Evaluation of Urea Encapsulation by Microcapsules of PHB/MMT and PHB/OMMT Nanocomposites

Author(s):Show less -

Arjona, J. C. ; Valenzuela-Diaz, F. R. ; Wiebeck, H. ; Wang, S. H. ; Silva-Valenzuela, M. G. ; Li, B ; Li, J ; Ikhmayies, S ; Zhang, M ; Kalay, YE ; Carpenter, JS ; Hwang, JY ; Monteiro, SN ; Firrao, D ; Brown, A ; Bai, C ; Peng, Z ; EscobedoDiaz, JP ; Goswami, R ; Kim, J

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CHARACTERIZATION OF MINERALS, METALS, AND MATERIALS 2018; v. N/A, p. 8-pg., 2018-01-01.

Abstract

Urea is the most used nitrogen fertilizer around the world being responsible for many environmental problems. Preparation of microcapsules from biodegradable polymer has been reported as a main system to sustain active substances, finding application in different areas. The objective of this work was to sustain urea in nanocomposite microcapsules of poly(3-hidroxybutyrate) (PHB) reinforced with a smectite Brazilian clay in its natural (MMT) and modified (OMMT) form. PHB/MMT and PHB/OMMT microcapsules were obtained by w/o/w emulsion. Characterization were performed by XRD and optical microscopy. Structural and morphological differences observed by XRD and optical microscopy shown that PHB/OMMT microcapsules are smaller than PHB/MMT microcapsules, with average size diameter ranging similar to 49 m. Results indicate that PHB/OMMT microcapsules present more defects and fractures than PHB/MMT microcapsules. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/51871-9 - Study Center for Technology in Waste Solid Treatment and Recycling - SCTWSTR
• Grantee: Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/50027-7 - Purification, rheology, mineralogical characterization and modification of Brazilian clays for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and products of high added value
• Grantee: Francisco Rolando Valenzuela Diaz
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants