Biocomposites for controlled release in agriculture

• Grant number: 15/26730-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 01, 2016
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Roselena Faez
• Grantee: Roselena Faez
• Host Investigator: You-Lo Hsieh
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of California, Davis (UC Davis), United States

Abstract

Controlled delivery system is a remarkable research area since with strategic materials the chemical substances such as agrochemical can target the soil and plant with improve efficacy. Designing polymeric composite materials with synergic properties of the components is a tool to get a peculiar behavior. This project aims to investigate the synthesis of controlled release biocomposites for delivering fertilizers. These biocomposites will be made up of natural polymers (chitosan and carboxy-methyl cellulose) and fiber with hydrophilic and hydrophobic behavior to obtain core-shell type structures. It is expected that these biocomposites effectively release the fertilizer and exhibit high ability to inclusion of the active substances and water sorption. The core-shell composition will be adapted to receive specific types of nutrients. Finally, the biocomposite's ability to release the nutrient in a controlled mode in the soil and water medium and the superabsorbent properties will be investigated. Prof. Hsieh has focused on developing innovations in nanofibers, nanocellulose superabsorbent, materials bio-functionalization, etc. In collaboration, her research in biological nanomaterials with functional properties is expected to accelerate this post-doctoral project.