Abstract
New water harvesting bentonite clay reinforced modified cellulosic/Acrylic Acid hydrogel composite has been developed The samples have been characterized by spectroscopic analysis (FTIR and 13C –NMR), morphology (SEM and EDX), flow behavior (Rheology), swelling and absorption properties under different environmental conditions like temperature, pH and presence or absence of ionic solutions. The prospects of these novel superabsorbent hydrogels have been explored for the growth and survival of plants, particularly in the semi-arid region for its superabsorbency and high retention capacity. Hydrogel with 5 wt % clay exhibits maximum swelling percentage, 19040% within 26 min of swelling time at a temperature of 25 °C and 36600% absorbency once it reaches the equilibrium swelling after a week. Brassica juncea seedlings are allowed to grow in black soil mixed with this cellulosic biocompatible superabsorbent hydrogels. A close observation of three weeks with different programmed watering schedule, simulating the drought situation of the semi-arid region is also reported here. A significant extent of survival and growth of the plant is noted even during the period of reduced watering for the gel-soil mixture.
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