Известия Томского политехнического университета: Инжиниринг георесурсов (Jan 2021)

MONTMORILLONITE AS A PROSPECTIVE COMPOSITE MINERAL FOR THE CREATION OF MODERN SLOW-RELEASE FERTILIZERS

  • Maxim A. Rudmin,
  • Igor V. Reva,
  • Tamara Yu. Yakich,
  • Bulat R. Soktoev,
  • Ales S. Buyakov,
  • Roman B. Tabakaev,
  • Kanipa Ibraeva

DOI
https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2021/1/2995
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 332, no. 1
pp. 14 – 22

Abstract

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The relevance of the research.The solution of environmental problems in the agricultural sector is possible throughthe use of new slow-released or controlled release fertilizers.This article presents options for using montmorillonite as a component of modern nitrogen fertilizers with controlled properties and the results of studying mineral transformations in the mechanochemical activation at various parameters. The main aim of the work was to evaluate activation mechanisms of the montmorillonite as an inhibitor of nitrogen composites for creating slow-release fertilizers. The methods: mechanochemical activation by planetary and ring mills, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis. Results.The proportion of intercalated urea in montmorillonite (for M1N1 mixtures) is slightly changed within 22,3...23,2% for the planetary mill activation for 3, 8 or 11 minutes. The maximum intercalation degree of 23,2% was achieved in the activation for 3 minutes. However, about 40...50% of the aggregated particles are covered with an outer shell of excess urea up to 2,5 µm in the thick after an 11-minute operation for the planetary mill. The proportion of intercalated urea in montmorillonite is slightly changed from 23,2 to 21,6% for the activation time increases from 30 to 120 minutes in a ring mill. While the activation time was increased, urea microcrystallites were formed on the surface of mineral particles. Mineral products synthesized by planetary or ring mill activation have the potential to be used as slow-release fertilizers with several beneficial functions. Composites synthesized with 11-minute or 120-minute planetary or ring mills, respectively, are characterized by two types of nitrogen. Fertilizers will initially release nutrients at a high rate from the outer urea film. After that, exchangeable nitrogen will be released from the interlayer space of montmorillonite, thereby providing prolonged nutrition of the plants.

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