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Abstract
This work focuses on synthetic polymeric materials that are designed to function as soil conditioners. A classification of the various polymeric soil conditioners is given and a historical review is attempted. One hundred and three examples are examined, covering the period from 1950 up to today. The routes followed for the preparation of a synthetic polymeric soil conditioner are discussed. In this way, materials and/or properties are tailored for certain applications. Water‐soluble, water‐insoluble (crosslinked or hydrophobic), ionic, or non‐ionic conditioners are examined and pictures of their shapes are given. Finally, a discussion on the combination(s) of materials and/or properties outlines the future trends of this topic. Interpenetrating networks, blends of soil conditioning polymers, polymers combined with slow‐releasing compounds as well as transformable materials are included by examining certain works that are concerned with such materials presenting combined properties that are used in specific applications.
Notes
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