In the production of fertilizer granules, binders are crucial additives that ensure the granulated fertilizer have the better strength, durability, and cohesion. Then, to choose the right granular fertilizer binders, you need to focus on the granule strength, produced fertilizer types, moisture, and fertilizer granulators you buy, etc. Right binder using is key to optimizing the final granular fertilizer product strength and quality. At the same time, it also can enhance the efficiency of the organic and compound fertilizer pellets production process.

Why we need to use right granular fertilizer binders?

In general, there are 2 benefits for fertilizer pellets manufacturing to add binders:

Help fertilizer granulation faster

Binders in granular fertilizer production primarily enhance the cohesion between the powder materials. So, they will conbine with each other to form into granular fertilizer quickly.

Improve fertilizer pellets quality

n addition, if you want to enhance the mechanical strength of your fertilizer granules, some binders also can meet your requirments. So they can withstand physical stress without crumbling and easier to transport, storage and use.

Top 4 Key Factors in selecting Binders for your fertilizer granulation

When choosing a binder for fertilizer granulation, several factors must be taken into account:

Your purpose: Improving fertilizer ball strength or speeding up the powder to granules process?

Before choosing granular fertilizer binders, you need to clear your purpose in fertilizer pellet making. Improving fertilizer ball strength or speeding up the powder to granules process?

  • If you need to improve the hardness of the granulated fertilizer to prevent breakage during transport, storage, and application. You can add fertilizer granulation binders of cellulose, lignin sulfonate, resins, etc.

  • Then, for those who only want to make powder form into fertilizer granules faster, the water and starch are better choice for you.

  • Moreover, to make granular fertilizer with good moisture resistance, there are also resins and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for you.

Strength Enhance
cellulose, lignin sulfonate, resins, etc
Faster Granulation
water and starch
Moisture Resistance
resins and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

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Fertilizer Type: organic or chemical?

The type of fertilizer being produced (organic, chemical, slow-release, etc.) significantly affects granular fertilizer binders choice.

Organic fertilizer making line for saleNPK fertilizer production line for sale

Moisture Content of fertilizer granulation

At the same time, the moisture content during fertilizer granulation is another important consideration for binders choosing.

  • If the moisture level is too high or too low, fertilizer granules may not form properly, even with a binder.

  • Some binders, such as starch, work best in slightly moist conditions, while others, like synthetic polymers, can perform well in a broader range of moisture levels.

Starch to speed up fertilizer pellet makingPolyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for NPK fertilizer granulation

Compatibility with your fertilizer granulator

The chose binder should be compatible with the granulation equipment your buy.

  • When you buy drum granulator or pan pelletizer only, it is advisable to choose binders of starch, cellulose, lignin sulfonate, etc. Because they can play a role when adding in the fertilizer granulation process.

  • But, if you want to use polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), resins, etc, which wield their function better by coating. You need to have a fertilizer granulation line with coating equipment.

What granular fertilizer binders are commonly used?

As mentioned above, there are 5 types of binders are commonly used in fertilizer pellets manufacturing.

Starch to speed up fertilizer pellet making

Starch to speed up fertilizer pellet making

Source: Corn, potato, or tapioca.

Function: A natural binder that helps improve granule strength and cohesion. It is biodegradable, making it a good choice for organic fertilizers. Starch is most effective when the granulation process involves slightly moist conditions.

Cellulose as granular fertilizer binder

Cellulose as granular fertilizer binder

Source: Plant fibers.

Function: A natural binder that works well in creating durable granules, especially in organic or bio-based fertilizers. Cellulose helps retain moisture and improves the overall strength of the granules.

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for NPK fertilizer granulation

Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for NPK fertilizer granulation

Source: Synthetic polymer.

Function: PVA is highly effective in creating strong, water-soluble granules. It is often used in NPK fertilizers or other synthetic fertilizer blends. PVA offers excellent moisture resistance and durability.

Lignin Sulfonate as binder for fertilizer granulation

Lignin Sulfonate as binder for fertilizer granulation

Source: Byproduct of the paper industry.

Function: An environmentally friendly binder that offers a high level of adhesion. It’s often used in combination with NPK and other compound fertilizers to improve granule strength at a lower cost.

Resin for fertilizer granulation better

Resin for fertilizer granulation better

Source: Synthetic materials. e.g., Phenolic Resins

Function: Resins are used to produce granules with high strength and resistance to moisture. They are ideal for fertilizers that require mechanical stress resistance, such as high-density NPK fertilizers.

If you have any other things want to know about fertilizer granulation or fertilizer preparing, welcome to contact us immediately.

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