Preparation of low-cost and eco-friendly superabsorbent based from rice husk cellulose cross-linked with boric acid using microwave

Abstract

Superabsorbents are polymers capable of absorbing and retaining high amount of water. It is widely used in disposal diapers, agriculture, water purification and biomedical among others. Majority of the superabsorbents reported in literature are acrylate based material, hence they are not degradable. This work focused on the synthesis of low-cost and eco-friendly superabsorbent from cellulose cross-linked with boric acid through microwave irradiation and conventional reflux method. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out in order to confirm the formation of intermolecular bond between hydroxyl group and boric acid. The microwave irradiation was found to be more effective in the process of cross-linking than the other conventional methods. The Optimum conditions of power, time 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 986%. (at 3 minutes, power output 6 equivalent to 420watt, 1.0g of boric acid).