Radiation green synthesis of Guar gum -Pectin/ Polyacrylamide/ zinc oxide superabsorbent hydrogel composites for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

In the current study, the performance of superabsorbent hydrogel composites comprised of Guar gum-Pectin/ Polyacrylamide/ ZnO crosslinked with gamma irradiation (10 kGy) has been investigated for sustainable agriculture. The claimed composites (GG/PC/PAAm/ZnOx) were characterized by FTIR, TGA, and AFM. The swelling capacity data reveal that the equilibrium water swelling (EW) of the composites was increased by increasing the ZnO content from 600 g/g to 1050 g/g for zero to the highest concentration of ZnO, respectively. Furthermore, the physical properties of the soil mixed with the hydrogels were improved; water holding capacity (WHC) increased to 66% and water retention (WR) kept at 15% after 20 days. The composites showed a good degradability in the biodegradation test. They also portrayed super-absorption capacity at three swelling/deswelling cycles. This advancement is important for reducing water consumption through the irrigation of arid lands. The prepared composites were proved as excellent candidates in sustainable agriculture applications.