Glufosinate Ammonium-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes for Slow-Release Weeding Polymer Mulch Films
Xianfei Jia, Yan Yan, Kun Zhang, Chuanjun Wang, Xiaoqing You, Shangshan Yang, Jiayin Wang, Bing Zhang, Yijia Wang, Jiazhuo Xie, Jing Xu
Abstract
Improving the performance and giving function to poly(butylene adipate- co -terephthalate) (PBAT)-based biodegradable mulch film have always been research hotspots. However, the problems of a translucent PBAT-based film, which decreases in performance over time and is easily damaged by weeds, need to be solved. In this study, 11.17 wt % of the commercial contact herbicide Glufosinate-ammonium (Glu) was loaded into the lumen of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The Glu-loaded HNTs (Glu@HNTs) and other treatment groups were further incorporated into the PBAT/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite films by melt blending and blow molding. Results demonstrated that Glu, HNTs, and Glu@HNTs dispersed uniformly in the composite films. Remarkably, while maintaining the original tensile strength of the film, the nominal strain of transverse fracture was increased by 19.6% to 51.2%, and the least water vapor transmission was reduced by 46.7% to 68.5%. Furthermore, the composite films added with Glu@HNTs can successfully kill green bristlegrass and show a good slow-release effect, which can avoid premature release of the herbicide before the weeds grow up. Overall, the combination of inorganic nanofiller-modified PBAT/PLA film and weeding has positive significance for reducing soil pollution and helping the long-term efficient use of biodegradable mulching.