Sustainable alginate-carboxymethyl cellulose superabsorbents prepared by a novel quasi-cryogelation method

Abstract

The research in biopolymer-based superabsorbents is gaining importance in the green chemistry field thanks to their environmentally friendly properties. In this study, a biopolymer-based superabsorbent made of calcium ion crosslinked alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose composite was prepared by a new quasi-cryogelation process, where the complete ionic gelation takes place before the freezing step, in contrast to the conventional cryogelation technique in which gelation occurs under semi-frozen conditions. Thanks to the facile quasi-cryogelation method, the morphology of the gels changed and a significant increase in water absorption properties has been achieved. The swelling properties of the material were investigated in distilled water and different physiological fluids. Results show that the proposed material shows good water absorption property where a water absorption of 2366% was reached and even after five cycles this value was 1200%. As a result, this study reports a biopolymer-based sustainable superabsorbent which is appropriate for various applications such as the removal of pollutants from water or diaper production.

Chitosan Superabsorbent Biopolymers in Sanitary and Hygiene Applications

“…This hydrogel displayed the best swelling capacity in water and dye solutions [25]. Alginate-carboxy methyl cellulose superabsorbent prepared by a novel quasi cryogelation method showed good water absorption properties, with water absorption reaching 2343% and remaining at 1200% after four cycles [26].…”

Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Zinc Alginate Hydrogels as Antibacterial Wound Dressings

“…CMC has been utilized in a burn wound dressing on its own because its ability to maintain an optimal moist environment in the wound region aids extracellular matrix synthesis and reepithelialization (Kanikireddy et al, 2020). When combined with Alg, CMC is able to form superabsorbents (Orhan et al, 2022).…”