Chigozie Francolins Uzoh, Ph.D.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Alexander Von Humboldt Fellowship for Experienced Researchers

Engr. Dr. Chigozie Francolins Uzoh is an esteemed academic in the field of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with over a decade of experience in research, teaching, and professional service. He holds a PhD, M.Eng., and B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, and CAS-PIFI Postdoctoral Research award in Institute of Process Engineering (IPE) China. He is a Pioneer Head and Associate Professor in Petroleum Engineering Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Dr. Uzoh is currently a Senior Research Fellow of Alexander von Humbolt Foundation at the Institute for Solid Process Engineering (SPE), Technical University of Hamburg (TUHH) Germany. His research focus on developing a fundamental understanding of the design and optimization of processes and products, specifically for environmental applications, controlled release coated fertilizer (CRCF), petroleum and petrochemicals, bio-based and sustainable coating technologies.

Controlled Urea Release by Lignin-Palm Stearin Based Bio-resin Encapsulation in Fluidized Bed

Effective precision farming relies on high-quality controlled-release coated urea (CRCU) fertilizer, which hinges on optimal coating film properties and precise nutrient-release kinetics. The development of CRCU fertilizers is hindered by the lack of a coating material that addresses all the issues associated with uncoated urea, including inconsistent nutrient release profiles, coating uniformity, biodegradability and environmental impact. Moreover, the study of coating uniformity, mechanical properties, thickness, release kinetics and their dependence on the fluidized bed process variables, bears a great deal of significance in CRCU process optimization. To overcome this, research is needed to synthesize biodegradable coating materials, such as chemically modified lignin-palm stearin coating solutions, and optimize the fluidized bed coating process to achieve uniform coating and tailored release properties. Understanding the complex relationships between CRCU process and response variables, optimizing the coating process and comprehending the transport properties of nitrogren from the CRCU membrane can help create high-quality granular fertilizers with eco-friendly protection and nitrogen release kinetics, ultimately supporting sustainable agriculture. Therefore, my research explores the application chemically modified lignin-palm stearin as coating material for producing CRCU fertilizer using a Wurster fluidized bed reactor.

Funding

The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships offer outstanding scientists from around the world the opportunity to carry out a long-term research project of their own choosing in cooperation with a research institution in Germany. Both postdocs and experienced scientists can apply for the six- to 24-month fellowships.