants from damaging influences such as weeds, plant diseases or insects. Crop protection products may include, for example, bactericides, fungicides, acaricides, insecticides, molluscicides, nematicides, rodenticides, avicides, herbicides, insect repellents, attractants and biocontrol agents. Another group of agrochemical compounds is used to promote or regulate plant growth and includes fertilizers, manure, micronutrients, phytohormones, biostimulants and soil conditioners.

[0167] The skilled person will appreciate that the agrochemical compound may encompass any suitable chemical form, e.g. the agrochemical compound may be provided in a protonated form, or a deprotonated form, e.g. in a neutralized form or in form of a salt.

[0168] Examples of suitable fungicides are acibenzolar-S-methyl, aldimorph, amisulbrom, anilazine, azaconazole, azoxystrobin, benalaxyl, benodanil, benomyl, benthiavalicarb, binapacryl, biphenyl, bitertanol, blasticidin-S, boscalid, bromuconazole, bupirimate, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, chloroneb, chlorothalonil, chlozolinate, copper, cyazofamid, cyflufenamid, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dichlofluanid, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, diflumetorim, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, dimoxystrobin, diniconazole, dinocap, dithianon, dodemorph, dodine, edifenphos, enestrobin, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethirimol, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenoxanil, fenpiclonil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin acetate, fentin chloride, fentin hydroxide, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, fiumorph, fluopicolide, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, fiusilazole, fiusulfamide, flutolanil, fiutriafol, folpet, fosetyl-AI, fthalide, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, guazatine, hexaconazole, hymexazole, imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iodocarb, ipconazole, iprobenfos (IBP), iprodione, iprovalicarb, isoprothiolane, isotianil, kasugamycin, kresoxim- methyl, laminarin, mancozeb, mandipropamid, maneb, material of biological, mepanipyrim, mepronil, meptyldinocap, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metconazole, methasulfocarb, metiram, metominostrobin, metrafenone, mineral oils, organic oils, myclobutanil, naftifine, nuarimol, octhilinone, ofurace, origin, orysastrobin, oxadixyl, oxolinic acid, oxpoconazole, oxycarboxin, oxytetracycline, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, penthiopyrad, phophorous acid and, picoxystrobin, piperalin, polyoxin, potassium bicarbonate, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, proquinazid, prothiocarb, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, pyrazophos, pyribencarb, pyributicarb, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, quintozene (PCNB), salts, silthiofam, simeconazole, spiroxamine, streptomycin, sulfur, tebuconazole, teclofthalam, tecnazene (TCNB), terbinafine, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate, thiophanate- methyl, thiram, tiadinil, tolclofosmethyl, tolylfiuanid , triadimefon, triadimenol, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, validamycin, valiphenal, vinclozolin, zineb, ziram, and zoxamide, 1-butyl-1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl) ethanol (common name hexaconazole), 1 -[(2-chlorophenyl)methyl]-1 -(1 , 1 -dimethylethyl)-2-(1 ,2 ,4-triazol- 1 -yl)ethanol, 1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-1-(2- fluorophenyl)-2-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl) ethanol (common name flutriafol), methyl (E)-2-[2-[6-(2- cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[6-(2-thioamido- phenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[6-(2-fluorophenoxy)pyrimidin-4- yloxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[6-(2,6difluorophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl]-3- methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[3-(pyrimidin-2-yloxy)phenoxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-

[0169] 2-[2-[3-(5-methylpyrimidin-2-yloxy)phenoxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[3-(phenyl- sulfonyloxy)phenoxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[3-[4-nitrophenoxy]phenoxy]phenyl]-

[0170] 3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-phenoxyphenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(3,5- dimethylbenzoyl)pyrrol-1 -yl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(3-methoxyphenoxy)phenyl]-3- methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(2-phenylethen-1-yl)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-(2-[3,5- dichlorophenoxy]pyridin-3-yl)-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-(2-(3-(1 ,1 ,2,2- tetrafluoroethoxy)phenoxy)phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-(2-[3-(alpha-hydroxy- benzyl)phenoxy]phenyl)-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-(2-(4-phenoxypyridin-2-yloxy)phenyl)-3- methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(3-n-propyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2- (3-isopropyloxyphenoxy)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[3-(2- fluorophenoxy)phenoxy]phenyl]-3-methoxy acrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(3-ethoxyphenoxy)phenyl]-3- methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(4-tert-butylpyridin-2-yloxy)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2- [2-[3-(3-cyanophenoxy)phenoxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(3-methylpyridin-2-yloxy- methyl)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[6(2-methylphenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl]-3- methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(5-bromopyridin-2-yloxymethyl)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-(3-(3-iodopyridin-2-yloxy)phenoxy)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, methyl (E)-2-[2-[6-(2-chloro- pyridin-3-yloxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, (E),(E)-methyl 2-[2-(5,6-dimethylpyrazin-- 2-ylmethyloximinomethyl)phenyl]-3-methoxyacrylate, (E)-methyl 2-{2-[6-(6-methylpyridin-2- yloxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (E),(E)-methyl 2-{2-(3- methoxyphenyl)methyloximinomethyl]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (E)-methyl 2-{2-[6-(2-azidophenoxy)- pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (E),(E)-methyl 2-{2-[6-phenylpyrimidin-4-yl)methyl- oximinomethyl]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (E),(E)-methyl 2-{2-[(4- chlorophenyl)methyloximinomethyl]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (E)-methyl 2-{2-[6-(2-n-propyl- phenoxy)-1 ,3,5-triazin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (E),(E)-methyl 2-{2-[(3- nitrophenyl)methyloximinomethyl]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate, (RS)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-phenyl-2-(1 H- 1 , 2 ,4-tri azo I- 1 -ylmethyl)butyronitrile, 1 -[(2RS,4RS;2RS,4RS)-4-bromo-2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)- tetrahydrofurfuryl]-1 H-1 ,2,4-triazole, 3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(1 H-1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-quinazolin-4(3H)- one, (RS)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-chlorobenzyl)-4-(1 H-1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-3-ol, or mixtures and combinations thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the fungicide is pyrimethanil.

[0171] Examples of suitable herbicides are acetochlor, acifiuorfen, aclonifen, alachlor, ametryn, amidosulfuron, aminopyralid, amitrole, anilofos, asulam, atrazine, azafenidin, azimsulfuron, benazolin, benfluralin, bensulfuron-methyl, bentazone, bifenox, binalafos, bispyribac-sodium, bromacil, bromoxynil, butachlor, butroxidim, cafenstrole, carbetamide, carfentrazone-ethyl, chloridazon, chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorobromuron, chlorotoluron, chlorsulfuron, cinidon-ethyl, cinosulfuron, clethodim, clomazone, clopyralid, cloransulam-methyl, clorsulfuron, cyanazine, cycloate, cyclosulfamuron, cycloxydim, dalapon, desmedipham, dicamba, dichlobenil, dichlormid, diclosulam, diflufenican, dimefuron, dimepipeate, dimethachlor, dimethenamid, diquat, diuron, esprocarb, ethalfluralin, ethametsulfuron-methyl, ethofumesate, ethoxysulfuron, fentrazamide, flazasulfuron, florasulam, fluchloralin, flufenacet, flumetsulam, flumioxazin, fluometuron, flupyrsulfuron-methyl, flurochloridone, fluroxypyr, flurtamone, fomesafen, foramsulfuron, glufosinate, hexazinone, imazamethabenz-m, imazamox, mazapic, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazosulfuron, iodosulfuron, ioxynil, isoproturon, isoxaben, isoxaflutole, lactofen, lenacil, linuron, mefenacet, mesosulfuron-methyl, mesotrione, metamitron, metazachlor, methabenzthiazuron, metobromuron, metolachlor, metosulam, metoxuron, metribuzin, metsulfuron-methyl, molinate, msma, napropamide, nicosulfuron, norflurazon, oryzalin, oxadiargyl, oxadiazon, oxasulfuron, oxyfluorfen, paraquat, pendimethalin, phenmedipham, picloram, pretilachlor, profoxydim, prometryn, propanil, propisochlor, propoxycarbazone, propyzamide, prosulfocarb, prosulfuron, pyraflufen-ethyl, pyrazosulfuron, pyridate, pyrithiobac, quinclorac, quinmerac, rimsulfuron, sethoxydim, simazine, s- metolachlor, sulcotrione, sulfentrazone, sulfosulfuron, tebuthiuron, tepraloxydim, terbuthylazine, terbutryn, thifensulfuron-methyl, thiobencarb, tralkoxydim, tri-allate, triasulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, triclopyr, trifioxysulfuron, trifluralin, trifiusulfuron- methyl, tritosulfuron, or mixtures and combinations thereof. Preferred herbicides are acetochlor, atrazine, dicamba, glufosinate, paraquat, glyphosate, 2,4-D or mixtures and combinations thereof, preferably 2,4-D.

