Controlled release fertilizer composition

Abstract

A controlled-release fertilizer composition includes coated fertilizer particles having granules substantially encapsulated with a polyurethane coating layer formed from cardanol-based polyols and an isocyanate curing agent. Methods of making and using the controlled-release fertilizer composition are also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 857,506, filed June 5, 2019, entitled "CONTROLLED-RELEASE FERTILIZER COMPOSITIONS," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to controlled release fertilizer compositions comprising coated fertilizer particles having granules substantially encapsulated by a polyurethane coating formed from a cardanol-based polyol and an isocyanate curing agent. [Background technology]

[0003] Controlled release fertilizers offer many benefits compared to conventional fertilizers. For example, controlled release fertilizers can extend the release of nutrients, minimize nutrient leaching into the soil, and minimize the number of fertilizer applications required for optimal plant growth. One method of forming controlled release fertilizers is to encapsulate granules with a barrier layer to form coated fertilizer particles that minimize fertilizer leaching. However, known encapsulation processes have many drawbacks, including the need for relatively thick coatings, poor nutrient release profiles, difficult manufacturing processes, and the use of environmentally unfriendly materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, a controlled release fertilizer composition includes a plurality of coated fertilizer particles, each of which includes a granule and one or more polyurethane coating layers. The polyurethane coating layers substantially encapsulate the granule and are formed from the reaction product of a polyol composition and an isocyanate curing agent. The polyol composition includes a hydrophobic cardanol-based polyol.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a controlled release fertilizer composition includes a plurality of coated fertilizer particles, each of which includes a granule and one or more polyurethane coating layers. The polyurethane coating layers substantially encapsulate the granule and are formed from the reaction product of a polyol composition and an isocyanate curing agent. The polyol composition includes a cardanol-based polyol, an aromatic amine-based polyol, and a polyether polyol.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method of making a controlled release fertilizer composition includes coating granules with an isocyanate hardener composition and applying the isocyanate hardener to a polyol composition to form a polyurethane coating layer that substantially encapsulates each granule. The polyol composition is miscible with the isocyanate hardener. The polyol composition includes a hydrophobic cardanol-based polyol.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a method of making a controlled release fertilizer composition includes coating granules with a polyol composition and applying an isocyanate hardener to the polyol composition to form a polyurethane coating layer that substantially encapsulates each granule. The polyol composition is miscible with the isocyanate hardener. The polyol composition includes a cardanol-based polyol, an aromatic amine-based polyol, and a polyether polyol. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the nutrient release profiles of several exemplary controlled release fertilizer compositions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present disclosure generally describes a method of forming coated fertilizer particles by substantially encapsulating granules with a polyurethane coating formed from cardanol-based polyols and an isocyanate curing agent to form a controlled release fertilizer composition. Such controlled release fertilizer compositions exhibit improved properties including desirable fertilizer release profiles and lower coating weights. Cardanol-based polyols can be used alone or in combination with other polyols to coat the granules.

[0010] As used herein, cardanol-based polyols refer to polyols formed from cardanol, cardol, their derivatives, and oligomers thereof.

[0011] As can be seen, cardanol has the formula (I): [ka] They have the general chemical structure represented by the formula: 15 H 31-n where n=0, 2, 4, or 6. As can be appreciated, the cardanol compounds can have various degrees of saturation, including tri-unsaturated alkyl chains, bi-unsaturated alkyl chains, mono-unsaturated alkyl chains, and fully saturated alkyl chains.

[0012] Cardanol compounds, such as the cardanol depicted in formula I, can be converted to cardanol-based polyols through the introduction of multiple hydroxyl functional groups to the cardanol compound by any suitable method. As can be appreciated, the addition of multiple hydroxyl functional groups facilitates the polymerization of the cardanol-based polyol into a crosslinked polyurethane when reacted with an isocyanate curing agent. Suitable cardanol-based polyols are commercially available. For example, suitable cardanol-based polyols such as NX 9001 and GX 9005 are available from Cardolite Specialty Chemicals (Monmouth Junction, NJ).

