Technology: University of Florida researchers have developed an innovative dry coating for use in agricultural fertilizer mixtures. Composed of amorphous carbon and polytetrafluoroethylene the coating saves time and money by reducing airborne dust caused by granule-to-granule interactions. By decreasing friction between particles the coating reduces dust generated from particle-to-particle collisions by up to 25 percent over uncoated particles. The coating is applied through mechanical interactions between granules during normal handling operations and as such does not require specialized application systems. Because the external coating does not penetrate the granules it will not interfere with the fertilizer\'s functionality. The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing a unique dry-transfer coating composed of fluoropolymer and amorphous carbon that will control dangerous dust emissions and minimize caking when applied to agricultural fertilizers or other mixtures. When particles in granular fertilizers collide during handling it creates dust wears out handling equipment and wastes materials incurring millions in costs. Breathing in this dust can cause respiratory problems for handlers and others nearby suppressing the body\'s immune system. In an effort to enhance product safety many fertilizer companies spray their granular products with liquids such as fuel oil or glycerin. Though spraying the granules limits harmful dust in the air for a short period of time the liquids must be reapplied frequently at a cost of 50 cents to more than $10 per ton. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a dry coating made from amorphous carbon and polytetrafluoroethylene that works in a single application saving time and money. The newly developed coating could capture a sizeable portion of the global fertilizer market which is expected to reach $193.82 billion by 2017. Application: A dry coating for granular fertilizers that limits hazardous airborne dust in a single application.
-Will not seep into granules the way liquid coatings can eliminating interference with fertilizer functioning-Requires just one application saving time and money -Coating coverage increases with mechanical input maximizing efficiency -Features a versatile design opening a wide range of alternative uses outside of the agricultural fertilizer industry such as mineral steel and paper production