[0172] Examples of suitable insecticides are kerosene or borax, botanicals or natural organic compounds (e.g. allicin, anabasine, azadirachtin, carvacrol, d-limonene, matrine, nicotine, nornicotine, oxymatrine, pyrethrins, quassia, rhodojaponin-lll, rotenone, ryania, sabadilla, sanguinarine, strychnine, or triptolide), chlorinated hydrocarbon (e.g. aldrin, bromo-DDT, camphechlor, chlordane, DDT, DFDT, ethyl-DDD, lindane, methoxychlor, or pentachlorophenol), organophosphates (e.g. bromfenvinfos, calvinphos, chlorfenvinphos, crotoxyphos, dichlorvos, dicrotophos, dimethylvinphos, fospirate, heptenophos, methocrotophos, mevinphos, propaphos, dioxabenzofos, fosmethilan, phenthoate, malathion, quinothion, diazinon, butonate, trichlorfon, mecarphon, crufomate, fenamiphos, fosthietan, mephosfolan, phosfolan, phosfolan-methyl, pirimetaphos, acephate, chloramine phosphorus, isocarbophos, isofenphos, isofenphos-methyl, methamidophos, phosglycin, or propetamphos), carbamates (e.g. bendiocarb, carbaryl, benfuracarb, carbofuran, carbosulfan, decarbofuran, furathiocarb, dimetan, dimetilan, hyquincarb, isolan, pirimicarb, pyramat, pyrolan, alanycarb, aldicarb, aldoxycarb, butocarboxim, butoxycarboxim, methomyl, nitrilacarb, oxamyl, tazimcarb, thiocarboxime, thiodicarb, thiofanox, allyxycarb, aminocarb, bufencarb, butacarb, carbanolate, cloethocarb, dicresyl, dimethacarb, dioxacarb, ethiofencarb, fenethacarb, fenobucarb, isoprocarb, methiocarb, metolcarb, mexacarbate, promacyl, promecarb, propoxur, ortrimethacarb), fumigants (e.g. acrylonitrile, allyl isothiocyanate, carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride, p-dichlorobenzene, 1 ,2-dichloropropane, dimethyl disulfide, ethyl formate, ethylene dichloride, methylchloroform, methylene chloride, naphthalene, phosphine, sodium tetrathiocarbonate, sulfuryl fluoride, or tetrachloroethane) and benzene, synthetic pyrethroids(e.g. etofenprox, flufenprox, halfenprox, silafluofen), or mixtures and combinations thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the insecticide is etofenprox.

[0173] Examples of suitable acaricides, preferably miticides, include permethrin, ivermectin, antibiotic miticides, carbamate miticides, dienochlor miticides, formamidine miticides, oxalic acid, organophosphate miticides, diatomaceous earth, dicofol, lime sulfur, abamectin, acequinocyl, bifenazate, bifenazate, chlorfenapyr, clofentezine, cyflumetofen, cypermethrin, dicofol, etoxazole, fenazaquin, fenpyroximate, hexythiazox, imidacloprid, propargite, pyridaben, spiromesifen, spirotetramat, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0174] Examples of suitable nematicides are avermectin nematicides, botanical nematicides, carbamate nematicides, fumigant nematicides, organophosphorus nematicides, cadusafos, ethoprophos, fenamiphos, phorate, fosthiazate, terbufos, triazophos, carbofuran, carbosulfan, thiodicarb, dazomet, metam sodium, abamectin, fluensulfone, carvacrol, cloethocarb, allyl isothiocyanate, imicyafos, furfural, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0175] Examples of suitable bactericides are amicarthiazol, bismerthiazol, bronopol, cellocidin, chloramphenicol, cresol, dichlorophen, dipyrithione, dodicin, ethylicin, fenaminosulf, fluopimomide, formaldehyde, hexachlorophene, hydrargaphen, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, kasugamycin, ningnanmycin, nitrapyrin, octhilinone, oxolinic acid, oxytetracycline, phenazine oxide, probenazole, saijunmao, saisentong, streptomycin, tecloftalam, thiodiazole-copper, thiomersal, xinjunan, zinc thiazole, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0176] Examples of suitable rodenticides are botanical rodenticides, carbanilate rodenticides, coumarin rodenticides, indandione rodenticides, inorganic rodenticides, organochlorine rodenticides, organofluorine rodenticides, organophosphorus rodenticides, pyrimidinamine rodenticides, thiourea rodenticides, urea rodenticides, strychnine, warfarin, coumatetralyl, difenacoum, brodifacoum, flocoumafen, bromadiolone, diphacinone, chlorophacinone, pindone, sulfaquinoxaline, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0177] Examples of suitable molluscicides are allicin, bromoacetamide, calcium arsenate, cloethocarb, copper sulfate, fentin, niclosamide, Paris green, pentachlorophenol, sodium pentachlorophenate, tazimcarb, thiacloprid, thiodicarb, tralopyril, tributyltin oxide, trifenmorph trimethacarb, iron(lll) phosphate, aluminium sulfate, ferric sodium EDTA, metaldehyde, methiocarb, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0178] Examples of suitable avicides are 4-aminopyridine, endrin, fenthion, strychnine, DRC-1339 (3- chloro-4-methylaniline hydrochloride, Starlicide), CPTH (3-chloro-p-toluidine, the free base of Starlicide), Avitrol (4-aminopyridine), chloralose, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0179] Examples of suitable insect repellents are acrep, camphor, carboxide, dimethyl phthalate, methoquin-butyl, methylneodecanamide, 2-(octylthio)ethanol, oxamate, quwenzhi, quyingding, rebemide, zengxiaoan, dibutyl succinate, methyl anthranilate, benzaldehyde, DEET (N,N-diethyl-m- toluamide), dimethyl carbate, dimethyl phthalate, ethylhexanediol, icaridin, butopyronoxyl (trade name Indalone), ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate, metofluthrin, tricyclodecenyl allyl ether, birch tree bark, bog myrtle (Myrica Gale), nepetalactone citronella oil, essential oil of the lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora), p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), neem oil, lemongrass, tea tree oil, or mixtures and combinations thereof. An “attractant” refers to a substance that lures insects or other pests into traps. Examples of suitable attractants are brevicomin, dominicalure, frontalin, grandlure, ipsdienol, ipsenol, japonilure, lineatin, megatomoic acid, a-multistriatin, oryctalure, sulcatol, trunc-call, ceralure, cue-lure, latilure, medlure, moguchun, muscalure, trimedlure, rescalure, disparlure, codlelure, gossyplure, hexalure, litlure, looplure, orfralure, ostramone, eugenol, methyl eugenol, siglure, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0180] A "biocontrol agent" refers to a living organism that is introduced into an environment to control the population of another organism, usually a pest. Examples of suitable biocontrol agents are Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Streptomyces spp., Clonostachys spp., pyrroles, dinitrophenols, sulfluramid, granuloviruses, nucleopolyhedroviruses, Beauveria bassiana strains, Metarhizium anisopliae strain F52, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Apopka strain 97, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0181] Suitable fertilizers may include inorganic and organic fertilizers and mixtures thereof. The fertilizers may also comprise micronutrients which include iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, boron, cobalt, iron, (sulfur), sulfate, chlorine and molybdenum. A micronutrient herein refers to essential elements or nutrients that are required by plants in relatively small quantities for proper growth, development, and physiological functioning, compared to macronutrients. For the purposes of the present invention, the term “micronutrient” refers to a nutrient whose natural level found in plants is 0.01 wt.-% or less. The sources of the micronutrients are, for example, oxides, hydroxides, salts, carbonates, chlorides, nitrates, sulfates, sequestrates, chelates and complexes. Typical oxides include

