Fertilizer caking inhibitor composition

Abstract

Provided is an anti-caking agent composition for fertilizer that has good storage stability, and that prevents the caking of a fertilizer ingredient having a caking property.　The anti-caking agent composition for fertilizer contains an ingredient (a), an ingredient (b), and an ingredient (c).　Ingredient (a): an anionic surfactant. Ingredient (b): one or more selected from among polyvinyl acetate, and a copolymer of styrene and an acrylic ester. Ingredient (c): one or more selected from among a dimethyl alkylamine, and a polyhydric alcohol having a molecular weight of 50-200 and a hydroxyl group valence of 2-6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solidification prevention agent composition for fertilizers, a fertilizer composition, a method for producing a fertilizer composition, and a method for preventing solidification of fertilizer components.

[0002] Background Art In granular fertilizer components such as chemical fertilizers, solidification due to moisture in the product becomes a problem. In chemical fertilizers, recrystallization of the fertilizer solution that has absorbed moisture and dissolved is considered to be the cause of solidification. To address the problem of solidification in such granular fertilizers, various solidification prevention measures have been proposed conventionally, such as the use of coating materials and improvements in the granulation process. However, there is no known solidification prevention method that can be applied to fertilizer components with a simple manufacturing process and low manufacturing cost without sacrificing economic and commercial advantages.

[0003] JP-A-62-275084 discloses a solidification prevention agent for fertilizers, which is characterized by containing a water-insoluble synthetic polymer compound such as polyvinyl acetate, a specific anionic surfactant such as sodium octyl sulfate, and a wetting and fixing agent such as polyvinyl alcohol. JP-B-49-17827 discloses a method for preventing solidification of a solidifying fertilizer, which comprises adding an aqueous solution containing a non-dissociating water-soluble polymer compound such as polyvinyl alcohol and sodium polyacrylate, and a specific anionic surfactant such as sodium decyl sulfate and sodium octyl sulfate to the solidifying fertilizer, and substantially removing moisture after the addition. JP-B-49-17104 discloses a method for preventing solidification of a solidifying fertilizer, which comprises solubilizing a water-insoluble synthetic polymer compound such as polyvinyl acetate with a concentrated aqueous solution containing an alkyl sulfate having an alkyl group with 6 to 10 carbon atoms, diluting the resulting aqueous solution appropriately, or adding it to the solidifying fertilizer as it is, and substantially removing moisture after the addition.

[0004] Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a fertilizer anti-caking agent composition that has good storage stability and prevents caking of caking fertilizer components, a fertilizer composition in which the caking properties of fertilizer components are reduced, a method for producing the same, and a method for preventing caking of fertilizer components.

[0005] The present invention relates to a fertilizer caking inhibitor composition containing the following components (a), (b), and (c). Ingredient (a): Anionic surfactant Component (b): One or more selected from styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymers and polyvinyl acetate. Component (c): One or more selected from dimethylalkylamine (hereinafter referred to as component (c1)) and polyhydric alcohols having a molecular weight of 50 to 200 and a hydroxyl group valency of 2 to 6 (hereinafter referred to as component (c2)).

[0006] The present invention also relates to the anti-caking agent composition for fertilizers and a fertilizer composition containing fertilizer components.

[0007] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a fertilizer composition, wherein the fertilizer anti-caking agent composition of the present invention is applied as a coating treatment to the surface of fertilizer component particles.

[0008] The present invention also relates to a method for preventing caking of fertilizer components, wherein the fertilizer caking prevention agent composition of the present invention is applied as a coating treatment to the surface of fertilizer component particles.

[0009] The present invention provides a fertilizer anti-caking agent composition that has good storage stability and prevents caking of caking fertilizer components, a fertilizer composition in which the caking properties of fertilizer components are reduced, a method for producing the same, and a method for preventing caking of fertilizer components.

