Novel superabsorbent polymer composites based on α-cellulose and modified zeolite: synthesis, characterization, water absorbency and water retention capacity

Abstract

Most superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are fully based on synthetic polymer (from petroleum resources) but costly, nondegradable, and environment-unfriendly. To overcome these disadvantages, biodegradable and renewable natural materials are suggested to be added into SAP. In this article, a new kind of SAP composites was synthesized by using AA, AM, α-cellulose, and modi ed-zeolite (MZE) as raw materials.The prepared novel SAP composite was analyzed by FTIR, XRD, SEM and TGA. Then, its water absorbency and water retention capacity were evaluated. The AA and AM were successfully grafted on αcellulose chains and the introduction of MZE as an inorganic ller which is uniformly dispersed in the SAP composite matrix, both resulting in more undulant and coarser surface with abundant hydrophilic groups for novel SAP composites. By contrast with poly(AA-co-AM), the water absorbency of prepared novel SAP composites is increased by 93.88% in distilled water and 89.58% in 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution, respectively. Meanwhile, the retained water time of these SAP composites is 11.2 hs evaluated at 50 °C, increasing the water retention capacity by 71.79%. Moreover, both T onset and T peak of prepared novel SAP composites are slightly increased compared with α-cellulose-poly(AA-co-AM), showing the introduction of MZE can slightly improve the thermal stability of novel SAP composites. The excellent water absorbency and retention capacity of novel SAP composites show it can be used as a water-keeping material for agricultural and horticulture applications.

Sodium tungstate as green cross‐linker to improve water absorbency of superabsorbent polymer

“…As for pure PAA polymer, the absorption band at 1652 and 1456 cm −1 was related to the stretching vibration of the CO within COO group. The peaks at 1556 and 1407 cm −1 was due to the asymmetrical and symmetrical stretching vibration of the COO group 8,15 . The stretching band of CH 2  was observed at 1319 cm −1 .…”

“…The peaks at 1556 and 1407 cm À1 was due to the asymmetrical and symmetrical stretching vibration of the COO group. 8,15 The stretching band of CH 2 was observed at 1319 cm À1 . The wide absorption bands at 3350 cm À1 was ascribed to the stretching vibrations of O-H group from COOH.…”

“…Thus, various strategies like the graft polymer or their composites have been developed to improve the water‐absorbing properties of SAPs. For example, Thien 7 studied the water‐absorbing behaviors of poly(acrylic acid)‐based SAP grafted by natural cellulose with the assistance of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker, where an enhanced swelling ratio up to 1900 g/g in distilled water can be achieved due to the introduction of cellulose; Fu 8 discussed the water absorption capability of poly(acrylamide)/poly(acrylic acid)/cellulose/zeolite composites‐based SAP by the assistance of N , N ′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as chemical cross‐linker, finding that the addition of cellulose/zeolite can remarkably increase the water absorbency of the prepared SAP. It should be noted that the modification of natural or synthetic polymers aiming to improve the water uptake ability of SAPs will also consume a lot of chemical additives, being inconsistent with green chemistry.…”

Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries

“…Analyzed using techniques like FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and TGA, this biodegradable composite exhibited enhanced water absorbency in both distilled water and a saline solution. Its improved water retention capacity and thermal stability suggest its usefulness in agricultural and horticultural applications [ 25 ].…”

“…In agriculture and soil management, cellulose-based SAPs significantly increase soil moisture content. This enhancement leads to a reduced need for irrigation and minimizes water wastage, supporting sustainable agricultural practices [ 24 , 25 ]. Moreover, SAPs improve plant nutrient delivery through controlled release technologies, which boosts crop growth and decreases fertilizer wastage [ 31 , 32 ].…”