Stearic-Acid-Coated Sand: A Game Changer for Agriculture Water Management
Abdullah M. Zhazitov M. Kydyrbay N. Duisebayev T. Tezekbay Y. Toktarbaiuly O.
May 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Nanomaterials
2025#15Issue 10
This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of stearic-acid-coated sand (SACS) as a superhydrophobic material for agricultural water management applications. The fabrication process involves coating silica sand particles with stearic acid in an ethanol-based solution, followed by controlled drying to achieve a stable and uniform hydrophobic layer. Structural, chemical, and physical characterizations confirmed the successful functionalization of the sand surface. The coated sand exhibited a high water contact angle (WCA > 150°), indicating strong water repellency and potential for reducing water loss in soil systems. Experimental results demonstrated enhanced moisture retention in SACS-treated soil, prolonging water availability by up to four additional days compared to untreated samples. Despite its promising performance, potential degradation under acidic or organic solvent exposure remains a concern for long-term application. Overall, this work presents SACS as a low-cost, scalable solution to improve water conservation in dry agricultural areas, supporting sustainable farming practices.
functionalized sand , SACS , superhydrophobic coating , surface modification
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Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Laboratory Astana (NLA), Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr 53, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Renewable Energy Laboratory
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