Celvol® Polyvinyl Alcohol is perfectly suited for use as a seed coating. It can offer protection for seeds until ideal germination conditions occur, as the water soluble coating ensures that the seed does not germinate until adequate temperature and moisture conditions are present.
It also offers opportunity for engineered dosing when serving as both a coating and a binder for fertilizers and nutrients. In addition, it can assist in mechanical planting operations by providing for a slick, non-sticky seed surface.
In the case of cotton seeds, another benefit is the ability for PVOH to smooth the lint and prevent seeds from entanglement. The use of a PVOH coating can reduce the need for mechanical delinting and eliminate acid delinting while providing the additional benefits mentioned above.
Recipe for Success
To realize the benefits of using Celvol polyvinyl alcohol in seed coating, it must be properly prepared before use. Our simple, five-step cooking procedure (Solution Preparation) will ensure proper dissolution and optimal performance.
For customers whose equipment is limited, Ready-to-Use Solutions are available.
Recommended starting formulation:
- 4% solution of Celvol 203, 205, 523 or 540 in water (ultimate grade and concentration chosen depends on processing path)
- Additives per customer design
- Coating may be applied via:
- Stir-in
- Spray dryer
- Fluidized bed
- Drum coater
- Others
- Seeds may be dried via:
- Convection oven
- Tumble dryer
- Other
- If sticky, coat with a light layer of talc
Ready to Use Coating Available
For customers who are looking for “ready-to-use” coatings, Celanese offers Celvol Polyvinyl Alcohol solutions. A Celvol solution eliminates the dissolution step and offers a number of advantages, including a ready-to-use coating, improved solution consistency and lower energy and processing costs (no cook required).