[0182] Manure refers to organic material, for example animal dung, that is a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic matter by bacteria in the digestive systems of animals.

[0183] Phytohormones, also known as plant hormones or plant growth regulators, are naturally occurring chemical compounds that regulate various physiological processes in plants. These compounds play a crucial role in controlling and coordinating plant growth, development, and responses to environmental stimuli. Examples of suitable phytohormones are auxins, abscisics, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, traumatic acids, cytokinins, isoflavinoids, gibberelins, ethylene, salicylic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, gallic acid, cytokinin, abscisic acid, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0184] Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants or the surrounding soil to enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, growth, and overall plant health. Unlike fertilizers, which primarily provide essential nutrients to plants, biostimulants work by promoting the plant's natural physiological processes. Examples of suitable biostimulants are humic substances such as humic acid and fulvic acid, seaweed extracts, plant extracts, chitosan and derivatives thereof, beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and mycorrhizal fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plants, amino acids, or mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0185] A "soil conditioner" is a substance or material that is added to soil to improve its physical or chemical properties, promoting better plant growth and health. Soil conditioners are employed to enhance soil structure, water retention, drainage, aeration, and nutrient availability. They work by addressing specific deficiencies or imbalances in the soil, creating a more favorable environment for plant roots and microbial activity. Suitable soil conditioners include organic materials such as compost, manure, and peat moss, as well as inorganic materials like gypsum and various mineral amendments.

[0186] Preferably, the agrochemical compound is present in the granular material in a total amount of up to 15 wt.-%, preferably up to 10 wt.-%, more preferably up to 5 wt.-% and most preferably up to 2 wt.-%, based on the total amount of the granular material.

[0187] If any of the compounds described above in connection with the agrochemical compound is present as particles, their classification as “at least one particulate material” takes prevalence, i.e., these compounds may be present in amounts higher than 15 wt.-%.

[0188] Other Binders

[0189] Optionally, the granular material comprises at least one further binder in an amount of at most 5 wt.-%. The at least one further binder is preferably selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates, molasses, starches, cellulosics, sugars, clays and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the at least one further binder is a lignosulfonate.

[0190] Lignosulfonates are complex water-soluble polymers derived from the sulfite pulping process in the paper industry. They are a byproduct of wood processing, particularly in the production of paper and pulp from wood fibers. Lignosulfonates are rich in lignin, a complex organic polymer that provides structural support to plant cell walls.

[0191] Molasses is a viscous byproduct obtained during the extraction of sugar from sugar cane or sugar beets. It is a thick, dark-brown syrup, resulting from the residual sugars and other components left behind after the crystallization of sucrose from the plant sap. Molasses consists of various sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose, along with water, minerals, and trace amounts of other compounds.

[0192] Cellulosics refer to a group of materials derived from cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. These materials are characterized by their fibrous polymeric nature, with cellulose being the primary structural component. Common sources of cellulose include wood pulp, cotton, and other plant fibers. Preferably, the cellulosics are selected from the group consisting of cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and mixtures thereof.

[0193] The term "clays" encompasses a diverse group of naturally occurring minerals with similar properties, primarily due to their microscopic particle size and layered crystal structure. Clays are broadly classified as phyllosilicates, belonging to the larger mineral group known as silicates. The primary types of clays include kaolin, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite, bentonite, halloysite, smectite, and chlorite.

[0194] The starches may be selected from natural starches, modified starch and mixtures thereof. The modified starch may be cationically modified and / or anionically modified.

[0195] However, preferably the granular material does not comprise at least one further binder, i.e., the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder. Surfactants

[0196] The granular material may comprise at least one surfactant. It is appreciated that the term

[0197] “surfactant” means any substance and / or mixture of substances which has surface-active properties and which consists of one or more hydrophilic, and one or more hydrophobic groups of such a nature and size that it is capable of reducing the surface tension of water, and / or of forming spreading or adsorption monolayers at the water-air interface, and / or of forming emulsions and / or microemulsions and / or micelles, and / or of adsorption at water-solid interfaces.

[0198] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surfactant may be selected from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and nonionic surfactants.

[0199] Anionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include alkane sulphonates, olefin sulphonates, fatty acid ester sulphonates, such as methyl or ethyl ester sulphonates, alkyl aryl sulphonates, alkyl phosphonates, alkyl ether phosphonates, taurates, alkyl ether carboxylates, fatty acids, C8-C22 alkyl sulphates, C8-C22 alkylbenzene sulphates and salts thereof, C8-C22 alkyl alkoxy sulphates and salts thereof, such as sodium lauryl ether sulphate, C12-C22 methyl ester sulphonates and salts thereof, C12-C22 alkylbenzene sulphonates and salts thereof, such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate, C12-C22 fatty acid soaps and salts thereof and mixtures thereof.

[0200] Nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include alkyl ethoxylates, such as C8-C22 alkyl ethoxylates, C6-C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates, alkylpolysaccharides, alkyl polyglucoside surfactants, glucamides, methylesteralkoxylates, alkoxylated alcohols, such as alkoxylated C12-C22 alcohols, polyamide emulsifiers, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, fatty alcohols, fatty alcohol alkoxylates, optionally modified fatty alcohol alkoxylates, ethoxylated or propoxylated sorbitan esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, rhamnolipids, glucoselipids, lipopeptides and mixtures thereof.

[0201] Cationic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include fatty amines, quaternary ammonium salts, esterquats, i.e. quaternized fatty acid surfactants, and mixtures thereof.

[0202] Amphoteric surfactants include aliphatic derivatives of secondary or tertiary amines and / or aliphatic derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines in which the aliphatic radical can be a straight- or branched-chain.

[0203] For example, the at least one surfactant can be selected from the group consisting of alkyl ethoxylates, quaternary ammonium salts, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers, fatty acids and salts thereof, alkyl aryl sulphonates, fatty alcohols, aluminum stearate, non-ionic polyamide emulsifiers and mixtures thereof, and preferably the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of C8-C22 alkyl ethoxylates, C6-C12 alkyl phenol alkoxylates, tall oil, tallow oil, salts and derivatives thereof, and mixtures of the foregoing.

