Nanofiller-Polymer Composites for Sustainable Agriculture
摘要
Agriculture is considered one of the most important activities practiced by humanity for centuries. But nowadays, agriculture faces multiple challenges due to technological evolution, increment in population density, climate change, etc. To overcome these challenges, scientists were concerned with incorporating nanotechnology into many agricultural applications. Nanotechnology has become critical in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture development. Indeed, nanotechnology has enabled nanostructured materials, including nanosensors, nanopesticides, and nanofertilizers, to improve crop productivity, decrease environmental protection costs, and enhance the quality of the traditional food and agriculture industries. Nanofillers could be nanoscale agrochemicals (nanosensors—nanofertilizers—nanopesticides) in agricultural systems rather than conventional agro-practices. This chapter discusses the most recent nanotechnology applications and challenges in reducing soil, water, and air pollution as well as explains the use of nanosensors in agricultural production to discover soil humidity, pesticide residue, nutrient requirements, and agricultural insect identification. Furthermore, the role of nanofertilizers is to prevent unwanted nutrient deficiencies in soil, water, and air. And nanopesticides can potentially increase crop protection and food production and reduce environmental impact. Also, environmentally friendly biopolymers and nanofiller’s interaction led to improved features and functions of nanocomposite materials, like Chitosan and cellulose, which can be combined with nanofillers in aim to produce mulch films and agrochemicals which will help in reducing the pollution of soil. The properties of nanocomposites could be improved based on nanofillers’ properties, including barrier properties, antimicrobial, improved mechanical strength, antioxidant properties, or thermal stability.