Preparation and Characterization of Superabsorbent Polymers Based on Starch Aldehydes and Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are crosslinked hydrophilic polymers that are capable of absorbing large amounts of water. Commercial SAPs are mostly produced with acrylic acid that cannot be easily biodegraded. Therefore, in this study, polysaccharide-based SAPs using carboxymethyl cellulose as a major component were prepared. Starch aldehydes and citric acid were selected due to their environment-friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable properties compared to conventional crosslinking agents. Starch aldehydes were prepared by periodate oxidation, which forms aldehyde groups by taking the places of C–OH groups at C-2 and C-3. Furthermore, starch aldehydes were analyzed through the change in FT-IR spectra, the aldehyde quantitation, and the morphology in FE-SEM images. In the crosslinking of polysaccharide-based SAPs, the acetal bridges from starch aldehydes led to a large amount of water entering the network structure of the SAPs. However, the ester bridges from citric acid interfered with the water penetration. In addition, the swelling behavior of the SAPs was analyzed by the Fickian diffusion model and the Schott’s pseudo second order kinetics model. The relationship between swelling behavior and morphology of the SAPs was analyzed by FE-SEM images. In conclusion, polysaccharide-based SAPs were well prepared and the highest equilibrium swelling ratio was 87.0 g/g.

Semi-Natural Superabsorbents Based on Starch-g-poly(acrylic acid): Modification, Synthesis and Application

“…The intensities of all characteristic bands decreased after the polymerization process, which proves that the copolymerization between AA and starch was successful [ 38 ]. A remarkable change in FTIR spectra of starch-based copolymers was the appearance of the peak at 1700–1728 cm −1 , which is regarded to C=O vibrations in aldehyde groups [ 39 ].…”

Recent Advances on Self‐Healing Materials and Batteries

“…There are many functional healing agents such as liquid metal alloys and polymers etc. For example, SEM images of polyurethane (PU) microcapsules are shown in Figure b. The surface of microcapsules was smooth, homogeneous and continuous, and a disrupted microcapsule demonstrated the hollow inner core (Figure c).…”

“…e) Optical images of uPDMS 2 ‐based film before damage (i) and after damage at 0 s (ii), 20 s (iii) and 40 s (iv). Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2015, Nature Publishing Group.…”

Rye Flour and Cellulose Reinforced Starch Biocomposite: A Green Approach to Improve Water Vapor Permeability and Mechanical Properties

“…To study the structure of the biocomposite, the failure surfaces of the biocomposite were observed under vacuum by an electron beam in 15 KV. [ 2,27 ]…”