Biodegradable Lignin Coated Fertilizer for Controlled Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled release fertilizers face challenges due to the use of non-biodegradable polymers and organic solvents, leading to environmental pollution and inefficient nutrient release, while the use of lignin in large-scale applications is limited by its complex structure.
Innovation Solution
A coated fertilizer product with a coating comprising an inner layer of lignin and a hydrophobic outward layer, using biodegradable components and natural polymers, without organic solvents, to achieve controlled release of nutrients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If non-biodegradable polymers are used for coating fertilizers to achieve controlled release, then nutrient release control is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to microplastic formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable synthetic polymers to biodegradable natural polymers (lignin, cellulose, starch). This parameter change maintains the controlled release function while eliminating microplastic formation, as the coating naturally degrades into harmless substances after serving its nutrient release control purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable polymers that can be disposed of naturally in the environment after their function is complete. The coating is designed to degrade safely in the soil, transforming from a protective barrier into harmless natural substances, thus avoiding long-term environmental pollution while maintaining controlled release during the crop growth period.
2Manufacturing precision
If organic solvents are used in the coating process to improve coating uniformity, then coating quality is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to solvent emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical solvent-based coating system with a water-based or solvent-free system. The natural polymers are processed using mechanical mixing and water as the carrier medium, eliminating organic solvent emissions while maintaining coating uniformity through controlled water evaporation and polymer deposition mechanisms.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If lignin is used as coating material to reduce cost and improve biodegradability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but application complexity increases due to lignin's complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite coating materials by combining lignin with other natural polymers (cellulose, starch) and modifying their physical properties through controlled processing. This composite approach simplifies the application process by creating a more workable material system while maintaining the biodegradability and environmental benefits of lignin, reducing the complexity of handling and applying the coating.
4Productivity
If large quantities of fertilizers are used to meet increasing food production demands, then crop production is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to nitrogen loss and eutrophication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of nutrient release by designing a coating that gradually degrades and releases nutrients over extended periods. The coating's degradation rate is controlled to match crop nutrient requirements, providing sustained nutrient supply that prevents both nutrient deficiency and excessive nutrient loss, thereby reducing eutrophication while maintaining high crop production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the coating to fertilizer granules before application to the soil, pre-controlling the release kinetics. This preliminary action ensures that nutrients are released at the correct rate and time, preventing premature nutrient loss through volatilization or leaching, and optimizing both crop production and environmental sustainability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved controlled release of nutrients over extended periods, reduces environmental pollution by eliminating microplastics, and enhances the ease of drying and coating process.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic outward layer
Implementation Method 2
readily biodegradable components and natural polymers
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a controlled release coated fertilizer product comprising a fertilizer granule core and a coating of readily biodegradable components and natural polymers. The coating comprises an inner layer comprising lignin and a hydrophobic outward layer. The present disclosure further concerns a method for preparing a coated fertilizer product and the use of the coated fertilizer for controlled release of nutrients in farming.