[0010] Modes for carrying out the invention The reason why the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention can prevent caking of caking-prone fertilizer components is not entirely clear, but it is presumed to be as follows. The anionic surfactant in component (a) is adsorbed onto the fertilizer surface, making the fertilizer surface hydrophobic. This is thought to make it more difficult for water to act on the fertilizer surface. On the other hand, it is presumed that the specific polymer in component (b) exhibits anti-caking properties by forming a thin polymer film on the fertilizer surface, thereby suppressing the action of water on the fertilizer surface and contact between fertilizer particles. Furthermore, it is presumed that, among the components (c), component (c1), dimethylalkylamine, similar to component (a), adsorbs onto the fertilizer surface, thereby hydrophobicizing the fertilizer surface and reducing the effect of water. Furthermore, it is presumed that among component (c), a specific polyhydric alcohol of component (c2) exerts its anti-caking effect by reducing the amount of water acting on the fertilizer surface through its own absorption of moisture. It is believed that these components (a), (b), and (c) work complementaryly on the fertilizer surface, surprisingly synergistically producing an anti-caking effect, thus achieving the effects of the present invention.

[0011] [Fertilizer anti-caking agent composition] <Ingredients (a)> Component (a) of the present invention is an anionic surfactant. Component (a) may be one or more selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters, alkanesulfonic acids, olefin sulfonic acids, fatty acids, and salts thereof. The salt of component (a) may be, for example, an alkali metal salt such as a sodium salt or potassium salt, or an ammonium salt.

[0012] As for component (a), from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer, alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters or salts thereof are preferred, and alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters or salts thereof with 6 to 18 carbon atoms are more preferred. The number of carbon atoms refers to the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl or alkenyl group. From the viewpoint of preventing caking of fertilizers, the alkyl or alkenyl group has 6 or more carbon atoms, preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more, and 18 or less, preferably 16 or less, more preferably 14 or less, and is linear or branched, preferably linear. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the formulation stability of the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition, the carbon atoms of the alkyl or alkenyl group bonded to the sulfate ester group are preferably primary carbon atoms. Component (a) is preferably, for example, a C12 lauryl sulfate ester or a salt thereof, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of fertilizers.

[0013] <Ingredient (b)> Component (b) of the present invention is one or more selected from a copolymer of styrene and acrylic acid ester (hereinafter referred to as component (b1)) and polyvinyl acetate (hereinafter referred to as component (b2)).

[0014] In component (b1), the constituent monomer styrene can be one or more selected from styrene, methylstyrene, dimethylstyrene, trimethylstyrene, butylstyrene, acetoxystyrene, and methoxystyrene. From the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer, styrene is preferred. In component (b1), the number of carbon atoms in the ester portion of the acrylic acid ester, which is the constituent monomer, is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 7 or more, even more preferably 9 or more, and preferably 17 or less, more preferably 15 or less, and even more preferably 13 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer. The number of carbon atoms in the ester portion is -C(O)-OR 1b In (R 1b R is a hydrocarbon group, and the number of carbon atoms in the -C(O)-O- structure is the number of carbon atoms. 1b The group is a hydrocarbon group, and from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer, it is preferably a linear or branched alkyl group or a linear or branched alkenyl group, more preferably a linear or branched alkyl group, and even more preferably a branched alkyl group. In component (b1), the constituent monomer acrylic acid ester can be one or more selected from 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl acrylate, and dodecyl acrylate.