[0204] The term “non-ionic polyamide emulsifier” is understood to refer to non-ionic polyamide emulsifiers based on fatty acids cross-linked with polyamines. Suitable examples of non-ionic polyamide emulsifiers are known to the skilled person.

[0205] The surfactant may help the agglomeration process; assist the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in improving granule strength and cohesion; reduce dust formation; or may enhance the solubility, release characteristics, and distribution of agrochemical compounds present in the granular material. However, the presence of a surfactant could have an impact on the hygroscopicity of the granules and, especially, may increase costs. The present inventors found that the inventive granules show an ideal combination of dispersibility and hardness even in the absence of any surfactant, such that the same is not required to be present. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the granular material does not comprise a surfactant, e.g., does not comprise a surfactant as defined hereinabove.

[0206] Anti-dust coating

[0207] Preferably, the granular material comprises an anti-dust coating on the surface of the granules. The anti-dust coating typically is added at the end of the granulation process, or after the granulation process, and forms a protective coating on the surface of the granules, which reduces friction and abrasion of the granular material, and which binds free primary particles, e.g., of the at least one particulate mineral material, to the granules.

[0208] Preferably, the anti-dust coating comprises glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose, oils, waxes, mineral waxes, molasses, sugars, polymers, surfactants or mixtures thereof, more preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose or mixtures thereof, most preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises the same carboxymethyl cellulose as the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0209] The anti-dust coating preferably is employed in an amount of about 0.05 to 5 wt.-%, most preferably from 0.1 to 1 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material. The precise amount of anti-dust coating will inter alia depend on the size of the granules.

[0210] Preferred amounts and embodiments

[0211] In accordance with the foregoing, the inventive granular material preferably comprises

[0212] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, preferably 85 to 99.7 wt.-%, more preferably 90 to 99.4 wt.-% of the at least one particulate material,

[0213] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, more preferably 0.4 to 1 .2 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.5 to 1 .0 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder,

[0214] • optionally from about 0.1 to 15 wt.-% of the agrochemical compound,

[0215] • optionally from about 0.1 to 5 wt.-% of the anti-dust coating,

[0216] • optionally at most 5 wt.-% of the at least one further binder, preferably at most 2 wt.-%, more preferably at most 1 wt.-%, most preferably no further binder, wherein the respective amounts are based on the total dry weight of the granular material.

[0217] Thus, the invention relates in one aspect to a granular material, comprising

[0218] • at least one particulate material, and

[0219] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm. Analogously, the invention relates in a further aspect to a granular material, comprising

[0220] • at least one particulate material, and

[0221] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0222] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0223] • at least one particulate material comprising at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material, of an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0224] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0225] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0226] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0227] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0228] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material being at least one calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic mineral selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0229] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0230] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0231] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0232] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material being at least one calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic mineral selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0233] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0234] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0235] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, preferably from 60 to 2000 mPas or from 60 to 1000 mPas, more preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0236] A particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0237] • at least one particulate material being an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0238] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0239] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0240] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 200 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0241] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0242] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising • at least one particulate material comprising at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material, of an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0243] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0244] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0245] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0246] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0247] Another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0248] • at least one particulate material being an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0249] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0250] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0251] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 200 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0252] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder. Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0253] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material comprising at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material, of an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, and

[0254] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to

[0255] 8 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0256] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0257] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material preferably do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0258] Still another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0259] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material being an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, and

[0260] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0261] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0262] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0263] Still another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material being an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, and

[0264] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to

[0265] 8 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0266] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 200 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0267] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material preferably do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0268] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0269] • at least one particulate material comprising at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material, of an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0270] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0271] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0272] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0273] Another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0274] • at least one particulate material being an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and

[0275] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0276] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0277] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 200 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0278] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0279] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0280] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material comprising at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material, of an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, wherein the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, and

[0281] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to

[0282] 8 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0283] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material preferably do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0284] Still another particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a granular material, comprising

[0285] • 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, of at least one particulate material being an inorganic particulate material selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, wherein the at least one particulate material has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, and

[0286] • 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to

[0287] 8 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0288] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from o 50 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or o from 10 to 200 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and

[0289] • a weight-average molecular weight Mw in the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and wherein the granules of the granular material preferably do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0290] The inventive process

[0291] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a wet granulation process, comprising the steps of a) providing at least one particulate material, b) providing a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, c) optionally pre-granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) in a mixer by gradual and / or immediate addition of water to obtain a pre-granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 2 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%, d) granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) by gradual addition of water to obtain a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-%, e) optionally drying the wet granulate to obtain a dry granulate, f) fractionating the wet granulate of step d) or the dry granulate of step e) to obtain a granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and wherein the granular material comprises 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total weight of the granular material, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0292] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder on a Brookfield DV III Ultra viscometer at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or

[0293] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0294] Step a) - Providing at least one particulate material

[0295] In step a) of the inventive process, at least one particulate material is provided. It is appreciated that the at least one particulate material is as described hereinabove in context of the inventive granular material.

[0296] Accordingly, the at least one particulate material preferably has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, more preferably from 3 to 35 pm.

[0297] Preferably, the at least one particulate material comprises an inorganic particulate material, preferably selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably wherein the inorganic particulate material is selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof.

[0298] Preferably, the at least one particulate material comprises an inorganic particulate material in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably at least 97 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material. The at least one particulate material may also consist of an inorganic particulate material.

[0299] The at least one particulate material may have a theoretical density of more than 1 g / cm3, such as more than 1 .5 g / cm3or even more than 2.0 g / cm3. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one particulate material may have a bulk density of more than 0.6 g / cm3, preferably more than 0.7 g / cm3, more preferably more than 0.8 g / cm3, most preferably more than 0.9 g / cm3or even more than 1 .0 g / cm3.

[0300] The at least one particulate material is preferably provided in an amount of 80 to 99.9 wt.-%, preferably 85 to 99.7 wt.-%, more preferably 90 to 99.4 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material of step f). Step b) - Providing a carboxymethyl cellulose binder

[0301] In step b) of the inventive process, a carboxymethyl cellulose binder is provided. It is appreciated that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is as described hereinabove in context of the inventive granular material.

[0302] Accordingly, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder preferably has a weight-average molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography.

[0303] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, more preferably from 80 to 300 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0304] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 200, preferably from 20 to 130, more preferably from 25 to 100 mPa.s, most preferably from 30 to 80 mPa.s measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0305] Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may have a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 60 to 1000 mPas, more preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or a Brookfield viscosity of more than 200 mPas, preferably more than 400 mPas, more preferably more than 750 mPas or even more than 1000 mPas measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 10 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, 60 rpm and / or 30 rpm.

[0306] Optionally, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a degree of substitution in the range from 0.4 to 1 .2, preferably from 0.5 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.6 to 0.9.

[0307] The carboxymethyl cellulose binder is provided in an amount of 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, more preferably 0.4 to 1 .2 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.5 to 1 .0 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material of step f). Additionally or alternatively, the carboxymethyl cellulose binder may be provided in an amount of 0.1 to 3 wt.-%, preferably 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, more preferably 0.4 to 1 .2 wt.-%, and most preferably 0.5 to 1 .0 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material of step a).

[0308] The binder of step b) may be provided as a powder, as a granulate or as a solution, preferably as a granulate or as a solution.

