Synthesis and Characterization of Superabsorbent Sodium Alginate-G-Poly (Potassium Acrylate) Hydrogels Prepared By Using Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SUPERABSORBENT SODIUM ALGINATE-g-POLY (POTASSIUM ACRYLATE) HYDROGELS PREPARED BY USING GAMMA IRRADIATION. The aim of this research was to use gamma rays as sources for the preparation of superabsorbent hydrogels through radiation induced copolymerization. A series of superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared from aqueous solution containing partially neutralized acrylic acid (15%) with different sodium alginate (NaAlg) concentrations (0.5% to 1.5%) by ionizing gamma irradiation (10 kGy to 40 kGy) at room temperature. The effect of NaAlg concentration and irradiation doses on the water absorption behavior of the obtained hydrogels was investigated. The structural changes of hydrogels were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) whereas the morphologies of hydrogels were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed the swelling of hydrogel in water and NaCl solution increases with increasing NaAlg concentration and decreases with increasing irradiation dose up to 40 kGy. The extend of gel fraction increases as a function of NaAlg concentration. The results of FTIR analysis revealed that acrylic acid and sodium alginate had been successfully grafted, while SEM examination showed that the hydrogels demonstrated large numbers of pores-. ABSTRAK SINTESIS DAN KARAKTERISASI HIDROGEL SUPERABSORBENT NATRIUM ALGINATE-G-POLY (KALIUM AKRILAT) MENGGUNAKAN IRADIASI GAMMA. Tujuan penelitian adalah memanfaatkan sumber radiasi gamma untuk membuat hIdrogel superabsorben melalui reaksi induksi kopolimerisasi. Satu seri hidrogel superabsorben disintesis dari campuran asam akrilat yang dinetralkan sebagian dengan beragam konsentrasi (0,5% sampai 1,5%) natrium alginat (NaAlg) dan diiradiasi pada beragam dosis (10 kGy sampai 40 kGy) pada suhu kamar. Pengaruh konsentrasi NaAlg dan dosis iradiasi terhadap kemampuan menyerap air hidrogel diinvestigasi. Perubahan struktur kimia hidrogel diukur menggunakan Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) sedangkan morfologi hidrogel diuji dengan Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Nisbah penggembungan hidrogel dalam air dan larutan NaCL meningkat dengan meningkatnya konsentrasi NaAlg dan menurun dengan meningkatnya dosis iradiasi hingga 40 kGy. Fraksi gel hidrogel meningkat sebagai fungsi waktu. Hasil pengujian spektrum FTIR mengkonfirmasi kemungkinan terjadinya reaksi pencangkokan antara asam akrilat dengan NaAlg, dan hidrogel berpori-pori relatif besar ditunjukkan dari hasil pengujian SEM.