[0013] The selection of cardanol-based polyols for the controlled release fertilizer composition described herein may vary depending on the desired properties of the resulting polyurethane coating.For example, it is generally believed that the use of cardanol-based polyols with greater hydrophobicity can form a more desirable controlled release fertilizer composition.As can be understood, the selection of cardanol-based polyols with greater hydrophobicity can mean that the encapsulated granules are less likely to facilitate the diffusion of moisture and water into and out of the encapsulated fertilizer, and are more likely to provide an extended nutrient release profile at a relatively lower coating weight.Certain hydrophobic cardanol polyols can have long alkyl chains.

[0014] Cardanol-based polyols generally can form polyurethanes with exceptional durability and flexibility. As can be appreciated, flexibility and durability can prevent damage caused by mechanical wear, stress, and the like. The durability of cardanol-based polyols is believed to arise, at least in part, due to the pendant alkyl chains of the cardanol-based polyols.

[0015] In certain embodiments, blends of various cardanol-based polyols can be utilized to reach a desired blend of properties. As can be appreciated, substantially all cardanol compounds, including cardanol-based polyols, can be partially or completely biological in origin. For example, cardanol-based polyols can be formed from by-products of cashew nut processing (e.g., cashew nut shell juice). Being biological in origin, such cardanol-based polyols can be an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based polyols.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the granules can be substantially completely encapsulated with a polyol mixture that includes substantially only cardanol-based polyols to form coated fertilizer particles. In certain embodiments, the polyol mixture can consist of only cardanol-based polyols. A polyurethane coating formed from the reaction product of only cardanol-based polyols and an isocyanate curing agent can provide several advantages over conventionally formed polyurethane coatings. For example, the use of only cardanol-based polyols can reduce the number of components required to form the polyurethane coating layer, improve the compatibility of the isocyanate curing agent, and improve the hydrophobicity of the polyurethane coating layer. In certain embodiments, the application of a wax coating layer to the coated fertilizer particles can also be avoided.

[0017] Alternatively, the cardanol-based polyols can be blended with other polyols, including other hydrophobic polyols. In certain embodiments, the cardanol-based polyols can be blended with hydrophobic aromatic amine-based polyols and hydrophobic polyether polyols (e.g., ethylene oxide polyols and propylene oxide polyols).

[0018] In certain embodiments, suitable aromatic amine-based polyols generally have the formula II: [ka] where R 1 contains one of an alkyl group, an amine group, and hydrogen; R 2 From R 6 each independently comprises one of an amine group and hydrogen; R 1 From R 6 At least one of the groups is an amine group. Suitable aromatic amine-based polyols can be formed from aromatic amines in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, suitable aromatic amine-based polyols can include alkylene oxide substituents such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, amylene oxide, alkylene oxide-tetrahydrofuran mixtures, epihalohydrin, and alkylene styrene. Furthermore, suitable aromatic amine-based polyols can have an OH number of 300 to 600 and a nominal functionality of 1 to 7 in certain embodiments.

[0019] Suitable aromatic amine polyols are commercially available. For example, certain aromatic amine polyols are sold under the trade name Puracol® and are available from BASF Corporation (Wyandotte, Michigan). Further examples of suitable aromatic amine polyols are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,416,785, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] Suitable polyether polyols can generally be selected from known organic oxides such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, 1,2-butylene oxide, and epichlorohydrin. As can be appreciated, a large selection of suitable polyether polyols can be purchased, including certain polyether polyols sold under the trade name Plakol® and available from BASF Corporation (Wyandotte, Michigan).

