We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of CMC-Starch Mixing Ratio and Ethanol Exchange on Structure and Absorption Capacity of Superabsorbent Polymer
Summary
This paper is not about microplastics; it investigates the effects of CMC-to-starch mixing ratios and ethanol exchange processing on the water absorption capacity of biodegradable superabsorbent polymers intended for agricultural and hygiene applications.
Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are synthetic polymers known for their high water absorption capabilities, making them integral in products such as diapers, sanitary pads, and agricultural fertilizers. However, traditional chemical SAPs pose environmental and health challenges due to their slow degradation. This study explores the development of environmentally friendly SAPs using biomass materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and oxidized starch. We investigated the effects of different CMC-starch mixing ratios and the ethanol exchange process on the structure and water absorption capacity of SAPs. Our findings reveal that the ethanol exchange process, conducted prior to oven-drying, enhances the initial and maximum water absorption capacities and the drying efficiency, attributed to the formation of porous structure. SAPs processed with ethanol exchange exhibited a maximum water absorption capacity of 320 g/g in distilled water and 72 g/g in saline water. Moreover, varying the CMC-starch ratio affected the three-dimensional of SAPs network structure, subsequently influencing their water absorption behavior and drying efficiency.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Fabrication and Characterization of Biomass-derived Superabsorbent Bio-gel
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper develops and tests bio-based superabsorbent gels made from carboxymethyl cellulose as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based superabsorbent polymers for water retention applications.
Superabsorbent Polymers: From long-established, microplastics generating systems, to sustainable, biodegradable and future proof alternatives
This review examined how conventional acrylate-based superabsorbent polymers generate microplastics due to their non-biodegradable nature, and assessed emerging biodegradable alternatives that could provide sustainable, future-proof replacements for hygiene and agricultural applications.
Carboxylated Nanocellulose Superabsorbent: Biodegradation and Soil Water Retention Properties
Researchers tested biodegradable, cellulose-derived superabsorbent polymers for improving soil water retention in agriculture. Unlike conventional petroleum-based superabsorbents, these cellulose-based materials degrade in soil rather than persisting as microplastic particles.
Development and characterization of a carboxymethyl cellulose-alginate hybrid superabsorbent hydrogel designed for water management in agriculture
Researchers formulated a carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate hydrogel for agricultural water retention, optimizing it to absorb over 1,600 times its weight in water while remaining thermally stable and reusable — offering a bio-based alternative to synthetic superabsorbent polymers that contribute to microplastic pollution in farmland soils.
Advancements in Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogels: Sustainable Solutions across Industries
This review explores how cellulose-based superabsorbent materials, made from sustainable plant sources, are being developed as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic hydrogels for use in agriculture, medicine, and pollution control. These biodegradable materials could help reduce the growing microplastic problem caused by conventional synthetic hydrogels that break down into persistent plastic fragments in the environment.