Modification on Polyvinyl Alcohol and the Function as Membrane Agent for the Seed Coating Formulation

The blended membrane based on the water-soluble polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and water-insoiuble vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) latex was prepared by solution casting method, which is a new approach for the pesticide membrane. The structure and morphology of the blends were investigated and identified by infrared spectroscopy , laser particle-sizer and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The result with IR suggested that the strong effect due to hydrogen bonding resulted in the disassembly of PVA micelle because of the addition of VAE, which was also confirmed by particle distribution and TEM. Furthermore, the rapid increase of special surface area and the disappearance of the interface showed that the compatibility of the blends was perfectly nice. When the content of VAE reached 20%, 30% and 40% the function as the pesticide membrane for seed coating was feasible, which presented by the investigation of penetrability and waterproof ability. The result of seed germination assays showed that the addition of VAE could efficiently the waterproof ability of the seed coating and did few inhibitions on penetrability, thereby the seed germination.