Methods of making and using a superabsorbent polymer product including a bioactive, growth-promoting additive
US7423090B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2991
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of and a product formed by entrapping a bioactive, growth-promoting additive in a starch matrix to form a starch-based, superabsorbent polymer product for use in agricultural applications involves (1) graft polymerizing a monomer and a starch to form a starch graft copolymer including a starch matrix; (2) isolating the starch graft copolymer; (3) forming particles of starch graft copolymer; and (4) adding a bioactive, growth-promoting additive such that at least some of the bioactive, growth-promoting additive is entrapped by the starch matrix. Following placement of the starch-based SAP including a bioactive, growth-promoting additive in proximity to a plant, root, seed, or seedling, growth of the plant, root, seed, or seedling is promoted because availability of beneficial nutrients is increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.