Urea-montmorillonite-extruded nanocomposites: a novel slow-release material

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 May 30;60(21):5267-72. doi: 10.1021/jf3001229. Epub 2012 May 21.

Abstract

The present study describes the preparation and characterization of a novel urea slow-release nanocomposite, based on urea intercalation into montmorillonite clay by an extrusion process at room temperature. Nanocomposites with urea contents ranging from 50 to 80 wt % were successfully produced and characterized. Analyses by XRD, DTA, and SEM-EDX confirmed the effectiveness of this simple process to exfoliate the clay lamellae into the urea matrix, forming a product that can be classified as a nanocomposite, due to the exfoliation degree attained. Diametral compression tests showed that the samples were very deformable, and the release rate of active components in water showed that the nanocomposite showed a slow release behavior for urea dissolution, even in low montmorillonite amounts (20% in weight).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / instrumentation*
  • Bentonite / chemistry*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / pharmacokinetics*
  • Fertilizers / analysis*
  • Kinetics
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Urea / pharmacokinetics*

Substances

  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Fertilizers
  • Bentonite
  • Urea