[0015] In component (b1), the molar ratio (styrene / acrylic acid ester) of the constituent monomer styrene to acrylic acid ester is preferably 0.6 or higher, more preferably 0.7 or higher, even more preferably 0.75 or higher, and preferably 2.0 or lower, more preferably 1.5 or lower, even more preferably 1.0 or lower, and even more preferably 0.9 or lower, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0016] Component (b1) may be a copolymer containing monomers other than styrene and acrylic acid esters, which are copolymerizable with styrene and / or acrylic acid esters, to the extent that they do not impede the effects of the present invention. Examples of monomers other than styrene and acrylic acid esters that are copolymerizable with styrene and / or acrylic acid esters include vinyl monomers and acrylic monomers. In component (b1), the total amount of styrene and acrylic acid ester in the total constituent monomers is preferably 60 mol% or more, more preferably 70 mol% or more, even more preferably 80 mol% or more, even more preferably 90 mol% or more, and preferably 100 mol% or less, and may be 100 mol%, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0017] From the viewpoint of preventing caking, the weight-average molecular weight of component (b1) is preferably 50,000 or more, more preferably 100,000 or more, even more preferably 200,000 or more, and preferably 1,000,000 or less, more preferably 800,000 or less, and even more preferably 400,000 or less. The weight-average molecular weight of component (b1) is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a mixed solution of acetonitrile and water (phosphate buffer) as the developing solvent, with polyethylene glycol as the standard.

[0018] Component (b2) may be a copolymer containing monomers other than vinyl acetate and copolymerizable with vinyl acetate, as long as it does not interfere with the effects of the present invention. Examples of monomers other than vinyl acetate and copolymerizable with vinyl acetate include vinyl monomers, acrylic monomers, styrene monomers, and the like. In component (b2), from the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the content of vinyl acetate in all constituent monomers is preferably 60 mol% or more, more preferably 70 mol% or more, still more preferably 80 mol% or more, even more preferably 90 mol% or more, and preferably 100 mol% or less, and may be 100 mol%.

[0019] From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the weight average molecular weight of component (b2) is preferably 10,000 or more, more preferably 100,000 or more, still more preferably 300,000 or more, and preferably 1,000,000 or less, more preferably 800,000 or less, still more preferably 500,000 or less, and even more preferably 300,000 or less. The weight average molecular weight of component (b2) is determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using a mixed solution of acetonitrile and water (phosphate buffer) as the developing solvent and polyethylene glycol as the standard.

[0020] <Component (c)> Component (c) of the present invention is one or more selected from dimethylalkylamine (hereinafter referred to as component (c1)) and polyhydric alcohol having a molecular weight of 50 or more and 200 or less and a hydroxyl valency of 2 or more and 6 or less (hereinafter referred to as component (c2)).

[0021] From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl group of component (c1) is preferably 8 or more, more preferably 12 or more, still more preferably 14 or more, even more preferably 16 or more, and preferably 22 or less, more preferably 18 or less. The alkyl group of component (c1) is linear or branched, and is preferably linear. As the component (c1), one or more selected from dimethyloctylamine, dimethyldecylamine, dimethyllaurylamine, dimethylbehenylamine, dimethylcoconutamine, dimethylmyristylamine, dimethylpalmitylamine, and dimethylstearylamine can be mentioned. From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the component (c1) is preferably one or more selected from dimethyllaurylamine, dimethylmyristylamine, dimethylpalmitylamine, and dimethylstearylamine, and more preferably dimethylstearylamine.

[0022] From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the molecular weight of the component (c2) is 50 or more, preferably 60 or more, more preferably 70 or more, and 200 or less, preferably 190 or less, more preferably 180 g / mol or less, still more preferably 150 or less, and even more preferably 120 or less. From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the valence of the hydroxyl group of the component (c2) is 2 or more and 6 or less, preferably 4 or less.

[0023] As the component (c2), one or more selected from ethylene glycol (molecular weight 62.07; hydroxyl group valence 2), propylene glycol (molecular weight 76.09; hydroxyl group valence 2), diethylene glycol (molecular weight 106.12; hydroxyl group valence 2), dipropylene glycol (molecular weight 134.17; hydroxyl group valence 2), glycerin (molecular weight 92.09; hydroxyl group valence 3), xylitol (molecular weight 152.15; hydroxyl group valence 5), mannitol (molecular weight 182.17; hydroxyl group valence 6), and sorbitol (molecular weight 182.17; hydroxyl group valence 6) can be mentioned. <( From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the component (c2) is preferably one or more selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, glycerin, and sorbitol, and more preferably one or more selected from diethylene glycol, glycerin, and sorbitol.

