Carboxylated nanocellulose superabsorbent: Biodegradation and soil water retention properties

In this study, TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl)‐oxidized nanocellulose superabsorbents are prepared using three different drying techniques: freeze‐dried, and oven‐dried at low and high temperatures. The benefits are investigated by evaluating the superabsorbent structure, composition an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied polymer science 2022-01, Vol.139 (3), p.n/a
Main Authors: Barajas‐Ledesma, Ruth M., Wong, Vanessa N. L., Little, Karen, Patti, Antonio F., Garnier, Gil
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradability
biodegradable
Biodegradable materials
Biodegradation
bioengineering
cellulose and other wood products
degradation
Drying ovens
High temperature
Materials science
Polymers
Retention
Soil properties
Soil water
superabsorbent
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Summary:In this study, TEMPO (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl)‐oxidized nanocellulose superabsorbents are prepared using three different drying techniques: freeze‐dried, and oven‐dried at low and high temperatures. The benefits are investigated by evaluating the superabsorbent structure, composition and application rate. The absorption performance of nanocellulose superabsorbents is affected by the concentration and type of salts in the soil water extracts. Oven‐dried at 50°C SAP presents the highest ionic sensitivity attributed to its large number of accessible carboxylate groups. The water retention of the soil treatments increases with increasing application rate. Soil treated with the freeze‐dried superabsorbent shows the highest water retention, whereas those amended with the 50°C oven‐dried SAP remain moist the longest. The biodegradation rate of these materials depends on the application rate and nutrient availability. Carboxylated nanocellulose superabsorbents emerge as high‐performance biodegradable materials for agricultural use, able to replace the current non‐biodegradable petrochemical‐based superabsorbents. Nanocellulose‐based superabsorbents can increase soil water retention by more than 200%, delaying the permanent wilting point by up to 20 days. The decomposition rate of these materials occurs within 30 days of exposure. These superabsorbents emerge as high‐performance, biodegradable and sustainable materials for agricultural use, replacing the current non‐biodegradable petrochemical‐based superabsorbents.
ISSN:0021-8995
1097-4628
DOI:10.1002/app.51495