Epoxidized Fatty Acid Triglyceride Oil Coating Additive for Controlled Release Fertilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) face challenges with mechanical handling durability due to thin coatings that are susceptible to damage during handling, affecting nutrient release rates and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating epoxidized fatty acid triglyceride oil into the polyol, isocyanate, and wax coating formulation to enhance mechanical handling durability by acting as a compatibilizer and plasticizer, reducing the impact of handling on the release profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin coating is applied to control nutrient release rate, then fertilizer use efficiency is improved, but mechanical handling durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite coating system consisting of multiple layers: an inner polyol-isocyanate polyurethane coating layer and an outer wax coating layer. This composite structure combines the controlled release properties of the polyurethane matrix with the protective and hydrophobic properties of the wax outer layer, achieving both reliable nutrient release control and improved mechanical handling durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a thin polyol-isocyanate polyurethane coating (3-50 microns) that provides controlled release properties while using an outer wax layer to enhance mechanical durability. The flexible polyurethane matrix maintains the thin film structure necessary for controlled release, while the wax outer shell protects against mechanical damage during handling.
2Reliability
If wax content is increased to control nutrient release rate, then coating thickness can be reduced, but mechanical handling durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional properties to different regions of the coating system: the inner polyol-isocyanate polyurethane layer provides controlled release properties and mechanical flexibility, while the outer wax layer provides hydrophobicity and protective functions. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system where the polyol-isocyanate polyurethane matrix provides structural integrity and controlled release, while the wax outer layer enhances protection and reduces moisture ingress. This composite approach allows effective nutrient release control with reduced coating thickness while maintaining mechanical handling durability.
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 use of epoxidized fatty acid triglyceride oil improves the mechanical handling durability of CRFs, maintaining a reliable nutrient release rate and resistance to coating damage during handling and storage, as demonstrated by reduced nitrogen release after the Paint Shaker test.
Implementation Method 1
a coating comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising a polyol, an isocyanate, a wax and an epoxidized fatty acid triglyceride oil
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating epoxidized fatty acid triglyceride oil into the polyol, isocyanate, and wax coating formulation to enhance mechanical handling durability by acting as a compatibilizer and plasticizer
Implementation Method 3
maintaining a reliable nutrient release rate and resistance to coating damage during handling and storage, as demonstrated by reduced nitrogen release after the Paint Shaker test
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by at least one coating comprising the reaction product of a mixture comprising a polyol, an isocyanate, a wax and an epoxidized fatty acid triglyceride oil.