Improving the properties of ammonium nitrate fertilizer using additives

Ammonium nitrate fertilizer is a very hygroscopic material. Absorption of moisture by ammonium nitrate leads to a decrease in the mechanical strength of the granules, thus the chance of dust formation during storage is very high. This phenomena eventually leads to the caking of the fertilizer and its transformation to a solid lump accompanied by major economic losses. In this study attempts were made for the purpose of the prevention of caking and the reduction of dust formation of ammonium nitrate fertilizer during storage. This was achieved by coating the surface of the granules with urea lignosulfonate mixtures, which renders the surface of the granules hydrophobic. The best results obtained were: a urea lignosulfonate mixture containing 80% solids, a mixing ratio between urea and lignosulfonate not exceeding 1:2 and a% coating not more than 0.3%. © Faculty of Engineering Alexandria University.