Effect of Foaming Agent on the Properties of Superporous Hydrogels Prepared via Solution Polymerization Method

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Superporous hydrogels (SPHs) are three dimensional network polymers that often crosslinked through chemical or physical interactions. It can swell to an equilibrium state and retain a significant amount of water molecule due to the presences of interconnected microscopic pores. The swelling rate of most of the dried hydrogel (i.e. xerogels) typically low and take a longer time to reach equilibrium due to slow water absorption capability. This disadvantage further limits the possible application of the hydrogel to be utilized in various field, includes as drug delivery material and as soil conditioner in agriculture field. Therefore, there is a significant interest in developing synthesis method and the selection of material in preparation of the superporous hydrogel that can exhibit both fast swelling absorption properties. Methods/Statistical Analysis: In this study, SPHs were prepared from monomer of acrylamide (AM) by a solution polymerization reaction process with the assistance of ammonium persulphate (APS) as an initiator and N’N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as cross linker. The effect of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) amount as foaming agent to generate pore structure was investigated in term of morphology, water absorbency, and swelling properties of SPHs. Findings: Based on the results, the water absorbency of SPHs increased 65% by comparing with control sample (0wt%). Based on the comparison, the increasing foaming agent from 0-0.4 wt% of sodium bicarbonate shows that water absorbency reached the optimum condition at 0.4 wt% which is 99.10±3.35 g/g. Then, the interaction between hydrogels shows the best fit at 0.4 wt% with K value of 1.1905E- 05. Application/Improvements: SPHs was produced in order to be used in other applications such as agriculture, electrical and separation technology according to its porosity improvement.