Scientists at SIBUR’s PolyLab Applied Research Center developed and successfully tested a novel adhesive solution for the agricultural sector. Based on a styrene-acrylic dispersion, this innovation is designed to protect crop pods from premature cracking, thereby reducing losses and significantly improving harvesting efficiency.
Driving Efficiency in Modern Agriculture
SIBUR continues to prioritise the use of advanced synthetic materials to improve crop cultivation and harvest preservation. In collaboration with agricultural stakeholders, the company actively develops practical, scalable solutions that not only minimise losses but also enhance overall productivity and sustainability across the agro-industrial value chain.
How the Adhesive Technology Works
The newly developed adhesive targets cruciferous crops such as rapeseed and mustard, as well as legumes including peas, soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas. When applied via standard spraying equipment, the formulation dries quickly to form a uniform polymer film over the pod surface.
As a result, this protective layer prevents premature pod opening caused by environmental stressors such as wind, temperature fluctuations, and rainfall. Moreover, the adhesive is moisture-resistant, plant-safe, and does not compromise seed quality. Importantly, it has no adverse impact on soil health, the environment, or human safety.
Enhancing Harvesting Efficiency
In addition to reducing crop losses, the adhesive improves harvesting operations. Farmers can adopt direct combining methods without requiring additional field preparation. This not only streamlines operations but also reduces the risk of equipment clogging, leading to smoother and more efficient harvesting processes.
Proven Results from Field Trials
According to Kermen Bovaldinova, Director of Product Development at SIBUR PolyLab, field trials have demonstrated strong performance outcomes. Tests conducted on winter and spring rapeseed, peas, and soybeans revealed a notable increase in biological yield due to improved seed retention.
For instance, seed survival increased by up to 28% in rapeseed and up to 15% in peas. At the same time, pod cracking rates dropped significantly—from 12.50% to 3.74% in rapeseed and from 8.20% to 2.02% in peas—when compared to untreated plots.
Supporting Climate-Resilient Farming
By enabling better control over weather-related risks, the use of such synthetic materials enhances the predictability of harvest outcomes. SIBUR has designed the adhesive with real-world farming conditions in mind, ensuring ease of use and adaptability across diverse agricultural environments.
Scaling Up for Wider Adoption
Encouraged by these results, SIBUR plans to expand testing across multiple climate zones and farming systems. If large-scale trials confirm its effectiveness, the pod adhesive could emerge as a key technological tool for reducing crop losses and boosting farm productivity. The company aims to make this solution widely available to agricultural producers across Russia.
Expanding SIBUR’s Agro-Industrial Portfolio
As reported by polymerupdate.com, SIBUR already offers a broad range of polymer-based solutions for the agro-industrial sector. These applications span crop production, livestock farming, land reclamation, and fisheries. Through continuous innovation, the company is strengthening the sector’s sustainability, competitiveness, and export potential.
