RESUMEN

The hydrogel regeneration process, involving various cellulose types, results in distinct chemical bonding patterns. Even minor variations in chemical interactions among polymers during regeneration significantly impact properties like hydrogel-forming ability, hydrophilicity, and swelling capacity. This study focuses on regenerating a superabsorbent hydrogel from the interplay of native empty fruit bunch cellulose (EFBC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) using epichlorohydrin (ECH) as a crosslinker. The hydrogel was formed from dissolved EFBC solutions in an aqueous NaOH/urea solvent, supplemented with different NaCMC and HEC weight ratios, and ECH chemically assisted the crosslinking process. EFBC provides the hydrogel's supporting skeletal structure, while NaCMC and HEC play vital roles in enhancing forming ability and its physical and mechanical properties through diverse chemical interactions based on their electrovalent properties. Notably, NaCMC imparts hydrophilicity, while HEC indirectly improves superabsorbent properties through the enhancement of the elastic network's retraction force. Hydrogels combining NaCMC and HEC show a remarkable water absorption capacity exceeding 30,000 %, surpassing those regenerated solely with EFBC and NaCMC. The highest swelling, over 130,000 %, is achieved with 0.75 % NaCMC and 0.25 % HEC. Regarding thermal stability, hydrogels with a higher NaCMC proportion outperform those with increased HEC content. The study highlights the critical role of tailored chemical interactions in successfully regenerating an improved superabsorbent hydrogel with enhanced water absorption properties.

Asunto(s)

Carboximetilcelulosa de Sodio , Celulosa , Frutas , Hidrogeles , Celulosa/química , Celulosa/análogos & derivados , Hidrogeles/química , Carboximetilcelulosa de Sodio/química , Frutas/química , Epiclorhidrina/química , Agua/química , Interacciones Hidrofóbicas e Hidrofílicas

RESUMEN

Cellulose is one of the most abundant natural polymers with excellent biocompatibility, non-toxicity, flexibility, and renewable source. Regenerated cellulose (RC) products result from the dissolution-regeneration process risen from solvent and anti-solvent reagents, respectively. The regeneration process changes the cellulose chain conformation from cellulose I to cellulose II, leads the structure to have more amorphous regions with improved crystallinity, and inclines towards extensive modification on the RC products such as hydrogel, aerogel, cryogel, xerogel, fibers, membrane, and thin film. Recently, RC products are accentuated to be used in the agriculture field to develop future sustainable agriculture as alternatives to conventional agriculture systems. However, different solvent types and production techniques have great influences on the end properties of RC products. Besides, the fabrication of RC products from solely RC lacks excellent mechanical characteristics. Thus, the flexibility of RC has allowed it to be homogenously blended with other materials to enhance the final products' properties. This review will summarize the properties and preparation of potential RC-based products that reflect its application to replace soil the plantation medium, govern the release of the fertilizer, provide protection on crops and act as biosensors.