A novel polystyrene/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for sustainable fertilizer delivery.
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| Title: | A novel polystyrene/carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel for sustainable fertilizer delivery. |
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| Authors: | Soliman, Soliman M. A.1 (AUTHOR) sabdellatif@sci.cu.edu.eg, Fahim, Marie E.1 (AUTHOR), Mohamed, Riham R.1 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Polymer Bulletin. Nov2025, Vol. 82 Issue 17, p12187-12205. 19p. |
| Subjects: | Polystyrene, Carboxymethylcellulose, Agricultural productivity, Biodegradation, Fertilizers, Controlled release technology, Hydrogels |
| Abstract: | Excessive and inefficient use of conventional fertilizers often leads to low nutrient use efficiency, increased nutrient leaching, and environmental pollution. To address these challenges, this study focuses on the development of a novel hydrogel system designed for controlled-release fertilizer delivery. Hydrogels increase fertilizer efficiency by improving soil structure, lowering fertilizer leaching, and delaying nutrient release. This technique increases the effectiveness of fertilizer use, decreases fertilizer loss, and extends the time when nutrients are available. Specifically, a hydrogel composed of polystyrene (PS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), crosslinked with N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA), was synthesized and characterized to evaluate its potential in improving nutrient release profiles. The structural, morphological, and thermal properties of hydrogels—with and without loaded fertilizers—were systematically analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Swelling behavior was assessed under different pH conditions, and biodegradability was evaluated in a simulated soil environment. The biodegradability of the CMC/PS hydrogel was evidenced by a 15% weight loss within just 5 days. Fertilizer release studies were conducted using atomic absorption spectroscopy to monitor the release kinetics of incorporated urea and calcium nitrate at different loading ratios. The release profiles were fitted to various kinetic models, including zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. The results revealed strong intermolecular interactions between the CMC, PS matrix, and the loaded fertilizers. The hydrogel exhibited high water absorption capacity and demonstrated notable biodegradability in soil. Furthermore, calcium ion (Ca2⁺) release followed more sustained and controlled kinetics compared to urea. Overall, the synthesized CMC–PS hydrogel shows promise as an efficient carrier for controlled fertilizer delivery, potentially enhancing nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
| Abstract: | Excessive and inefficient use of conventional fertilizers often leads to low nutrient use efficiency, increased nutrient leaching, and environmental pollution. To address these challenges, this study focuses on the development of a novel hydrogel system designed for controlled-release fertilizer delivery. Hydrogels increase fertilizer efficiency by improving soil structure, lowering fertilizer leaching, and delaying nutrient release. This technique increases the effectiveness of fertilizer use, decreases fertilizer loss, and extends the time when nutrients are available. Specifically, a hydrogel composed of polystyrene (PS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), crosslinked with N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA), was synthesized and characterized to evaluate its potential in improving nutrient release profiles. The structural, morphological, and thermal properties of hydrogels—with and without loaded fertilizers—were systematically analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Swelling behavior was assessed under different pH conditions, and biodegradability was evaluated in a simulated soil environment. The biodegradability of the CMC/PS hydrogel was evidenced by a 15% weight loss within just 5 days. Fertilizer release studies were conducted using atomic absorption spectroscopy to monitor the release kinetics of incorporated urea and calcium nitrate at different loading ratios. The release profiles were fitted to various kinetic models, including zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. The results revealed strong intermolecular interactions between the CMC, PS matrix, and the loaded fertilizers. The hydrogel exhibited high water absorption capacity and demonstrated notable biodegradability in soil. Furthermore, calcium ion (Ca2⁺) release followed more sustained and controlled kinetics compared to urea. Overall, the synthesized CMC–PS hydrogel shows promise as an efficient carrier for controlled fertilizer delivery, potentially enhancing nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01700839 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s00289-025-05980-4 |
