Valorization of Superabsorbent Polymers from Used Disposable Diapers as Soil Moisture Conditioner

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the potential of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) from used disposable diapers as soil moisture conditioner. Swelling behavior of the proposed hydrogel in response to external stimuli such as salt solutions, temperature and pH was studied. In addition, laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of incorporation hydrogel on germination of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and pumpkin (C. pepo) seeds. The structure of the superabsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicate that the proposed SAP exhibited a maximum swelling capacity of 189 g⋅g -1 of dry gel. It was observed that the swelling capacity decreased with an increase in the ionic strength of the swelling medium. When this SAP was mixed with sandy soil, the mixture was able to lose water more slowly. The seeds germination and seedling growth was remarkably influenced by the application of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 w/w% of SAP compared to the untreated soil. Therefore, it follows that it is possible to take advantage of SAPs property from used disposable diapers to retain the moisture in soil as an alternative to value the use of such waste, showing that it has potential for diverse applications in agriculture.

Cellulose-based hydrogel materials: chemistry, properties and their prospective applications

“…CB hydrogels are thus of great interest in academic and industrial research due to their environmentally friendly nature in terms of biodegradability, renewability, non-toxicity, non-petrochemical property. Cellulose-based hydrogels from chitosan, CMC, starch and other polysaccharides have been used to optimize water reservoir (Cannazza et al 2014 ; Demitri et al 2013 ; Montesano et al 2015 ; Sánchez-Orozco et al 2017 ). The use of hydrogel from CMC is also found suitable for a controlled release of herbicide like acetochlor based on diffusion mechanism (Li et al 2009a ; Li et al 2008 ).…”

Elaboration and Characterization of Thermal Insulating Material Based on the Synergy of Natural Coconut Husk and Disposable Diaper Pads Fibers

“…The dominance of foamy coverings on the surface of the coconut husk fibers in Figs. 8, 11 and 14 were due to the presence of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) among disposable diapers [16]. The SAPs has a very high porosity since it functions as general absorbent among diapers as evident in Figs.…”

“…The fibers in Fig. 19 are thinner with large gaps from one another since the fibrous absorbent pads of disposable diapers are made from cotton with superabsorbent polymers [16]; so, expected that finer strands are to be observed. The combination of the coconut husk fibers and the fibrous absorbent pads of diapers make the insulation medium more porous and compact since the SAPs of diapers served as coatings after the gel-liked formation during the heating process.…”

“…Based on Fig. 19, One-Factor ANOVA results revealed that there is significant difference among the set-ups in terms of the burning rate [F (3,16) The results testify that among the set-ups, the pure coconut husk fibers have the lowest burning rate followed by the combination of the coconut husk fibers and diaper absorbent pads while the control set-up which is the application of polyethylene foam insulation sheet has the highest burning rate. The results further imply that the combination of the natural fibers of coconut husk and the diaper absorbent pads affirms insusceptibility to fire.…”

Amendment of Soil Water Retention and Nutrients Holding Capacity by Using Sugar Cane Bagasse

“…The weight loss after keeping in the oven is calculated by the following formula. 24 % WLS = (Wet weight -Wet weight after time / wet weight) X 100…”