Biodegradable Superabsorbent Hydrogel from Activated Hydrochar-Glycerol Cross-linked with Maleic Acid
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Date
2025-08
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American Journal of Polymer Science
Abstract
Superabsorbent hydrogels are polymer materials with a three-dimensional structure. They have the potential to absorb large amounts of water or aqueous solutions due to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in their network structures. The increasing population, coupled with advanced technologies, has led to a fourfold increase in demand in industrial applications, technological fields, medical fields, and agriculture. This study reports on the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated hydrochar. The preparation of hydrochar was done via the dehydration process of sugarcane bagasse, followed by activation using acidified potassium permanganate to form activated hydrochar (AH). The AH was then reacted with glycerol to form polymer units (AHGL). The polymeric units were then reacted with maleic acid to form a superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH). Characterization of the synthesized SAH was carried out using FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The swelling capacity was optimized by varying contact time and doses of both glycerol and maleic acid. The FT-IR spectra showed a C=O carbonyl spectral absorption peak at 1711.85 cm⁻¹ in SAH, indicating successful crosslinking. The XRD analysis portrayed the amorphous nature of hydrochar and AH, while AHGL and SAH showed semi-crystalline and crystalline nature, respectively. SEM analysis showed dense porous surfaces in SAH compared to rigid surfaces with fewer and unevenly distributed pores in AHGL. The gravimetric technique showed that the maximum absorption capacity of the SAH was obtained at the optimum reaction mole ratio of AH:GL:MA of 10:4:1. The maximum absorption capacity of the synthesized superabsorbent hydrogel relative to its dry mass was found to be 905% and was achieved in a period of 8 hours. Crosslinking the hydrogel improved the water absorption capacity, and hence, it has potential application in agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions.
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Mukulu, S. M., Mbuvi, H. M., Kasimu, T. M., & Maingi, F. (2025). Biodegradable Superabsorbent Hydrogel from Activated Hydrochar-Glycerol Cross-linked with Maleic Acid. American Journal of Polymer Science, 14(2), 22-29.