[0021] As can be appreciated, cardanol-based polyols can be blended with any amount of additional polyols. For example, cardanol-based polyols can be blended to form polyol compositions containing from about 1% cardanol-based polyols to about 99% cardanol-based polyols in certain embodiments. By varying the amount of cardanol-based polyols relative to other polyols (e.g., aromatic amine-based polyols or polyether polyols), the nutrient release profile and durability of the controlled release fertilizer composition can be controlled. For example, including a higher amount of cardanol-based polyols can improve durability and extend the nutrient release profile.

[0022] As can be appreciated, blends of cardanol-based polyols with other hydrophobic polyols can also provide the benefits of each type of polyol. For example, the inclusion of aromatic amine-based polyols can increase the reaction rate used to form the polyurethane coating layer when compared to coatings formed from cardanol-based polyols alone, due to the reduced need for catalysts for aromatic amine-based polyols. Also, blends of polyols can balance the mechanical properties of each type of polyol. Additionally, existing manufacturing facilities that already process polyols can introduce cardanol-based polyols into blends with existing polyols, reducing or eliminating the need to update any processing equipment or processes.

[0023] As can be appreciated, the polyols described herein can be reacted with a suitable curing agent, such as, for example, an isocyanate curing agent, to form a polyurethane coating layer. In general, such polyols and isocyanate curing agents can be mixed in a ratio of about 1:5, about 1:4.5, about 1:4, about 1:3, about 1:2, or about 1:1 to form a polyurethane coating layer according to various embodiments. As can be appreciated, increasing the amount of curing agent can increase the amount of polyurethane crosslinking and increase the mechanical strength of the polyurethane coating. The rate of the polymerization reaction can vary depending on, for example, the amount of amine-based polyol, the amount of curing agent, and the amount of catalyst, if any, used to form the coating.

[0024] In certain embodiments, polyols and isocyanate curing agents that are miscible with each other can be advantageously selected. As can be appreciated, miscibility can facilitate manufacturing, reduce or eliminate any unreacted components, and reduce the reaction time required to form a polyurethane coating. In certain embodiments, miscible polyols and isocyanate agents can be applied separately to the granules as a result of their miscibility.

[0025] A wide variety of isocyanate curing agents may be suitable for forming the controlled release fertilizer composition described herein.For example, suitable isocyanate curing agents may include aliphatic isocyanates, aromatic isocyanates, heterocyclic isocyanates, and their oligomers or polymers.In certain embodiments, suitable isocyanate curing agents may have two or more isocyanate groups per molecule.

[0026] In certain embodiments, it may be useful for the isocyanate curing agent to be chemically related to the selected polyols, for example, to promote compatibility and miscibility of the isocyanate curing agent with the selected polyol. In certain such embodiments, a suitable isocyanate curing agent may be an aromatic amine-based isocyanate, such as a toluene-derived isocyanate curing agent. As can be appreciated, suitable isocyanate curing agents are also commercially available, such as isocyanate curing agents sold under the trade name Lupranate®. Lupranate® isocyanate curing agents are available from BASF Corporation (Wyandotte, Michigan).

[0027] In general, the polyols and isocyanate hardeners described herein can be used to encapsulate any desired type of granule to reduce the rate at which the fertilizer components in the granule become available to the desired soil and vegetation. Suitable granules that can be encapsulated by the polyols and isocyanate hardeners described herein can be very diverse and can include, for example, nitrogen fertilizer compounds, phosphate fertilizer compounds, potash fertilizer compounds, sulfur fertilizer compounds, potassium fertilizer compounds, calcium fertilizer compounds, various metal fertilizer compounds, trace nutrients, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the granules can include nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea, NPK, or calcium ammonium nitrate. Additionally or alternatively, the granules described herein can include any other material that may be beneficial to the soil or vegetation. For example, suitable granules can further include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fragrances.

