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Comparative Assessment of Injection and Compression Molding on Soy Protein Bioplastic Matrices for Controlled Iron Release in Horticulture

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Castro-Criado

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain)

  • Mercedes Jiménez-Rosado

    (Chemical and Environmental Bioprocess Engineering Group, Institute I4, University of León, 24071 León, Spain)

  • Víctor M. Pérez-Puyana

    (Department of Engineering and Materials Science and Transportation, University of Seville, 41092 Seville, Spain)

  • Alberto Romero

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain)

Abstract

Conventional horticultural fertilization frequently leads to nutrient loss and environmental contamination, driving interest in biodegradable controlled-release systems. This work developed soy protein isolate (SPI) matrices containing 5 wt.% FeSO 4 ·7H 2 O using injection. The matrices were evaluated for crosslinking, mechanical properties, water uptake (WUC), soluble matter loss (SML), iron-release kinetics in water and soil, and biodegradability under composting conditions. Injection-molded samples achieved very high crosslinking with moderate rigidity and water absorption and delivered iron rapidly in water, while compression-molded samples exhibited slightly lower crosslinking but greater stiffness, higher WUC, minimal SML, and sustained iron release. Notably, both processing methods yielded comparable iron-release profiles in soil and complete biodegradation within 71 days. Overall, compression molding produces SPI-based matrices with superior mechanical strength and water retention, positioning them as an ideal solution for long-lasting, sustainable nutrient delivery in horticulture.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Castro-Criado & Mercedes Jiménez-Rosado & Víctor M. Pérez-Puyana & Alberto Romero, 2025. "Comparative Assessment of Injection and Compression Molding on Soy Protein Bioplastic Matrices for Controlled Iron Release in Horticulture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:12:p:1298-:d:1680571
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