[0309] If the binder is provided as a solution, the solution preferably comprises the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in an amount from 4 to 12 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solution. If the binder is provided as a solution, the content of water of the binder solution has to be taken into account in the subsequent optional pre-granulation step c) and wet granulation step d), i.e., the amount of water added in these steps has to be reduced so that the total moisture content in said steps is in the specified range. Preferably, the binder of step b) has a purity of at least 50 wt.-%, preferably of at least 60 wt.-%, more preferably of at least 90 wt.-%, still more preferably of at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably of at least 97 wt.-%. In other words, the binder of step b) comprises at least 50 wt.-%, preferably at least 60 wt.-%, more preferably at least 90 wt.-%, still more preferably at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably at least 97 wt.-% of pure carboxymethyl cellulose, based on the total weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder. Typical impurities include water, sodium chloride, sodium glycolate, sodium glycoxylate, residual reactants such as sodium hydroxide or chloroacetic acid, or cellulose fragments.

[0310] Step c) - Optional Pre-granulation

[0311] Optionally, the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) undergo a pre-granulation step c) in a mixer by gradual and / or immediate addition of water to obtain a pregranulate having a total moisture content in the range from 3 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%.

[0312] A pre-granulating step in the wet granulation process involves creating initial granules or pre-granules before proceeding to the granulation step d). This intermediate step improves the characteristics of the starting material, making it more conducive to subsequent processing. The initial granules or pre-granules are smaller in size than the granules of the final granular material and serve as nuclei or seeds for the subsequent granulation process. The step c) helps to enhance the flow properties, and allows for a more controlled and uniform distribution of the binder in subsequent granulation stages.

[0313] Thus, a pre-granulating step is preferred especially if the binder is added as a granulate or as a solution, because the mixing breaks up the binder granules and / or more evenly distributes the binder solution throughout the at least one particulate material.

[0314] Pre-granulation step c) may be performed by any means known to the skilled person. Suitable mixing devices are known to the skilled person and may include mixers or blenders, e.g., a tumbling mixer, a ploughshare mixer, such as a Ploughshare® mixer available from Gebruder Lbdige Maschinenbau GmbH, a high-shear mixer, such as an MP mixer available from Somakon Verfahrenstechnik UG or a mixer from Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich GmbH, or a pin mill. The skilled person will adapt the mixing conditions (such as the configuration or mixing speed) according to his needs and available equipment.

[0315] In the pre-granulation step, water is added gradually or immediately until the total moisture content is in the range from 3 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%. Gradual addition may involve adding water via spraying or dosing. Immediate addition may involve adding the appropriate amount of water before or during pre-granulation step c), i.e., adding the same to the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) before pre-granulating step c) is started, or after dry mixing the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) for a certain amount of time. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment, if the binder is provided as a solution, the amount of water added via the binder solution is used for pre-granulation and no further water is added. The total moisture content at the end of the pre-granulation step c) is typically lower than the total moisture content at the end of the granulation step d), so that the pre-granules remain smaller than the granules of the granular material.

[0316] The specific methods employed in the pre-granulation step depend on the characteristics of the starting material and the desired properties of the final granules. They can be routinely adjusted by the skilled person.

[0317] Step d) - Wet granulation

[0318] In step d) of the inventive process, the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) are granulated to obtain a wet granulate.

[0319] The process requires the gradual addition of water to obtain a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-%. The size of the final granules is inter alia determined by the amount of water that is added.

[0320] During wet granulation, granules are formed by the addition of a granulation liquid onto an agitated powder bed. The agitation resulting in the system along with the wetting of the components within the formulation results in the agglomeration of the primary powder particles to produce wet granules. The granulation liquid contains water as a solvent, which is volatile so that it can be removed by drying, and non-toxic. Water mixed into the powders can form bonds between powder particles that are strong enough to lock them together. However, once the water dries, the powders may fall apart. Therefore, the present invention makes use of carboxymethyl cellulose as binder.

[0321] It is appreciated that wet granulation is a process well-known to the skilled person, who knows how to routinely adjust the process parameters in accordance with the desired properties of the granular material. Therefore, the present invention is not restricted to specific kinds of wet granulation processes or equipment.

[0322] However, in a preferred embodiment, granulating step d) is carried out in a pan disc granulator, or a drum granulator, or a high shear mixer, preferably in a pan disc granulator.

[0323] Pan disk granulation or pan granulation is a method of granulating or agglomerating powdered materials that involves the use of a pan granulator or disc granulator, which comprises a rotating shallow pan or disc. The pan is typically tilted at an angle, and the rotation of the pan facilitates the formation of granules. The pan granulator may operate as follows:

[0324] The at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pregranulate of step c) are loaded into the pan granulator. Then, water is gradually added, typically via a spraying system or nozzle. Alternatively, the binder of step b) is mixed with water in the appropriate ratio to obtain a binder solution, which is then gradually added, e.g., via said spraying system or nozzle. Since the pan granulator rotates at an angle during the process, the powdered material moves along the pan's surface. The combination of rotation and controlled tilting causes the particles and / or pre-granulate to agglomerate and adhere to each other, because they experience collisions forming small granules, which continue to grow through a process of nucleation and layering as additional powder is added and the pan continues to rotate. Thus, typical parameters that can be adjusted by the skilled person include the rotation speed of the pan, the pan angle, the speed of addition of water, the duration of the granulation process and the total amount of added water, e.g., as described below in the example section.

[0325] Pan granulation is preferred for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and versatility in producing granules of various sizes. It can be used for both small and large-scale production of the granular material for applications where controlled particle size and improved flow properties are important.

[0326] Drum granulation involves the use of a rotating drum granulator, which comprises a large, cylindrical drum that rotates on its axis. The drum is typically made of materials that are resistant to abrasion and corrosion, ensuring durability during continuous operation. As the drum rotates on its axis, it creates a tumbling motion of the material inside, which is important for the agglomeration process, causing particles to collide and adhere, leading to the formation of granules. The drum may be set at a slight angle to the horizontal, allowing materials to move along its length due to gravity. This inclination assists the tumbling and rolling action of the materials inside the drum. During granulation, the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pregranulate of step c) are loaded into the drum. As the drum rotates, the granules formed in the process move towards the discharge end, where they can be collected for further processing. Water is introduced into the drum to enable the agglomeration process.

[0327] Rotating drum granulators allow for a continuous and scalable process, making it suitable for large-scale production.

[0328] Granulation via high shear mixing is a process used to create granules by combining powders with a binding liquid under intense mechanical shear forces, typically in a high-shear mixer, which is designed with impellers, blades, and / or other mixing elements that generate intense shear forces. Suitable mixing devices are known to the skilled person and may include mixers or blenders, e.g., a tumbling mixer, a ploughshare mixer, such as a Ploughshare® mixer available from Gebruder Lbdige Maschinenbau GmbH, a high-shear mixer, such as an MP mixer available from Somakon Verfahrenstechnik UG or a mixer from Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich GmbH, or a pin mill. The skilled person will adapt the mixing conditions (such as the configuration of mixing speed) according to his needs and available equipment, e.g., as described below in the example section. For example, the same high-shear mixer as described in pre-granulation step c) can be used.

[0329] The mixture of the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) and water is subjected to high shear mixing by applying intense mechanical forces to the powder mixture. The high shear forces lead to the breakdown of powder agglomerates and promote uniform distribution of the binder. As the powders are mixed under high shear, the binder coats the particles, promoting the formation of granules. The shear forces cause the particles to adhere to each other, creating larger and more cohesive granules.

[0330] Granulation via high shear mixing is favored for its ability to produce harder granules with controlled characteristics and good flow properties. It can be used for applications where precise control over granule properties is important.

[0331] In wet granulation step d), a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-% is obtained. Step e) - Optional Drying

[0332] In optional drying step e), the wet granulate is dried to obtain a dry granulate.