[0028] According to certain embodiments, the step of coating the granules can include applying a selected polyol and an isocyanate hardener to the granules to be encapsulated. For example, a polyol mixture can be applied to the granules, followed by an isocyanate hardener to form a polyurethane coating layer that substantially completely surrounds the granules. In certain embodiments, the polyol mixture and the isocyanate hardener can be applied in a ratio of about 1:1, although other ratios can alternatively be selected. In certain embodiments, two or more coating layers can be applied sequentially. For example, in certain embodiments, two, three, four, or even more coating layers can be applied to encapsulate the granules to form coated fertilizer particles. In general, the selected polyol and isocyanate hardener can be applied using any suitable coating process, including, for example, spray coating, roll coating, dip coating, and other known coating processes.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the controlled release fertilizer compositions described herein can be formed by roll coating of urea. In such embodiments, the urea can be heated to a temperature of about 170°F (76.6°C) in a rotating drum. Once heated, a selected polyol or blend of polyols can be applied and coated onto the urea granules for about 3 minutes. An isocyanate curing agent can then be applied and allowed to react for about 3 minutes to form a polyurethane coating layer. Additional polyurethane coating layers can be formed in a similar manner.

[0030] As can be appreciated, alternative processes may be suitable, for example, the selected polyol and isocyanate curing agent may be premixed prior to application to the fertilizer particles in a single step.

[0031] As can be appreciated, various embodiments can further include various optional ingredients. For example, certain embodiments can include a small amount of catalyst to accelerate the polymerization reaction between the selected polyol and the isocyanate curing agent. Certain such embodiments can include about 0.5% to about 5%, 0.75% to about 3%, or about 1% to about 2% of catalyst based on the weight of the polyol. Suitable catalysts can include amine-based catalysts such as triethanolamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tetraethylenediamine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene ("DBU"), 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene ("DBN"), dimethylethylamine, dimethylisopropylamine, and the like. Alternatively, suitable catalysts can be metal salt catalysts such as ferric acetylacetonate and dibutyltin dilaurate ("DBTL"). In certain such embodiments, the metal salt catalyst may be included at about 50 parts per million ("ppm") to about 1,000 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 750 ppm, or about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm of the polyol.

[0032] As can be understood, further optional components can be included in the controlled release fertilizer composition, the granules, or the coating layer. For example, a desiccant such as calcium sulfate can be used to remove moisture before the encapsulation step or to help prevent clumping of the granules. In addition, a coloring agent can be included to facilitate identification of the controlled release fertilizer composition.

[0033] In certain embodiments, a wax can be applied to the exterior of the coated fertilizer particles to provide additional water resistance to the controlled release fertilizer composition. In such embodiments, the coated fertilizer particles can be heated to a suitable temperature (e.g., about 70° C.) and then coated with molten wax and tumbled to provide a uniform wax coating over the entire coated fertilizer particle. However, as can be appreciated, the strong hydrophobicity of certain cardanol-based polyols can reduce or eliminate the need to further treat the coated fertilizer particles with a wax coating.

[0034] As can be seen, the release profile of the coated fertilizer particles can depend on a variety of different factors. For example, the rate at which the fertilizer present in the granule is released to the desired soil and vegetation can depend on the physical durability of the coating material, the rate of water diffusion in and out of the encapsulating material, and the overall coating weight (e.g., the thickness of the polyurethane coating). As can be seen, many of these factors can be influenced by the selection of polyol and isocyanate curing agent. A more durable encapsulating material can facilitate the formation of a controlled release fertilizer composition with superior handling characteristics.

[0035] A controlled release fertilizer composition with a lower coating weight can be extremely beneficial. A lower coating weight can mean that the controlled release fertilizer composition can contain more fertilizer for a given weight and / or volume of the fertilizer composition. In addition, reducing the coating weight can, in certain embodiments, simplify the production of the controlled release fertilizer composition by allowing fewer coating layers to be applied to the granules, reducing the consumption of time, materials, and energy. As can be seen, each coating applied around the fertilizer particle can increase both the time and difficulty of the manufacturing process.

