DEVELOPMENT OF ECO-SAFE AND LOW-EXPLOSIVE FERTILIZER BY MODIFYING AMMONIUM NITRATE WITH MAGNESIUM-CONTAINING MINERALS TO IMPROVE ITS THERMOCHEMICAL STABILITY
Annotatsiya
This research focuses on producing a safe and thermally stable fertilizer by modifying ammonium nitrate (AN) with serpentinite, a magnesium-containing mineral. AN:SP mass ratios from 100:1 to 100:50 were studied; the 100:20 ratio showed optimal performance. At this ratio, nitrogen content remained at 30.58%, granule strength reached 3.895 kg/granule, and dissolution time was 136.8 sec. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of N–H, O–H, N–O, and Mg–O–Mg bonds, and indicating strong interaction between components. SEM images revealed a porous and rough structure with well-dispersed serpentinite particles. TGA–DTA results showed major decomposition at 270 °C with an 81.4% mass loss, suggesting improved thermal stability and reduced explosiveness. Visually, the granules transformed from white (pure AN) to dark grey (modified AN–SP), confirming physical modification. These results suggest that AN–SP (100:20) is a promising, ecosafe, and slow-release fertilizer suitable for safer storage, transport, and sustainable agriculture.