Synthesis, Characterization, and Swelling Properties of a New Highly Absorbent Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Guar Gum Reinforced with Bentonite and Silica Particles for Disposable Hygiene Products

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers derived from petroleum have been widely used as the primary component of high-water-absorption disposable sanitary products. However, environmental concerns as well as unstable market prices influence the quality of disposable hygiene products. The development of superabsorbent polymers from natural, non-petroleum-derived materials has become more predominant. In the present study, two borax-cross-linked carboxymethyl guar-based superabsorbents with bentonite (CMG-Bt) and fumed silica particle reinforcement (CMG-Bt-Si) were synthesized. The materials have been fully characterized by various techniques. The swelling behavior was studied through free swelling capacity (FSC) and centrifuge retention capacity (CRC). The swelling kinetics and urea absorption capacity were further analyzed. The effects of the cross-linking ratio, mineral clay, silica particles, and pH of the liquids on the swelling properties of the superabsorbents have been studied. The incorporation of silica particles demonstrated a positive effect on water uptake reaching 78.63 and 41.09 g/g of FSC and CRC, respectively, at an optimum pH of 6.8. The optimum swelling kinetics were attributed to CMG-Bt-Si of 5 wt % silica particle content, indicating a velocity parameter (ζ) of 41 s in saline solution. Finally, the highest swelling values were obtained at 10, 10, and 5 wt % for the cross-linking ratio, bentonite content, and silica particle content, respectively; in addition, the absorption of urea by the CMG-Bt-Si material was also confirmed.

Geotechnical Investigation and Microanalysis of Black Cotton Soil Amended with Guar Gum and Polyethylene Terephlate Fibre

“…Similar trend has been reported by Huang et al and Soltani et al [7,43]. Since guar gum possesses hydrophilic property, the presence of hydroxyl groups on D-galactose and D-mannose makes them disperse in the aqueous medium [44].…”

Investigation of water absorption performance of polyester‐woven fabrics coated with super absorbent polymer

“…The "CRC test" is one of the commonly used standard tests, particularly in the hygiene sector, to determine the water retention capacity of swollen SAP after centrifugation. 23,24 In this section, CRC tests were conducted on samples coated with a coating paste prepared with four different pH values and subjected to water immersion for six different durations (1,5,10,20,40, and 60 min). The test results obtained are presented in graphical form in Figure 10.…”