[0024] From the viewpoint of preventing the solidification of the fertilizer, the polyhydric alcohol that is liquid at 25°C is preferred as the component (c2). Examples of polyhydric alcohols that are liquid at 25°C include one or more selected from ethylene glycol (melting point: -13°C), propylene glycol (melting point: -59°C), diethylene glycol (melting point: -8°C), dipropylene glycol (melting point: -39°C), and glycerin (melting point: -39°C).

[0025] <Composition, etc.> The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 10% by mass or more, even more preferably 15% by mass or more, preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, even more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 19% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of uniform mixing of the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition. In this invention, the specification regarding the mass of component (a) shall be the value converted to the sodium salt.

[0026] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 0.1% by mass or more, more preferably 0.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 2% by mass or more, and preferably 15% by mass or less, more preferably 12% by mass or less, even more preferably 10% by mass or less, even more preferably 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 4% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of fertilizer.

[0027] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 2% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, even more preferably 15% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of fertilizer.

[0028] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, when it contains component (c1), preferably contains component (c1) in an amount of 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 2% by mass or more, and preferably 5% by mass or less, more preferably 4% by mass or less, and even more preferably 3% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of fertilizer.

[0029] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, when it contains component (c2), preferably contains 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 1.5% by mass or more, even more preferably 5% by mass or more, even more preferably 8% by mass or more, and preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 15% by mass or less, even more preferably 12% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less.

[0030] In the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (c) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c) is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably 0.07 or more, and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, even more preferably 1 or less, even more preferably 0.6 or less, and even more preferably 0.3 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0031] In the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, when component (c1) is included, the mass ratio (c1) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c1) is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably 0.07 or more, and preferably 3 or less, more preferably 2 or less, even more preferably 1 or less, even more preferably 0.6 or less, and even more preferably 0.3 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0032] In the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, when component (c2) is included, the mass ratio (c2) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c2) is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably 0.07 or more, and preferably 15 or less, more preferably 12 or less, even more preferably 10 or less, and even more preferably 3 or less.

[0033] In the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, the mass ratio (b) / [(a)+(c)] of the total content of component (a) and component (c) to the content of component (b) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, and preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0034] In the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, when component (c1) is included, the mass ratio (b) / [(a)+(c1)] of the total content of component (a) and component (c1) to the content of component (b) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, and preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, even more preferably 0.7 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0035] In the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention, when component (c2) is included, the mass ratio (b) / [(a)+(c2)] of the total content of component (a) and component (c2) to the content of component (b) is preferably 0.01 or more, more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, and preferably 1.5 or less, more preferably 1.0 or less, even more preferably 0.7 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0036] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention contains water. That is, the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention is a liquid composition containing water. The water is not particularly limited, but examples include tap water, well water, deionized water, distilled water, etc. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention contains water preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, even more preferably 50% by mass or more, even more preferably 60% by mass or more, and preferably 98% by mass or less, more preferably 96% by mass or less, and even more preferably 80% by mass or less.

[0037] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention may contain other components such as various crushed ores, various oils, and starches (excluding components (a), (b), and (c)) as long as they do not interfere with the effects of the present invention.

[0038] The viscosity of the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention at 25°C is preferably 500 mPa·s or less, more preferably 300 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 200 mPa·s or less, from the viewpoint of uniform coating on the fertilizer surface. The lower limit of viscosity may be 0 mPa·s or more. This viscosity was measured at 30°C using a B-type viscometer.

[0039] The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention can be used to prevent caking of fertilizer components by coating the surface of the fertilizer component particles. The fertilizer components are the same as those described in the fertilizer composition of the present invention below.

[0040] [Fertilizer composition and method for producing the same] The present invention provides a fertilizer anti-caking agent composition and a fertilizer composition containing fertilizer components. The present invention also provides a fertilizer composition containing component (a), component (b), component (c), and fertilizer components. The fertilizer composition of the present invention may be appropriately adapted to the embodiments described in the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention. The provisions regarding component (a), component (b), component (c), and the mass ratio of each component are the same as those described in the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention.

