| abstract |
Exposed are biodegradable anionic polymers, which include repeating polymeric subunits that are preferably composed of vinyl and dicarboxylic monomers, such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers can be complexed with ions and / or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to obtain mixtures for use in agriculture. Preferred products of the invention can be applied to leaves, seeds, fertilizers, or can be placed in the ground around growing plants, to increase the uptake of nutrients by plants. [Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and / or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants. |