[0036] As can be understood, the controlled release fertilizer compositions described herein can be blended with additional fertilizer compounds. For example, additional slow release nitrogen compounds, such as triazones, urea-triazones (such as tetrahydro-s-triazones or 5-methyleneuride 2-oxohexahydro-s-triazines), methyleneurea products, and isobutylidenediurea ("IBDU"), can be blended with the coated fertilizer particles to further tailor the nitrogen release profile over time. The addition of such fertilizer compounds can also allow the controlled release fertilizer composition to include any suitable amount of nitrogen. For example, in certain embodiments, the controlled release fertilizer composition can include about 1% to about 99% by weight of nitrogen. In certain embodiments, the fertilizer composition can include about 20% to about 70% by weight of nitrogen, including, for example, about 20% to about 50% by weight of nitrogen. In various embodiments, the amount of nitrogen, by weight in the fertilizer composition, can be about 1%, about 2%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or about 99%.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, various types of fast-release nitrogen compounds can be blended with the controlled release fertilizer composition. Examples of suitable fast-release nitrogen compounds can include one or more of urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the controlled release fertilizer compositions described herein can be further mixed with one or more non-encapsulated components. For example, the fertilizer compositions can be mixed with non-encapsulated phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sulfur, or zinc.

[0039] The controlled release fertilizer compositions described herein can be applied to a seed, seedling, plant, or turf by spreading or spraying (e.g., with a mechanical spreader) the composition on the soil, seed, seedling, plant, or turf.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the fertilizer compositions described herein comprise a fertilizer composition having a 1000 ft 2 Approximately 0.1 lb (0.1 lb) of nitrogen per 1000 ft 2 The fertilizer composition may be applied in an amount of about 6 lbs of nitrogen per sieve. In certain embodiments, the fertilizer composition may be formulated as a ready-to-use formulation or a ready-to-spray formulation. EXAMPLES

[0041] The following examples are included to illustrate certain aspects and embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure to those described embodiments.

[0042] The nutrient release profiles of various fertilizer compositions were determined by adding 10 g of the fertilizer composition to a jar containing 100 g of deionized water maintained at room temperature (e.g., about 22° C.) and sealing the jar. The jar was rolled daily to distribute the released nitrogen evenly throughout the water. Aliquots of water were removed at measured time intervals to measure the amount of nitrogen released from the fertilizer composition. The nutrient release profile indicates the rate at which the nutrients of the fertilizer composition are released into the soil.

[0043] Table 1 shows the nutrient release profiles of some exemplary fertilizer compositions formed from the encapsulation of urea granules with polyurethane formed from the reaction of cardanol-based polyols and isocyanate curing agents.

[0044] Specifically, each of Inventive Examples 1-4 was formed by blending GX 9005 polyol, obtained from Caldolite Specialty Chemicals, Inc. (Monmouth Junction, NJ), with Lupranate® M20, obtained from BASF Corporation (Wyandotte, MI) in a 2:1 molar ratio to the isocyanate of the polyol blend. GX 9005 is a hydrophobic cardanol polyol, while Lupranate® M20 is a 4,4'-methylene diphenyl isocyanate having a functionality of about 2.7. Inventive Examples 1 and 2 further included 100 parts per million ("ppm") by weight of iron acetylacetonate as a catalyst, while Inventive Examples 3 and 4 further included 1 wt. % of triethanolamine as a catalyst. Inventive Examples 2 and 4 were further coated with a wax, Evacote®, obtained from The International Group, Inc. (Toronto, Ontario). The total coating weight for Inventive Examples 1 and 3 was 3.8 parts per 100 parts of urea. The total coating weight for Examples 2 and 4 was 4.3 parts per 100 parts of urea.