[0041] Specifically, fertilizer components include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, chlorine, silicon, sodium, and other inorganic and organic substances that serve as sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Examples of such inorganic substances include ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, urea, ammonium carbonate, potassium phosphate, superphosphate, fused phosphate fertilizer (3MgO·CaO·P2O5·3CaSiO2), potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, calcium nitrate, slaked lime, calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium carbonate. In addition, examples of organic matter include chicken manure, cow manure, bark compost, amino acids, peptone, fermented extracts, calcium salts of organic acids (citric acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, etc.), and calcium salts of fatty acids (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, caproic acid, etc.).

[0042] Fertilizer components are solid particles. From the viewpoint of preventing caking, the average particle size of the fertilizer components is preferably 0.01 mm or larger, more preferably 0.1 mm or larger, even more preferably 1 mm or larger, and preferably 10 mm or smaller, and more preferably 5 mm or smaller. The average particle size of the fertilizer components is the number-average diameter based on 100 randomly sampled particles observed with an optical microscope. If there are both a major and minor diameter, the major diameter is measured.

[0043] The fertilizer composition of the present invention contains, from the viewpoint of preventing fertilizer caking, the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention in an amount of preferably 50 ppm or more, more preferably 100 ppm or more, even more preferably 200 ppm or more, even more preferably 1,000 ppm or more, even more preferably 2,000 ppm or more, and preferably 5,000 ppm or less, more preferably 4,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 3,000 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components.

[0044] The fertilizer composition of the present invention contains component (a) in an amount of preferably 20 ppm or more, more preferably 100 ppm or more, even more preferably 300 ppm or more, and preferably 600 ppm or less, more preferably 500 ppm or less, and even more preferably 400 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0045] The fertilizer composition of the present invention contains component (b) in an amount of preferably 20 ppm or more, more preferably 40 ppm or more, even more preferably 60 ppm or more, and preferably 300 ppm or less, more preferably 200 ppm or less, and even more preferably 100 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0046] The fertilizer composition of the present invention contains component (c) in an amount of 1 ppm or more, more preferably 20 ppm or more, even more preferably 40 ppm or more, and preferably 600 ppm or less, more preferably 400 ppm or less, and even more preferably 200 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0047] If the fertilizer composition of the present invention contains component (c1), from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer, component (c1) is preferably contained in an amount of 5 ppm or more, more preferably 10 ppm or more, even more preferably 20 ppm or more, and preferably 100 ppm or less, more preferably 80 ppm or less, and even more preferably 60 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components.

[0048] If the fertilizer composition of the present invention contains component (c2), from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer, component (c2) is preferably contained in an amount of 1 ppm or more, more preferably 10 ppm or more, even more preferably 30 ppm or more, and preferably 400 ppm or less, more preferably 300 ppm or less, and even more preferably 200 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components.

[0049] In the fertilizer composition of the present invention, the particle surface of the fertilizer components is coated with the anti-caking agent composition for fertilizers of the present invention. That is, in the fertilizer composition of the present invention, by coating the particle surface of the fertilizer components with component (a), component (b), and component (c), moisture absorption and recrystallization on the particle surface of the fertilizer components can be prevented, and the caking of the fertilizer composition can be reduced.

[0050] The fertilizer composition of the present invention is a solid particle. From the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer, the average particle size of the fertilizer composition of the present invention is preferably 0.01 mm or more, more preferably 0.1 mm or more, even more preferably 1 mm or more, and preferably 10 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or less. The average particle size of the fertilizer composition is the number average diameter based on 100 randomly sampled particles observed with an optical microscope. If there is a major diameter and a minor diameter, the major diameter is measured.