[0333] In this drying step, the water content of the wet granules is reduced, preferably to the desired final total moisture content of the granular material. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the dry granulate obtained in step e) comprises at most 10 wt.-%, preferably at most 5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 0.5 wt.-% and most preferably at most 0.2 wt.-% moisture, based on the total weight of the dry granulate. The drying step consolidates the granules by allowing the particles to come into close contact and by facilitating the formation of strong bonds between them. Therefore, it also contributes to a uniform strength and size of the granules. Moreover, clumping and bacterial contamination is reduced or avoided during subsequent storage.

[0334] Drying step e) may be carried out in a single step, or in at least two steps. The particular method for drying is not critical as long as the granules remain intact. The equipment can be routinely selected by the skilled person.

[0335] A drying step is especially preferred if the moisture content of the wet granulate after wet granulation step d) is above 10 wt.-%.

[0336] Suitable methods for drying involve air drying, fluid bed drying, rotary drying, spray drying, vacuum drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying. From an economical perspective, air drying, e.g., in an oven with optional ventilation, or rotary drying is preferred.

[0337] Step f) - Fractionating

[0338] The wet granules obtained in step d) or the dry granules obtained in step e) may comprise particles with undesirable sizes, specifically undersize particles (e.g., primary particles of the at least one particulate material or small granules) and oversize particles (e.g., too large granules). Therefore, the wet granules obtained in step d) or the dry granules obtained in step e) are subjected to a fractionating step in order to obtain a granular material having a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving.

[0339] Which particles are considered undersize and oversize, respectively, depends on the intended application of the particles. For example, for agricultural applications, granules with a size in the range from 2 to 6.3 mm are usually preferred. In such case, undersize refers to granules and / or primary particles smaller than 2 mm and oversize refers to granules larger than 6.3 mm. For applications on sports fields, granules with a size in the range from 0.5 to 2 mm may be preferred. In such case, undersize refers to granules and / or primary particles smaller than 0.5 mm and oversize refers to granules larger than 2 mm.

[0340] Thus, oversize and / or undersize particles are removed in fractionating step f). The skilled person knows suitable methods for fractionating, or classifying, which do not compromise the stability of the granular material, e.g., by fracturing the granules. The present invention is not limited to specific fractionation methods. For example, fractionation may be carried out by sieving, e.g., in a tumbling sieve, a vibratory sieve, an air jet sieve, by air classification or in a cyclone.

[0341] The oversize and / or undersize particles may be recirculated into the process during pregranulation step c) and / or granulation step d).

[0342] It is appreciated that the granular material obtained in step f) is as described hereinabove. Especially preferably, the granular material of step f) comprises at most 10 wt.-%, more preferably at most 5 wt.-%, still more preferably at most 0.5 wt.-% and most preferably at most 0.2 wt.-% moisture, based on the total weight of the granular material.

[0343] Thus, in an aspect of the present invention, a granular material obtainable by the abovedescribed process is provided. In this aspect, the granular material preferably is as described hereinabove.

[0344] Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the wet granulation process comprises the steps of a) providing at least one particulate material, b) providing a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, c) optionally pre-granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) in a mixer by gradual and / or immediate addition of water to obtain a pre-granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 2 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%, d) granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) by gradual addition of water to obtain a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-%, e) drying the wet granulate to obtain a dry granulate, f) fractionating the dry granulate of step e) to obtain a granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to

[0345] 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and wherein the granular material comprises 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total weight of the granular material, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0346] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder on a Brookfield DV III Ultra viscometer at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or

[0347] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0348] In another preferred embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the wet granulation process comprises the steps of a) providing at least one particulate material being a calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic mineral, b) providing a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, c) optionally pre-granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) in a mixer by gradual and / or immediate addition of water to obtain a pre-granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 3 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%, d) granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) by gradual addition of water to obtain a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-%, e) optionally drying the wet granulate to obtain a dry granulate, and f) fractionating the wet granulate of step d) or the dry granulate of step e) to obtain a granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to 10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, the granular material comprises 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, the at least one at least one particulate material is provided in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material of step f), and the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0349] Further Optional Steps

[0350] The inventive process may comprise a further step g) of adding an agrochemical compound before, during and / or after step c) and / or d). The agrochemical compound and its respective amounts are as described hereinabove within context of the granular material.

[0351] The inventive process may comprise a further step h) of adding at least one further binder before and / or during step c) and / or d). The at least one further binder and its respective amounts are as described hereinabove within context of the granular material. However, in a preferred embodiment, the process does not involve the addition of any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

[0352] The inventive process may comprise a further step i) of depositing an anti-dust coating on the surface of the granules. The anti-dust coating preferably is applied at the end of step d) and / or before, during and / or after any one of steps e) or f). More preferably, the anti-dust coating is applied at the end or immediately after step e) or f). The anti-dust coating and its respective amounts are as described hereinabove within context of the granular material.

[0353] Use of the granular material

[0354] Another aspect of the present invention concerns the use of the granular material in agriculture, in horticulture, in grass fields, such as sports fields, or in an animal feed. It is appreciated that the granular material and its components are as described hereinabove.

[0355] Thus, the inventive granular material may be used in agriculture as a fertilizer, as a source for micro- and macronutrients, as soil conditioner, and / or as a carrier for agrochemical compounds. The granular material allows for a simplified handling during storage, transport and application, where it remains stable and flowable, but readily disintegrates upon application, when the granular material comes into contact with moisture.

[0356] Similarly, the inventive granular material may be used as soil conditioner and as a a fertilizer, for the delivery of micro- and / or macronutrients and / or agrochemical compounds on grass fields, such as sports fields, or in home and garden applications.

[0357] However, the inventive granular material may also be used in an animal feed, for example, for the delivery of micro- and / or macronutrients to ruminants.

[0358] Use of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder for granulating

[0359] Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder for granulating a particulate material, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has

[0360] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or

[0361] • a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

[0362] It is appreciated that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder is as described in detail hereinabove within context of the granular material. The granulation may be carried out as described hereinabove within context of the inventive wet granulation process.

[0363] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention, without being limited thereto.

[0364] Examples

[0365] 1. Measurement methods

[0366] The following measurement methods are used to evaluate the parameters given in the examples and claims.

[0367] Hardness of the granules

[0368] The hardness measurements were conducted with Kraemer Elektronik Hardness Tester HC7.

[0369] The granule sample was sieved in the range between 3.15-4 mm. The hardness of the randomly selected 20 granules in the range between 3.15-4 mm was measure and an average value from 20 measurements was reported in [N],

[0370] Disintegration of granules

[0371] The disintegration value of granulated material (expressed in %) was measured by taking 5 g of granules in the range between 3.15-4 mm, transferred in a glass beaker and left in 50 ml water for 5 min without agitation for the disintegration. After 5 minutes the content of the beaker was transferred to the 1 mm sieve and rinsed with the help of maximum 50 ml water. The residue on the sieve was dried at 100 °C for 1 hour. For gypsum granules, the drying temperature was reduced to 45°C and the drying time was increased to 3 h. Subsequently, the residue on the sieve was weighed and the percentage of the dissolved granular material was calculated.

[0372] Particle size distribution

[0373] Volume determined median particle size cfeo(vol) and the volume determined top cut particle size c / 98(vol) as well as the volume particle sizes cfoo(vol) and dio(vol) may be evaluated in a wet unit using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 or 3000 Laser Diffraction System (Malvern Instruments Pic., Great Britain). If not otherwise indicated in the following example section, the volume particle sizes were evaluated in a wet unit using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 Laser Diffraction System (Malvern Instruments Pic., Great Britain). The gypsum sample was measured dry, in a dry unit, due to its higher solubility in water. The cfeo(vol) or cfo8(vol) value indicates a diameter value such that 50 % or 98 % by volume, respectively, of the particles have a diameter of less than this value. The raw data obtained by the measurement was analyzed using the Mie theory, with a particle refractive index of 1 .57 and an absorption index of 0.005. The methods and instruments are known to the skilled person and are commonly used to determine particle size distributions of fillers and pigments. The sample was measured in dry condition without any prior treatment.

