In the present study, we synthesized a low‐cost biodegradable hydrogel based on cellulose in order to perform controlled release of fertilizer. For this purpose, the cellulose was modified and crosslinked with urea. Then the prepared hydrogel underwent loading with the fertilizer in order to study the controlled release. Characterization of the samples was carried out by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrogel showed a good swelling behavior in distilled water, tap water, and 0.9% NaCl solution. Besides, water holding and water retention behavior of the hydrogel was investigated. Finally, the release of fertilizer from the loaded hydrogel was studied and showed excellent controlled release. According to the results, this hydrogel can be employed as a suitable moisture‐holding additive in the soil for agricultural purposes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42935.

Methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)/starch grafted copolymers (MPEG‐g‐S) were synthesized through bromoacetylation of potato starch followed by substitution of methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (MPEG)with various MWs (MPEG‐500, MPEG‐2000, and MPEG‐5000). Grafting was performed at 50°C. The structure of the copolymers was characterized by FTIR, DSC, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), XRD, and AFM. Loading of ceftizoxime antibiotic was carried out on the prepared copolymers and in vitro drug released behavior was investigated in three different media (HCl solution: pH = 3 and buffer solutions: pH = 6 and pH = 8).

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Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline-grafted poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PANI-g-PSMA) was carried out to obtain conductive comb copolymers with highly improved processability. First, polyaniline (PANI) was prepared in nano-scale by chemical synthesis under ultrasonic irradiation. Then the poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PSMA) was synthesized by free radical polymerization. Moreover, the PANI was grafted on the PSMA backbone to prepare a comb-like conductive copolymer for improving its processability as a new method. The products were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. Morphology of the samples was also investigated by scanning electron microscopy images. Finally, the solubility and conductivity of the products were studied, and it resulted in high solubility of the products in water and other common organic solvents in comparison to the pure PANI.

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