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Superabsorbent cellulose-based hydrogels cross-liked with borax.
Supachok Tanpichai1,2, Farin Phoothong3, Anyaporn Boonmahitthisud4,5,6
1Learning Institute, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, 10140, Thailand.
Scientific Reports
|May 26, 2022
Summary
Environmentally friendly cellulose hydrogels were created using water hyacinth. These superabsorbent, flame-retardant, and antibacterial hydrogels show promise for wound dressings and agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biopolymers
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Cellulose is Earth's most abundant biopolymer, valued for its availability, non-toxicity, and biodegradability.
- Hydrogels are crucial in various applications, but sustainable and functional hydrogel development remains a focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop eco-friendly, superabsorbent cellulose-based hydrogels from water hyacinth.
- To investigate the effects of borax cross-linking on hydrogel properties, including swelling, flame retardancy, and antibacterial activity.
Main Methods:
- Water hyacinth cellulose was dissolved using sodium hydroxide and urea.
- Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) was employed for cross-linking cellulose chains.
- Swelling ratio, gel fraction, flame retardancy, and antibacterial activity were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Cross-linked cellulose hydrogels exhibited a significant increase in swelling ratio, reaching approximately 900% compared to 325% for uncross-linked hydrogels.
- Increasing borax concentration enhanced the gel fraction and demonstrated flame retardant properties by delaying ignition and propagation.
- The hydrogels displayed antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus).
Conclusions:
- Superabsorbent, flame-retardant, and antibacterial cellulose-based hydrogels were successfully synthesized.
- These hydrogels offer a sustainable alternative for applications such as wound dressings, agriculture, and flame-retardant coatings.
