Chemical fertilizer release control using encapsulation in polymer matrix by electrospinning

In this study, the control of the release of urea fertilizer from the nanofibers substrate cellulose acetate polymer was investigated to increase the release time of fertilize it placed. First, cellulose acetate solution was prepared at concentrations of 14.13 and 15% and their nanofibers were produced by electrospinning. By checking the diameter and filamentation of fibers by FESEM images; concentrations of 14 %, as optimal concentration selected. Then cellulose acetate solution of 14 percent (Weight/Volume) containing concentrations of 17, 21 and 23 percent (Weight- Weight) of urea fertilizer, Compared to the weight of cellulose acetate prepared and nanofibers of cellulose acetate solutions containing urea was produced by electrospinning. FTIR test showed that between urea and cellulose acetate has no chemical reaction and fertilizer in the substrate of nanofibers are loaded. It also showed the DSC test, which fertilizer loaded on the bed of nanofibers; increases the degradation rate of cellulose acetate nanofibers. In addition, the release rate of urea fertilizer in distilled water was monitored by using a UV-vis spectrophotometer and the results showed that the release time was increased to 15 days, which is a significant amount.