Spray dry coating of soil and water biodegradable polymers
A novel approach utilizing spray dry coating technology to apply biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) on nutrient particles, enabling controlled release and biodegradability in soil and water.
Overview
The solution leverages established spray dry coating technology, traditionally used in the pharmaceutical industry, to develop biodegradable coatings for nutrient particles. This method focuses on using polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) to coat particles, allowing for both discrete and agglomerated forms. The innovative approach aims to optimize nutrient delivery systems by enabling controlled release through adjustable coating thickness and polymer selection. This technology is particularly beneficial for agricultural and environmental applications, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact through biodegradable materials.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes PVOH, a known water and soil biodegradable polymer, for coating nutrient particles.
- Capability to produce discrete or agglomerated particles based on spray conditions.
- Adjustable coating thickness to control nutrient release timing.
- Compatible with existing spray coating equipment from manufacturers like GEA and Schott.
- Proven feasibility in lab and commercial scale setups with frac sand and calcium carbonate.
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology stands at TRL 4, indicating that the concept has been validated in a laboratory environment. Future steps include compatibility testing of PVOH with specific chemicals, lab trials to assess process viability, and optimization trials to determine equipment setup and process parameters. A transition to commercial-scale equipment will follow, with potential testing in European facilities.
About Green Bottom Line, Inc.
Green Bottom Line, Inc. is a consulting and contract services firm that specializes in plastics manufacturing, materials science, and sustainability. The company provides expertise in materials selection, plastics formulation, and process development—including injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming—to help clients optimize product design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, they offer services in sustainability testing and certification, regulatory compliance for materials and finished goods, and intellectual property support. Their approach is designed to help small and mid-size companies access specialized technical resources without the need for full-time in-house personnel.
The firm serves as a technical partner, assisting company executives and engineering teams in navigating material requirements, managing formulation and process development programs, and performing competitive analysis. By providing targeted expertise and serving as an on-call technical resource, Green Bottom Line helps clients reduce product costs, meet regulatory standards, and improve operational sustainability. Their services are intended to improve business efficiency and performance by offering professional guidance throughout the product development lifecycle.
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