[0051] The fertilizer composition of the present invention is preferably manufactured by coating the surface of the fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention. In other words, the present invention provides a method for producing a fertilizer composition by coating the surface of fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking prevention agent composition of the present invention. The method for producing the fertilizer composition of the present invention can be appropriately applied to the embodiments described in the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition and fertilizer composition of the present invention.

[0052] As a method of coating, the anti-caking agent composition for fertilizers of the present invention may be sprayed or applied, preferably by spraying, to the surface of the fertilizer component particles. After spraying, the fertilizer may be dried by dry air, hot air, heat treatment, etc. By this method, a fertilizer composition can be produced in which the surface of the fertilizer component particles is coated with component (a), component (b), and component (c). A method of spraying the anti-caking agent composition for fertilizers of the present invention onto the surface of the fertilizer component particles includes, for example, spraying the anti-caking agent composition for fertilizers while the fertilizer components are being transported on a belt conveyor or while they are falling as a stream from a conveyor or the like.

[0053] The amount of coating treatment with the fertilizer caking prevention agent composition of the present invention is preferably 500 ppm or more, more preferably 800 ppm or more, even more preferably 1,000 ppm or more, even more preferably 2,000 ppm or more, and preferably 5,000 ppm or less, more preferably 4,000 ppm or less, and even more preferably 3,000 ppm or less, relative to the mass of the fertilizer components, from the viewpoint of preventing caking of the fertilizer.

[0054] After spray coating the surface of the fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking prevention agent composition of the present invention, the fertilizer composition can be dried at room temperature between 10°C and 40°C, or dried by blowing hot air between 50°C and 200°C onto the fertilizer composition.

[0055] [Methods to prevent fertilizer components from caking] The present invention provides a method for preventing caking of fertilizer components, which involves coating the surface of fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking prevention agent composition of the present invention. The method for preventing caking of fertilizer components of the present invention can be appropriately applied to the embodiments described in the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition, the fertilizer composition, and the manufacturing method thereof of the present invention. The method for coating the surface of fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition of the present invention is the same as the embodiment described in the manufacturing method of the fertilizer composition of the present invention.

[0056] Examples The ingredients used in the examples and comparative examples are summarized below.

[0057] <Ingredients (a)> • Sodium lauryl sulfate: "Emal 24D", manufactured by Kao Corporation

[0058] <Ingredient (b)> • Styrene-2-ethylhexyl acrylate copolymer: component (b1), "EBL6948", manufactured by Eternal, molar ratio (styrene / acrylic acid ester) 0.77, weight-average molecular weight 300,000 • Polyvinyl acetate: Component (b2), "ALFACOAT 5408AC", manufactured by ALFA POLIMER, weight-average molecular weight 200,000

[0059] <Ingredient (c)> • Dimethylstearylamine: Ingredient (c1), "Farmin DM8098", manufactured by Kao Corporation • Dimethylpalmitylamine: Ingredient (c1), "Farmin DM6098", manufactured by Kao Corporation • Dimethylmyristylamine: Ingredient (c1), "Farmin DM4098", manufactured by Kao Corporation • Dimethyl laurylamine: Ingredient (c1), "Farmin DM2098", manufactured by Kao Corporation. Glycerin: Ingredient (c2), molecular weight 92.09, hydroxyl value 3, manufactured by Wilmer. Sorbitol: Ingredient (c2), molecular weight 182.17, hydroxyl value 6, manufactured by Kao Corporation. • Diethylene glycol: Component (c2), molecular weight 106.12, hydroxyl value 2, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. • Ethylene glycol: Component (c2), molecular weight 62.07, hydroxyl value 2, manufactured by Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.

[0060] [Preparation of anti-caking agent compositions for fertilizers] A predetermined amount of water and an emulsion of component (b) were mixed and stirred at 50°C for 30 minutes. Component (c) was then added to this mixture and stirred for another 30 minutes at 50°C. Subsequently, component (a) was added to this mixture and stirred for 60 minutes to obtain a fertilizer caking inhibitor composition.