[0045] A control, Comparative Example 1, was also evaluated, which included blends of polyols (Puracol® 1500 and Pluracol® 1578) with Lupranate® M20, each obtained from BASF Corporation (Wyandotte, Mich.). The total coating weight was 4.3 parts per 100 parts of urea. [Table 1]

[0046] As shown in Table 1, inventive example 3, which has a low total coating weight, exhibits the desired release of urea over time, which is slower than comparative example 1, but faster than wax coated inventive examples 2 and 4. Advantageously, inventive example 3 exhibited such a desired release profile despite having a coating weight of only 3.8 parts per 100 parts of urea.

[0047] Table 2 illustrates the effect of total coating weight on the release profile of urea. Inventive Examples 5 to 7 in Table 2 were formed from blends of cardanol-based polyols and Lupranate® M20. Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are also included in Table 2. Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3 were each formed from blends of aromatic amine-based polyols and polyether polyols (Placol® 1500 and Placol® 1578) with Lupranate® M20.

[0048] Example 5 has a total coating weight of 2.0 parts per 100 parts of the fertilizer composition, Example 6 has a total coating weight of 2.8 parts per 100 parts of the fertilizer composition, and Example 7 has a total coating weight of 3.2 parts per 100 parts of the fertilizer composition. Comparative Example 1, also shown in Table 1, has a total coating weight of 4.3 parts per 100 parts of the fertilizer composition. Comparative Example 2 has a total coating weight of 2.3 parts per 100 parts of the fertilizer, and Comparative Example 3 has a total coating weight of 9.6 parts per 100 parts of the fertilizer composition. [Table 2]

[0049] Table 2 illustrates that increasing the coating weight reduces the release rate of urea. As can be seen, by controlling the coating weight, the nutrient release profile of the fertilizer composition can be tailored as needed. Table 2 also continues to illustrate that the examples formed with cardanol-based polyols exhibit slower urea release rates than the comparative examples formed from blends of aromatic amine-based polyols and polyether polyols.

[0050] Nutrient release profiles were also generated for exemplary fertilizer compositions formed using blends of cardanol-based polyols and aromatic amine-based polyols. Table 3 illustrates exemplary fertilizer compositions formed from blends of varying amounts of NX 9001 with a 50 / 50 blend of Placol® 1500 and Placol® 1578. NX 9001 is a cardanol-based polyol from Caldolite Specialty Chemicals, Inc. (Monmouth Junction, NJ) and has a higher hydroxyl equivalent weight of 180 than GX 9005, which has a hydroxyl equivalent weight of 163. NX 9001 also has a lower viscosity (2,400 centipoise) than GX 9005 (3,600 centipoise). Inventive Example 8 has 5% NX 9001, Inventive Example 9 has 25% NX 9001, and Inventive Example 10 has 50% NX 9001. Comparative Example 1 is included as a control since it does not contain a cardanol-based polyol. [Table 3]

[0051] The use of cardanol-based polyols reduces the rate at which urea dissolves in water and improves the nutrient release profile, as illustrated in Table 3. Table 3 also illustrates that cardanol-based polyols can be mixed with other aromatic polyols and the resulting controlled release fertilizer composition is still advantageous.

[0052] Similar to Table 3, Table 4 illustrates exemplary fertilizer compositions alternatively formed with the more hydrophobic GX 9005 polyol: Example 11 has 5% GX 9005, Example 12 has 25% GX 9005, and Example 13 has 50% GX 9005. As can be seen, Comparative Example 1 is included as a control since it does not contain a cardanol-based polyol. [Table 4]

[0053] Table 4 illustrates that various cardanol-based polyols can be blended with conventional aromatic polyols.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a graph illustrating the performance of controlled release fertilizer compositions formed from cardanol-based polyols. Specifically, Figure 1 illustrates that while the hydrophobic GX 9005 cardanol-based polyol performs well alone, blends of either GX 9005 or NX 9001 cardanol-based polyols also perform well when mixed with other polyols, including aromatic amine-based polyols and polyether polyols.

