Valorization of Superabsorbent Polymers From Used Disposable Diapers as Soil Moisture Retainer

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the potential of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) from used disposable diapers as soil moisture retainer. 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 used 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 agricultural applications.

Application of Reclaimed Sodium Polyacrylate to Increase Soil Water Retention

“…An identical SAP function has been reported in previous studies. [ 18,21 ] CaCl 2 shows promise for agricultural applications. In other words, the SS plays a regulatory role by controlling the function of the RH in agriculture.…”

“…As shown in Figure 4, a non‐smooth action was achieved at 70 °C. Studies indicate that the SAP changed at temperatures >50 °C and that the SC decreased substantially; [ 18,21 ] these phenomena could be attributed to the disruption of the HBs between the WMs and the links of the SAP network. However, the SD achieved at 22 °C (Figure 4) was quite close to that achieved at 18 °C (Figure 1), suggesting that the SD and SC are not very sensitive to slight temperature variations.…”

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.…”