Tri-block Copolymer Coated Fertilizer Anti-floating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controlled-release fertilizers face issues with floating in rain or water due to their hydrophobic coatings, and previous solutions using high HLB surfactants or inorganic powders are either ineffective or inefficient in preventing this problem.
Innovation Solution
A controlled-release fertilizer is developed with a coating layer of olefin-based resin and an additive layer of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EO-PO-EO) or propylene oxide-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (PO-EO-PO) tri-block copolymer, which effectively reduces the floating property by balancing hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, along with the optional use of hydrophilic inorganic powders like precipitated silica.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If hydrophobic resin coating is used to control fertilizer release, then dissolution velocity is controlled and fertilizer efficiency is improved, but floating property increases and fertilizer floats in water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite coating structure consisting of an inner hydrophobic resin layer for controlled release and an outer hydrophilic surfactant layer to prevent floating. This multi-layer composite approach combines the advantages of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials to simultaneously achieve controlled dissolution and anti-floating properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is designed with different local properties: the inner layer has hydrophobic characteristics for controlled fertilizer release, while the outer layer has hydrophilic characteristics for preventing floating. Each layer performs its specific function locally without interfering with the other.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If high HLB surfactant is used to decrease floating, then floating property is reduced, but surfactant is eluted in water and floating still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic resin coating acts as an intermediary between the fertilizer core and the hydrophilic surfactant. It provides a stable anchor for the surfactant, preventing direct elution into water while still allowing the surfactant to perform its anti-floating function at the water interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic resin coating is applied first to create a stable base layer before applying the hydrophilic surfactant. This preliminary action ensures that the surfactant has a stable substrate to adhere to, preventing its premature elution and ensuring long-term anti-floating performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inorganic powder is used to prevent floating, then floating is reduced, but powder attachment is insufficient and powder takes off during process
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic resin coating serves as an intermediary that enhances the attachment of inorganic powder to the fertilizer surface. It provides a suitable interface for powder adhesion, preventing powder detachment during handling and application processes while maintaining the anti-floating effect.
4Reliability
If complex coating process is used to achieve both controlled release and anti-floating, then performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: first applying the hydrophobic resin coating, then applying the hydrophilic surfactant layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through clear separation of functions.
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 significantly decreases the floating of fertilizers in water, reduces dust generation, and ensures efficient attachment of additives with simple mixing methods, enhancing the overall performance and productivity of the fertilizer.
Implementation Method 1
an additive layer of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide (EO-PO-EO) or propylene oxide-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (PO-EO-PO) tri-block copolymer, which effectively reduces the floating property by balancing hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions
Implementation Method 2
the coating of such a controlled-release type fertilizer mostly consist of resin lacking hydrophilicity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a controlled-release type fertilizer with outstandingly decreased floating property, comprising a granular fertilize core; a coating layer (shell) formed on the surface of the granular fertilizer core, and comprising olefin-based resin; and additives attached on the coating layer, and comprising ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide(EO-PO-EO) or propylene oxide-ethylene oxide-propylene oxide(PO-EO-PO) tri-block copolymer.