Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogel from Rice Husk Using a Microwave

Abstract

The present work focuses on the synthesis of a new environmentally friendly superabsorbent hydrogel derived from a cellulose derivative using 1, 2-ethanediol (glycol) as crosslinking agent. The cellulose isolated from rice husk, which has a basis to modify and obtain carboxymethylcellulose CMC using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and monochloroacetic acid (MCA). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed in other to investigate the reactivity of the superabsorbent hydrogel. The Optimum conditions of power, time, CMC dose and amount of cross-linker required for the production of most desirable, stable and high water absorptivity were investigated, the optimum swelling capacity was found to be 1162%.