[0374] The weight determined median particle size cfeo(wt) was measured by the sedimentation method, which is an analysis of sedimentation behaviour in a gravimetric field. The measurement was made with a Sedigraph™ 5120 of Micromeritics Instrument Corporation, USA. The method and the instrument are known to the skilled person and are commonly used to determine particle size distributions of fillers and pigments. The measurement was carried out in an aqueous solution of 0.1 wt% Na4P2O?. The samples were dispersed using a high speed stirrer and supersonicated.

[0375] The processes and instruments are known to the skilled person and are commonly used to determine particle sizes of fillers and pigments.

[0376] Gel Permeation chromatography for molecular weight determination

[0377] Carboxymethyl cellulose molecular weight may be determined using Gel permeation chromatography. For the analysis, a GPC max VE-2001 (Viscotek) equipped with a triple detection system (Rl, RALS, IV-DP) and an Ultrahydrogel Linear column (Waters) was used. Measurements were done in a 0.2 M NaNO3 / 0.01 M Phosphate pH7 buffer with a flow of 0.7 mL / min. Calibration was done with a Pullulan standard (Mw = 78113 / Mn = 73256 Da) and controlled with a Dextran standard (Mw = 68991 , Mn = 57644 Da).

[0378] Viscosity determination carboxymethyl cellulose solutions

[0379] The viscosity of aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose solutions, comprising a certain amount of carboxymethylcellulose, was measured on the Brookfield DV III Ultra viscosimeter. At least 200 ml of the homogeneous sample is placed in a jar of 6-7cm diameter. The spindle is inserted into the sample until the fluid’s level is at the immersion groove. The reported viscosity value was determined after 1 min of spindle rotation at 100 rpm, at 22 °C ± 3 °C. The spindle number (1-6) was chosen according to the viscosity of the solution. Each spindle is optimized for a certain viscosity range and is selected according to manufacturer instructions. 2. Materials

[0380] Calcium carbonate:

[0381] - Calcium carbonate CC1 is a dry ground marble from Romania having a dso of 10.5 pm and a d98 of 56.8 pm.

[0382] - Calcium carbonate CC2 is a dry ground marble from Romania having a dso of 16 pm and a dgs of 100 pm.

[0383] - Calcium carbonate CC3 is a chalk from Germany having a dso of 27 pm and a d98 of 64 pm.

[0384] Dolomite:

[0385] - Calcium magnesium carbonate CC4 is a dry ground dolomite having a dso of 5.1 pm and a dgs of 22.6 pm.

[0386] - Calcium magnesium carbonate CC5 is a dry ground dolomite having a dso of 11 .2 pm and a dgs of 51 .1 pm.

[0387] Gypsum:

[0388] Calcium sulfate dihydrate CS1 is gypsum having a dso of 35.9 pm and a d98 of 285.1 pm.

[0389] Binders:

[0390] - All carboxymethyl cellulose binders B1 to B14 used herein are commercially available and have the properties as described in Table 1 further below. As calcium lignosulfonate binder B15, Bretax CL solution from Burgo Mosaico was used.

[0391] Preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose solutions:

[0392] All carboxymethyl cellulose solutions for granulation trials were prepared with tap water. The CMC was slowly added to the water while stirring and further mixed until a homogeneous carboxymethyl cellulose solution was obtained. For carboxymethyl cellulose samples with high molecular weight and high viscosity, heating up to 60°C was applied, and the dissolution time was extended.

[0393] 3. Granules production according to the invention

[0394] 3.1 - Lab trials

[0395] Pre-granulation in high shear mixer

[0396] Calcium carbonate was mixed with a CMC binder (as a solid or diluted in water) in a high shear mixer (Somakon MP-LB, Somakon Verfahrenstechnik GmbH, Germany).

[0397] Method a): Adding CMC binder as a solid

[0398] 2 kg of calcium carbonate were transferred into a 15 L mixing vessel and the main rotor was maintained at 300 rpm during the entire mixing time. The mixing process was conducted at room temperature, without heating. Solid CMC binder in an amount between 5-20 g was dosed to the calcium carbonate powder and mixed for 5 min. Afterwards, 200 ml of tap water were added slowly and mixed for 10 min. Due to the mixing and shear, the temperature in the vessel rises up to 40-50 °C. The pre-granulated powder was collected (solid content around 90-93 wt.-%) and transferred into the pan pelletizing unit. - M -

[0399] Method b): Adding CMC binder as a solution

[0400] 2 kg of calcium carbonate were transferred into the 15 L mixing vessel and the main rotor was maintained at 300 rpm during the entire mixing time. The mixing process was conducted at room temperature (ca. 19-25 °C), without heating. CMC solution (concentration between 4 and 7 wt.-%) in an amount between 200-220 g was dosed slowly to the calcium carbonate powder and mixed for 10 min. Due to the mixing and shear, the temperature in the vessel rises up to 40-50 °C. The pre-granulated powder was collected (solid content around 90-93 wt.-%) and transferred into the pan pelletizing unit.

[0401] Method 1): Granulation in granulation pan

[0402] The granulation procedure was performed using a Haver & Boecker pelletizing unit with a 55 cm diameter pan. The following granulation process parameters were used: speed of the pan: 30-32 RPM, pan angle: 46-51 °. The disc is rotating at room temperature with additional spraying of tap water (quantity is adapted for each trial, typically between 70 and 190 ml for 2 kg of pre-granules) for 10-30 mins until granules have reached the appropriate size.

[0403] Method 2): Pre-granulation and granulation in Eirich EL5 high shear mixer

[0404] 1.8 kg of calcium carbonate were transferred into a 5 L Eirich mixing vessel. The main rotor (pin-type rotor tool) was maintained at 10 m / s and the vessel speed was 1.1 m / s during the entire mixing time. The rotor and the vessel were rotating in opposite directions. The mixing process was conducted at the room temperature (ca. 19-25 °C), without heating. CMC solution (concentration between 4 and 7 wt.-%) in an amount between 200-220 g was dosed slowly to the calcium carbonate powder and mixed for 3 min. For the granulation, the rotor speed was decreased from 10 m / s to 3 m / s. The vessel speed remained unchanged at 1 .1 m / s. The granulation is performed at room temperature for about 10 min until granules have reached the appropriate size with additional spraying of tap water (quantity is adapted for each trial, typically between 70 and 190 ml for 1 .8 kg of pre-granules) and addition of 200 g calcium carbonate.

[0405] Drying and Testing

[0406] Granules are taken out of the pan (solid content around 85-90 %) and dried in an oven (9 h at 100 °C) to reach a solid content of the granules >99.5 wt.-%. For gypsum granules, the drying temperature was reduced to 45 °C. Granules are then fractionated by sieving. The amounts of granules of a size 2-6.3 mm, oversized (>6.3 mm) and undersized (<2 mm) are reported. Granule samples are stored in closed bottles.

[0407] 3.2 - Pilot plant trials

[0408] Method 3): Pilot plant trials. Continuous process

[0409] Calcium carbonate and CMC binder solution were premixed in a high shear mixer. The production flow rate for calcium carbonate was fixed at 350 kg / h. The pre-granulated powder was transferred (solid content around 89-90 wt.-%) into a pan pelletizing unit. The granulation procedure was performed using pelletizing unit with a 120 cm diameter pan. The disc was rotating at room temperature with additional spraying of water (quantity is adapted for each trial). Formed granules (solid content around 88-90 wt.-%) are dried at 130-140°C and coated afterwards.