[0055] Wear resistance was also measured for the exemplary fertilizer compositions. Each example included in Table 5 contains 4.3% coating by weight. Wear resistance was characterized by mixing 100 g of the exemplary fertilizer composition in a tin can with a stainless steel ball bearing. The sealed tin can was then placed in a paint shaker (Tornado II Portable Paint Shaker, Model 51000) for 1 minute. The samples were then measured according to the nutrient release profiles in Tables 1 to 4. Comparative Example 2, Inventive Example 10, and Inventive Example 13 in Tables 3 and 4 were evaluated. [Table 5]

[0056] As shown by Examples 10 and 13, the inclusion of a cardanol-based polyol dramatically reduces the release of urea into the water as compared to the fertilizer composition of Example 8, which was formed using only conventional aromatic amine-based polyols. These results indicate that polyurethane coatings containing cardanol-based polyols are significantly more resistant to abrasive damage.

[0057] As used herein, all percentages (%) are weight percentages of the total composition and may also be expressed as weight / weight %, %(w / w), w / w, w / w% or simply %, unless otherwise indicated.

[0058] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value.

[0059] It is to be understood that every highest numerical limit given throughout this specification includes every lower numerical limit, as if such lower numerical limit were expressly written herein. Every lowest numerical limit given throughout this specification will include every higher numerical limit, as if such higher numerical limit were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical range were expressly written herein.

[0060] All documents cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patents or applications, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein, or that it alone, or in any combination with other references, teaches, suggests, or discloses any such invention. Furthermore, in the event that any meaning or definition of a term in this specification conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in the document shall control.

[0061] The foregoing description of the embodiments and examples has been presented for illustrative purposes. The description is not intended to be a limited recitation or to be limited to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of these modifications have been contemplated, while others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The present embodiment has been selected and described to illustrate various embodiments. Of course, the scope is not limited to the examples or embodiments described herein, and those skilled in the art may employ any number of applications and equivalents. Rather, it is intended that the scope be defined herein by the appended claims.

Claims

1. a plurality of coated fertilizer particles, each comprising a granule and one or more polyurethane coating layers, the one or more polyurethane coating layers substantially encapsulating the granule; A controlled release fertilizer composition comprising: the one or more polyurethane coating layers are formed from the reaction product of a polyol composition and an isocyanate curing agent; The polyol composition comprises a hydrophobic cardanol-based polyol and an aromatic amine-based polyol. Controlled release fertilizer compositions.

2. 2. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 1, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise one or more from the group comprising nitrogen compounds, phosphate fertilizer compounds, potash fertilizer compounds, sulfur fertilizer compounds, potassium fertilizer compounds, calcium fertilizer compounds, and metal compounds.

3. 3. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 2, wherein the granules comprise one or more from the group comprising nitrogen fertilizer compounds, phosphate fertilizer compounds, potash fertilizer compounds, sulfur fertilizer compounds, potassium fertilizer compounds, calcium fertilizer compounds, and metal fertilizer compounds.

4. 4. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to claim 1, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise urea.

5. 5. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 4, wherein the granules comprise urea.

6. 6. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to claim 1, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise one or more from the group comprising herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

7. 7. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 6, wherein the granules comprise one or more from the group comprising herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

8. 8. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise from 1% to 5% by weight of the one or more polyurethane coating layers.

9. 9. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise four polyurethane coating layers.

10. 10. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the coated fertilizer particles further comprise a wax coating layer surrounding the one or more polyurethane coating layers.

11. 11. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the isocyanate hardener comprises a polymeric isocyanate or an aromatic isocyanate.

12. 12. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the isocyanate hardener comprises 4,4'-methylene diphenyl isocyanate.

13. 13. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ratio of said polyol composition to said isocyanate hardener is from 1:4 to 1:

1.

14. 14. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the one or more polyurethane coating layers comprise a catalyst selected from one of an amine-based catalyst or a metal salt catalyst.

15. A controlled release fertilizer composition as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, having a nutrient release profile of 90 days or more.

16. 16. A method of fertilization comprising applying a controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15 to soil in a designated area.

