New Intercalated Polymeric 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Herbicide as Controlled Release Systems

Abstract

In light of the persistent challenges in herbicide release control, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing the release rate of herbicides from polymer–montmorillonite clay composites. Understanding these factors can provide valuable insights for the development of improved controlled release systems, offering enhanced precision and efficiency in herbicide delivery. Polymer-montmorillonite clay composites carrying 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid as controlled release systems were prepared by in-situ polycondensation. The intercalated polymeric 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid composites were characterized using various analytical techniques. Release studies were conducted in aqueous media at different pH levels over an extended period of approximately 80 days. The results revealed the significant influence of various factors on the release rate of the herbicide, including polymer structure, medium composition, percentage of polymer grafting onto clay, clay-to-polymer ratio, and swelling behavior. These findings have important implications for the development of controlled release systems for herbicides. Understanding the factors influencing release rates enables the optimization of composite design and formulation for efficient herbicide delivery. Moreover, this research provides a foundation for future investigations aimed at enhancing the release performance and overall effectiveness of polymer-montmorillonite clay composites. Potential avenues for further research include exploring tailored polymer structures, modifying the clay matrix, and optimizing the clay-to-polymer ratio.