Synthesis and application of sustainable polymeric materials for the controlled release of fertilizers (CRFs)

This thesis explores the development of a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) by coating granular urea with a sustainable polymeric dispersion based on polyvinyl acetate and polysaccharides. Innovative in its design, the system functions as a biofertilizer by encapsulating beneficial bacterial cells within the polymeric matrix. This system is intended to provide a dual-action mechanism that regulates urea release while facilitating the delivery of live inoculants to the rhizosphere. The study evaluates the properties of the latexes obtained by emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate in the presence of two different polysaccharides (PolyS A and PolyS B) and their application for the creation of coating films on urea granules by spray drying processes. The developed coating slowed urea release in water, highlighting the role of coating thickness for effective nutrient regulation.