17. a plurality of coated fertilizer particles, each comprising a granule and one or more polyurethane coating layers, the one or more polyurethane coating layers substantially encapsulating the granule; 1. A controlled release fertilizer composition comprising: said one or more polyurethane coating layers formed from the reaction product of a polyol composition and an isocyanate curing agent; The polyol composition includes a cardanol-based polyol, an aromatic amine-based polyol, and a polyether polyol. Controlled release fertilizer compositions.

18. 18. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 17, wherein the polyol composition comprises from 1% to 99% by weight of a cardanol-based polyol.

19. 19. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the polyether polyol comprises one or more of an ethylene oxide polyol and a propylene oxide polyol.

20. 20. The controlled release fertilizer composition of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the cardanol-based polyol is hydrophobic.

21. 21. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise one or more from the group comprising nitrogen compounds, phosphate fertilizer compounds, potash fertilizer compounds, sulfur fertilizer compounds, potassium fertilizer compounds, calcium fertilizer compounds, and metal compounds.

22. 22. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 21, wherein the granules comprise one or more from the group comprising nitrogen fertilizer compounds, phosphate fertilizer compounds, potash fertilizer compounds, sulfur fertilizer compounds, potassium fertilizer compounds, calcium fertilizer compounds, and metal fertilizer compounds.

23. 23. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise urea.

24. 24. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 23, wherein the granules comprise urea.

25. 25. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise one or more from the group comprising herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

26. 26. The controlled release fertilizer composition of claim 25, wherein the granules comprise one or more from the group comprising herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

27. 27. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise from 1% to 5% by weight of the one or more polyurethane coating layers.

28. 28. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the coated fertilizer particles comprise four polyurethane coating layers.

29. 29. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the coated fertilizer particles further comprise a wax coating layer surrounding the one or more polyurethane coating layers.

30. 30. The controlled release fertilizer composition of any one of claims 17 to 29, wherein the isocyanate hardener comprises a polymeric isocyanate or an aromatic isocyanate.

31. 31. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 30, wherein the isocyanate hardener comprises 4,4'-methylene diphenyl isocyanate.

32. 32. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 31, wherein the ratio of said polyol composition to said isocyanate hardener is from 1:4 to 1:

1.

33. 33. The controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 32, wherein the one or more polyurethane coating layers comprise a catalyst selected from one of an amine-based catalyst or a metal salt catalyst.

34. A controlled release fertilizer composition as described in any one of claims 17 to 33, having a nutrient release profile of 90 days or more.

35. 34. A method of fertilization comprising applying a controlled release fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 17 to 33 to soil in a designated area.

36. coating the granules with a polyol composition; applying an isocyanate curing agent to the polyol composition to form a polyurethane coating layer substantially encapsulating each granule; 1. A method for making a controlled release fertilizer composition comprising: the polyol composition is miscible with the isocyanate curing agent; The polyol composition comprises a hydrophobic cardanol-based polyol and an aromatic amine-based polyol. method.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising applying one or more additional polyurethane coating layers.

38. 38. The method of claim 36 or 37, wherein the polyol composition and the isocyanate curing agent are comprised in a ratio of 1:4 to 1:

1.

39. coating the granules with a polyol composition; applying an isocyanate curing agent to the polyol composition to form a polyurethane coating layer substantially encapsulating each granule; 1. A method for making a controlled release fertilizer composition comprising: the polyol composition is miscible with the isocyanate curing agent; The polyol composition includes a cardanol-based polyol, an aromatic amine-based polyol, and a polyether polyol. method.

40. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising applying one or more additional polyurethane coating layers.

41. 41. The method of claim 39 or 40, wherein the polyol composition and the isocyanate curing agent are comprised in a ratio of 1:4 to 1:

1.

42. 42. The method of any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the polyol composition comprises from 1 wt% to 99 wt% of a cardanol-based polyol.

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