Preparation and applications of controlled release systems based on intercalated atrazine salt and polymeric atrazine salt onto montmorillonite clay

Polymer–clay composites carrying atrazine and polymeric atrazine salts as new controlled release systems have been prepared. Polymeric atrazine was prepared by polycondensation of atrazine with diethyl 2,3-O-dichloroacetyl-tartrate and diethyl-tartrate. The intercalation of the atrazine and polymeric atrazine salts onto MMT was carried out through cation exchange process. The characterizations of the prepared materials were determined by a various analytical techniques. The release rate of the active herbicide from the products was determined in both aqueous medium at different pH and salt concentration and in soil column. The release from the intercalated compound in the soil takes place within one month, while the free atrazine was lost completely through leaching after four days. The pots and field applications of the intercalated compounds on some herbs and maize were investigated. The results of this study showed high activity of the prepared compounds on the herbs inhibition and in the same time increasing the growth rate of maize compared with the conventional herbicide.