[0410] Method 4): Pilot plant trials. Batch granulation 25 kg of calcium carbonate and CMC binder solution were premixed in a Lbdige high shear mixer. The pre-granulated powder was transferred (solid content around 93-90 wt.-%) into the pan pelletizing unit. The granulation procedure was performed using pelletizing unit with a 100 cm diameter pan. The disc was rotating at room temperature with additional spraying of water (quantity is adapted for each trial) for 15-45 mins until granules have reached the appropriate size. Formed granules (solid content around 85-92 wt.-%) are dried at 140°C.

[0411] 4. Results

[0412] Table 1 : Carboxymethylcellulose characteristics according to datasheet Table 2: Further carboxymethylcellulose characteristics

[0413] The test results of the granules are summarized in Table 3. Table 3: Granules characteristics.

[0414] *- according to the Pilot plant trials method

Claims

Claims1 . A granular material, comprising• at least one particulate material, and• 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to mm, as determined by fractional sieving, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

2. The granular material of claim 1 , wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has• a weight-average molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, more preferably from 80 to 300 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 200, preferably from 20 to 130, more preferably from 25 to 100 mPa.s, most preferably from 30 to 80 mPa.s measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or• a degree of substitution in the range from 0.4 to 1 .2, preferably from 0.5 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.6 to 0.9.

3. The granular material of any one of the preceding claims, having• a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.5 to 8 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 2 mm or from 2 to 6 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and / or• a hardness in the range from 8 to 150 N, preferably from 10 to 100 N, more preferably from 15 to 85 N, most preferably from 20 to 60 N, wherein the hardness is determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 3.15 to 4 mm on a Kraemer Elektronik Haerte Tester HC7 taking the average value of 20 measurements, and / or• a disintegration in the range from 50 to 100%, preferably >65%, more preferably >75%, even more preferably >85%, most preferably >95%, wherein the disintegration is determined on a fraction of the granular material having a granule size from 3.15 to 4 mm, and the disintegration is measured by immersing the granular material in water for 5 min without agitation, and determining the amount of disintegrated granules that pass through a 1 mm sieve or 18 mesh sieve, wherein the disintegration correspondsto the amount of disintegrated granules relative to the initial amount of the granular material.

4. The granular material of any one of the preceding claims, comprising• 0.3 to 1 .6 wt.-%, preferably 0.4 to 1 .2 wt.-%, more preferably 0.5 to 1 .0 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, and / or• at most 10 wt.-%, preferably at most 5 wt.-%, more preferably at most 0.5 wt.-% and most preferably at most 0.2 wt.-% moisture, based on the total weight of the granular material, and / or• less than 20 wt-%, preferably less than 10 wt.-%, more preferably less than 5 wt.-%, still more preferably less than 1 wt.-%, and most preferably less than 0.5 wt.-% of sodium chloride and / or sodium glycolate, based on the total weight of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in the granular material.

5. The granular material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one particulate material• has a primary weight-based median particle size dso in the range from 1 to 50 pm, preferably from 2 to 40 pm, more preferably from 3 to 35 pm, and / or• comprises an inorganic particulate material, preferably selected from calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic minerals, more preferably wherein the inorganic particulate material is selected from calcium carbonate, gypsum, anhydrite, dolomite and mixtures thereof, and / or• comprises an inorganic particulate material in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, preferably at least 90 wt.-%, more preferably at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably at least 97 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the at least one particulate material.

6. The granular material of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one calcium and / or magnesium-containing inorganic mineral in an amount of at least 80 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, and wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

7. The granular material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the granules of the granular material further comprise• an agrochemical compound selected from fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, manure, micronutrients, phytohormones, biostimulants, soil conditioners, and mixtures thereof, and / or• at least one further binder in an amount of at most 5 wt.-%, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, preferably selected from the group consisting of lignosulfonates, molasses, starches, cellulosics, sugars, clays and mixtures thereof, and / or• an anti-dust coating on the surface of the granules, preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose, oils, waxes, mineral waxes, molasses, sugars, polymers, surfactants or mixtures thereof, more preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises glycerol, carboxymethyl cellulose or mixtures thereof, most preferably wherein the anti-dust coating comprises the same carboxymethyl cellulose as the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

8. The granular material of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the granules of the granular material do not comprise any binder other than the carboxymethyl cellulose binder.

9. A wet granulation process, comprising the steps of a) providing at least one particulate material, b) providing a carboxymethyl cellulose binder, c) optionally pre-granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) in a mixer by gradual and / or immediate addition of water to obtain a pre-granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 3 to 15 wt.-%, more preferably from 5 to 10 wt.-%, d) granulating the at least one particulate material of step a) and the binder of step b) and / or the pre-granulate of step c) by gradual addition of water to obtain a wet granulate having a total moisture content in the range from 4 to 20 wt.-%, more preferably from 7 to 15 wt.-%, e) optionally drying the wet granulate to obtain a dry granulate, f) fractionating the wet granulate of step d) or the dry granulate of step e) to obtain a granular material, wherein the granular material has a weight median particle size dso in the range from 0.2 to10 mm, as determined by fractional sieving, and wherein the granular material comprises 0.1 to 3 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder, based on the total dry weight of the granular material, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder on a Brookfield DV III Ultra viscometer at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.

10. The process of claim 9, wherein the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has• a weight-average molecular weight Mwin the range from 10,000 to 200,000 g / mol, preferably from 20,000 to 130,000 g / mol, more preferably from 25,000 to 120,000, even more preferably from 30,000 to 90,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 62,500 g / mol, measured by gel permeation chromatography, and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 50 to 2000 mPa.s or from 60 to 2000 mPa.s or from 60 to 1000 mPa.s, preferably from 70 to 500 mPa.s, more preferably from 80 to 300 mPa.s, measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 200, preferably from 20 to 130, more preferably from 25 to 100 mPa.s, most preferably from 30 to 80 mPa.s measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or• a degree of substitution in the range from 0.4 to 1 .2, preferably from 0.5 to 1 .0, more preferably from 0.6 to 0.9.11 . The process of claim 9 or 10, wherein granulating step d) is carried out in a pan disc granulator, a drum granulator, or a high shear mixer, preferably in a pan disc granulator.

12. The process of any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the binder of step b) is provided as a powder, as a granulate or as a solution, preferably as a granulate or as a solution, and preferably wherein the solution comprises the carboxymethyl cellulose binder in an amount from 4 to 12 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the solution.

13. The process of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the binder of step b) has a purity of at least 50 wt.-%, preferably of at least 60 wt.-%, more preferably of at least 90 wt.-%, still more preferably of at least 95 wt.-% and most preferably of at least 97 wt.-%.

14. A granular material obtainable by the process of any one of claims 9 to 13, preferably wherein the granular material is as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. Use of the granular material according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 14 in agriculture, in horticulture, on grass fields, such as sports fields, or in an animal feed.

16. Use of a carboxymethyl cellulose binder for granulating a particulate material, characterized in that the carboxymethyl cellulose binder has• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 40 to 2,000 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 4 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm, and / or• a Brookfield viscosity in the range from 10 to 500 mPa.s, wherein the Brookfield viscosity is measured in an aqueous preparation comprising 2 wt.-% of the carboxymethyl cellulose binder at 22 °C ± 3 °C at 100 rpm.