Characteristics and Performance of Novel Water-Absorbent Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizers

In this article, a research on the characteristics and performance of water-absorbent slow release nitrogen fertilizer （WASRNF） using infrared spectroscopy （IR）, scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）, differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）, and thermogravimetry analysis （TGA）, was present. The results indicate that the water absorbency and nitrogen analysis of WASRNF is 103 g g^-1 and 30%, respectively, and WASRNF exhibits approximately neutral pH and very low salt index. WASRNF is a copolymer of nitrogen fertilizer and super absorbent polymer （SAP） monomers which is formed through hydrogen bond interaction, and the molecule contains hydrophilic groups, which is responsible for the absorption and water retention capacity of the molecule. WASRNF is a gel that exhibits the ability to swell, but does not dissolve in water. WASRNF shows non-homogenous nature as a whole, but in local zone it is homogenous, the copolymer molecule shows chain network that is the physical structure responsible for absorption and retention of water in WASRNF. The water retained in WASRNF exists as free and nonfreezing bound and freezing bound water states, with the free and the nonfreezing water accounting for more than 95% of water retained in WASRNF, and the nonfreezing bound water for less than 5%. WASRNF functions in delaying the release of nitrogen from it, thereby serving a novel slow release nitrogenous fertilizer.

Research Progress of Polymer Fire Extinguishing Gel and Its Application in Forest Fire Prevention

The paper summarizes the structure and water-absorbing mechanism,classification,and preparation method of polymer fire extinguishing gel,and prospects for its application in aerial firefighting,forest ground fire extinguishing,opening of firebreaks,and mitigating human casualties in forest fire extinguishing.

Early Stage Hydration Mechanism of Cellulose Ether Modified Thin Layer Cement Pastes

The early stage hydration mechanism of cellulose ether modified thin layer cement pastes was studied, using brick as the matrix. Samples of 6 h, 24 h, and 3 d and 7 d hydration time were analyzed to study the hydration law on the surface of high water-absorbing matrix. Hydration products were qualitatively and semi-quantitatively analyzed using XRD, TG-DSC-DTG, FTIR and SEM. The experimental results show that there is no enough water for 2 mm thick cement pastes to hydrate, because of rapid water absorption of matrix. Trace amounts of Ca （OH）2 was detected after three days hydration. With the prolongation of hydration time, the category and concentration of hydration products do not change. Compared with 2 mm thick cement pastes, 6 mm thick cement pastes and 10 mm thick cement pastes have lower dehydration rate and water loss. The humidity field of the cement paste show different changes within the same time. 6 mm thick cement paste and 10 mm thick cement pastes have longer time and more water to hydrate. Ca（OH）2 and ettringite were detected after 6 hours hydration and the concentrations of hydration products increased from 24 hours to 7 days.