Sugarcane bagasse derivative-based superabsorbent containing phosphate rock with water-fertilizer integration

To improve the water-fertilizer utilization ratio and mitigate the environmental contamination, an eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer (SPA), modified sugarcane bagasse/poly (acrylic acid) embedding phosphate rock (MSB/PAA/PHR), was prepared. Ammonia, phosphate rock (PHR) and KOH were admixed in the presence of acrylic acid to provide nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrients, respectively. Impacts on water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) were investigated. The maximum swelling capacity in distilled water and 0.9 wt.% (weight percent) NaCl solution reached 414 g g(-1) and 55 g g(-1) (water/prepared SAP), respectively. The available NPK contents of the combination system were 15.13 mg g(-1), 6.93 mg g(-1) and 52.05 mg g(-1), respectively. Moreover, the release behaviors of NPK in the MSB/PAA/PHR were also studied. The results showed that the MSB/PAA/PHR has outstanding sustained-release plant nutrients property. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.