Applications of Functionalized Polymers in Agriculture

A number of functionalized polymer containing pesticide active groups have been discussed for the purpose of developing ideal controlled release formulations for herbicides, molluscicides and wood preservation. These polymers have been prepared either by polymerization of active monomers or by chemical modification. The active groups are attached directly to the polymer backbone or through a spacer group via covalent or ironic bonds. The results obtained from the hydrolysis studies of these functionalized polymers, indicated that several factors appear to be major govering the rates of release of active moieties. These factors include the environmental conditions as well as the effects of polymers compositions, properties and chemical structures such as the degree of crosslinking, the type and ratio of comonomer, the hydrophilicity, the spacer group, the type of the pesticidepolymer chemical bonds, and the simulated conditions necessary to increase the duration of the activity such as pH and temperature.