Development of a coating system for seeds and sowing sensing based on polyurethane doped with ZnS

• Grant number: 24/08188-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Cauê Ribeiro de Oliveira
• Grantee: Beatriz Damasio de Freitas
• Host Institution: Embrapa Instrumentação Agropecuária. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With the advancement of technology in Industry 4.0, the use of planting methods through unmannedaerial vehicles (drones) has gained prominence. However, the utilization of these methods isinfluenced by regional climatic contexts, resulting in a heterogeneous distribution of seeds. As a countermeasure to this disadvantage, the practice of replanting is often employed to mitigate losses, which leads to an excessive consumption of seeds beyond what is necessary. In this context, this project aims to develop a technological route for the application of coatings on seeds with luminescent properties, which facilitate visual identification (or by cameras) and allow for quick mapping by drones, even at night. It is proposed to develop a nanocomposite polymer from biodegradable polyurethanes (based on vegetable oils) loaded with a luminescent nanoparticulate material, such as zinc sulfide doped with transition metals and/or lanthanides (e.g., Cu, Mn, Eu, and Ce). This approach aims to optimize the planting process, minimize seed waste, and provide a newtechnological alternative for automated and highly efficient planting.