Radiation Synthesis of Green Nanoarchitectonics of Guar Gum-Pectin/Polyacrylamide/Zinc Oxide Superabsorbent Hydrogel 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 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.

Gamma‐Irradiation‐Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Xanthan Gum/Agar/Gelatin/ZnO Nanocomposite Hydrogels and their Antimicrobial Activity

“…The improvement in swelling performance may be attributed to ZnO nanoparticles′ ability to collect more water molecules to permeate the surface, which lowers the level of ion osmotic pressure that causes the gel to swell [46] . Additionally, it can be seen that the swelling performance is negatively impacted by the NaCl concentration as it declines by increasing the NaCl concentration; this behavior is in good agreement with our earlier research [26] …”

“…[46] Additionally, it can be seen that the swelling performance is negatively impacted by the NaCl concentration as it declines by increasing the NaCl concentration; this behavior is in good agreement with our earlier research. [26]…”

“…[25] Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOÀ NPs) were recently investigated for their outstanding antimicrobial activity. [26] Therefore, ZnOÀ NPs have been widely used in the biomedical and cosmetics industries in the forms of wound dressing, facial mask, sunscreen, and toothpaste. [27] On the other hand, Gamma radiation (γ-radiation) is commonly applied as a non-convenient clean tool for modification of polymer materials through cross-linking.…”

“…Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO−NPs) were recently investigated for their outstanding antimicrobial activity [26] . Therefore, ZnO−NPs have been widely used in the biomedical and cosmetics industries in the forms of wound dressing, facial mask, sunscreen, and toothpaste [27]…”

The strategic applications of natural polymer nanocomposites in food packaging and agriculture: Chances, challenges, and consumers’ perception

“…For instance, the increased liquid absorption was achieved by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO) into guar gum-pectin/polyacrylamide hydrogel composite (GG-PC/PAAm/ZnOx). It has been suggested that the improved swelling may be related to water uptake to compensate for the increasing ionic osmotic pressure resulting from the presence of nZnO and/or altered structure of pores and expanding the polymer network, subsequently increasing the space for water ( Sayed et al, 2022 ).…”