The effect of the molecular structure of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on the states of water, wettability, and swelling properties of cryogels prepared with and without CaO.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) belongs to the cellulose ether family that has hydroxyl groups substituted by hydrophobic methyl groups (DS) and hydrophilic hydroxypropyl groups (MS). Herein, the interactions between water molecules and cryogels prepared with HPMC in the presence and absence of a linear nonionic surfactant, as well as CaO microparticles, which react with water producing O, were systematically investigated by sorption experiments and Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Regardless of the DS and MS, most water molecules presented transverse relaxation time t2 typical of intermediate water and a small population of more tightly bound water.

A review of advances over 20 years on polysaccharide-based polymers applied as enhanced efficiency fertilizers.

Over the last 20 years, polysaccharide-based materials have garnered attention in the enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) research. Biodegradability, non-toxicity, water-solubility, swellability, and ease of chemical modification make these polymers suitable for agricultural applications. In this review, the polysaccharides-based EEFs advances are summarized over the polymer and co-materials selection, the methods, and the chemical/structure aspects necessary for an appropriate production.

Micronutrients encapsulation by starch as an enhanced efficiency fertilizer.

Developing different paths to achieve sustainable agriculture is no longer an option; it is a necessity. EEF materials are alternatives to improve the efficacy of the agrochemicals in the soil and plant, reducing wasting and environmental contamination. The present work aims to develop EEF materials based on starch and micronutrients, considering few works address EEFs materials with micronutrients.