[0061] [Evaluation of anti-caking properties] After sieving particulate NPK fertilizer components (N (nitrogen):P (phosphorus):K (potassium) = 1:1:1 (mass ratio)) through a 4 mm mesh sieve, the prepared anti-caking agent composition for fertilizers was uniformly sprayed onto the surface of the NPK fertilizer component particles using a sprayer to achieve the coating treatment amount shown in Table 1, thereby preparing the fertilizer composition. 80g of the prepared fertilizer composition was filled into a cylindrical mold with a height of 70mm and a diameter of 48mm, with ventilation holes on the side. The mold was then sealed with a pressure of 109kPa and stored in a constant temperature chamber at 30°C and 75% relative humidity for one day, and then at 40°C and 20% relative humidity for two days. After storage, the solidified fertilizer composition was removed from the mold, and the collapse strength (kgf) of the solidified fertilizer composition at a compression speed of 10 mm / min was measured using a compression strength tester (Hung Ta Instrument Co., Ltd., model HT-2402). The results are shown in Table 1. A lower collapse strength indicates that the fertilizer composition remains in a loose, granular state without solidification, and that solidification has been prevented. The collapse strength of the NPK fertilizer component alone, without coating with a fertilizer anti-caking agent composition, was 56.6 kgf.

[0062] [Evaluation of storage stability] The prepared anti-caking agent compositions for fertilizers were left to stand for a predetermined period in a constant temperature room at 25°C. The presence or absence of liquid separation and the properties of the composition were then visually observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1. ○: The liquid has not separated for more than 7 days. ×: The liquid separates in less than 7 days.

[0063] [Table 1]

Claims

1. A fertilizer caking inhibitor composition containing the following components (a), (b), and (c). Ingredient (a): Anionic surfactant Component (b): Styrene and acrylic acid ester copolymer Component (c): One or more selected from dimethylalkylamine (hereinafter referred to as component (c1)) and polyhydric alcohols having a molecular weight of 50 to 200 and a hydroxyl group valency of 2 to 6 (hereinafter referred to as component (c2)).

2. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1, wherein component (a) is one or more selected from alkyl or alkenyl sulfate esters, alkanesulfonic acids, olefin sulfonic acids, fatty acids, and salts thereof.

3. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (a) is an alkyl or alkenyl sulfate ester or a salt thereof.

4. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (a) is lauryl sulfate ester or a salt thereof.

5. A fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising 1% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less of component (a).

6. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (b) is a copolymer of styrene and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

7. A fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, comprising 0.1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less of component (b).

8. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (c) is component (c1).

9. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 8, wherein component (c1) is a dimethylalkylamine with an alkyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms.

10. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 8, comprising 0.5% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less of component (c1).

11. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component (c) is component (c2).

12. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 11, wherein component (c2) is a polyhydric alcohol that is liquid at 25°C.

13. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 11, wherein component (c2) is one or more selected from ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, glycerin, and sorbitol.

14. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 11, comprising 0.5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less of component (c2).

15. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio (c) / (a) of the content of component (a) to the content of component (c) is 0.05 or more and 3 or less.

16. The fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass ratio (b) / [(a)+(c)] of the total content of component (a) and component (c) to the content of component (b) is 0.01 or more and 1.5 or less.

17. A fertilizer composition containing a fertilizer caking inhibitor composition according to claim 1 or 2, and a fertilizer component.

18. The fertilizer composition according to claim 17, wherein the particles have an average particle size of 0.01 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

19. A method for producing a fertilizer composition, comprising coating the surface of fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition described in claim 1 or 2.

20. A method for producing a fertilizer composition according to claim 19, wherein the amount of coating treatment with the fertilizer caking inhibitor composition is 50 ppm or more and 5000 ppm or less relative to the mass of the fertilizer components.

21. A method for preventing caking of fertilizer components, comprising coating the surface of fertilizer component particles with the fertilizer caking prevention agent composition described in claim 1 or 2.

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