An FTIR Spectroscopic Study of a Novel Kaolinite-NPK Mixture

In the present study, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic characterization

of a novel mixture of kaolinite-NPK is described. Kaolinite is an environmentally friendly

substance that exhibits good structural properties when used as a carrier of chemical fertilizers.

Mixtures of kaolinite and NPK fertilizer were prepared by mechanochemical ball milling with

three different mass ratios (Kaolinite : NPK = 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1). The milling parameters were

varied in order to obtain the best mixture consistency. These include milling time (60, 120, and

180 min) and rotational speed (200, 400 and 700 rpm). The studied NPK fertilizers are urea

(CON2H4), ammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4), and potassium dihydrogen phosphate

(KH2PO4). The result indicated that a mass ratio of kaolinite: NPK of 3:1 and a milling duration

of 120 min at a rotational speed of 600 rpm represent the most suitable conditions to synthesize a

novel kaolinite-NPK mixture. A possible application of this mixture is the use as a slow-release

fertilizer.

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