Formulation of polymeric binder system in urea fertilizer containing biodegradable PVA and starch

Othaman, Anis Nabihan (2017) Formulation of polymeric binder system in urea fertilizer containing biodegradable PVA and starch. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

	Text (24 Pages) Formulation Of Polymeric Binder System In Urea Fertilizer Containing Biodegradable PVA And Starch.pdf - Submitted Version Download (499kB)
	Text (Full Text) Formulation of polymeric binder system in urea fertilizer containing biodegradable PVA and starch.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB)

Abstract

The aims of the study are to formulate the polymeric binder system in urea fertilizer containing biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and starch. The raw materials were characterized by particle size analyzer (PSA) and Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR). The binder was prepared through weighing, mixing and heating the raw materials composition using a laboratory heating plate. Sample of fertilizer were prepared using a fluidized bed granulator (FBG) by pumping in the urea powder into its chamber. The machine parameters such as atomization air pressure, frequency of the fan, inlet temperature for drying and spraying were selected based on the previous work. The amount of binder and its addition rate were adjusted accordingly. After the granulation process finished, the collected granules were sieved and estimated the size. Based on industrial standard the granules should range from 2 mm to 4 mm. The granules were dried in the oven for three hours at 45°C before further analysis using FTIR for polymeric bonding and granule hardness test. The biodegradability and water absorption test were carried out for the degradation of composite urea test. The density of the composite urea was measured using densimeter. It showed that the composite urea contained highest percentage of starch which is 15% more beneficial for this study. The compositional analysis by FTIR showed that urea-PVA-starch were chemically bonded to each other. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated that the urea granules were comprised of agglomeration of smaller granules attached and bonded together to form bigger granules.

Actions (login required)

View Item