Volume 4, Issue 3 (2020)                   IQBQ 2020, 4(3): 95-81 | Back to browse issues page

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University of Tehran , m.shahrousvand@ut.ac.ir
Abstract:   (11234 Views)
Research subject: Superabsorbents are hydrophilic hydrogels that can accommodate large amounts of water in their three-dimensional structures and have wide applications in various sciences such as pharmaceuticals, medicine, and agriculture. These materials are hydrophilic polymers that are physically or chemically cross-linked. Conversion and swelling ratio of synthesized hydrogels are two counter effects. Therefore, determining the appropriate conditions for polymerization to achieve optimal properties and swelling rate of hydrogels is a challenge for researchers.
Research approach: In this study, optimizing the synthesis conditions of semi-interpenetrating poly (acrylic acid)/xanthan hydrogels, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used by Box-Behnken design (BBD). The variables of this method were the molar ratio of the cross-linking agent (X1), the weight percentage of xanthan gum (X2) as the reaction medium, and the amount of initiator (X3), each of which was considered at three levels. The evaluated responses in RSM were the rate of polymerization conversion (Y1) and the rate of swelling (Y2) of the hydrogels in the water.
 
Main results: Based on the 17 experiments proposed by RSM (BBD), the cross-linker, xanthan gum, and initiator were combined and radical polymerization was performed into silicone molds at 65 ° C. The results of ANOVA analysis showed that the data error of this study was small and the coefficient of determination (R2) of both proposed models for the responses Y1 and Y2 was higher than 0.9. The 46 experiments proposed for the optimal point by RSM (BBD) with the desirability of more than 50% indicate the synthesis of hydrogels that have both a good conversion rate and an optimal amount of swelling. For example, by 13% of cross-linking agent, 0.043 g of initiator and 1% wt. the solution of xanthan, hydrogels with a 95% conversion rate, and 102% water uptake were prepared. These hydrogels can be used in a variety of fields, including the treatment of colored wastes in factories, agriculture, pharmaceutical systems, medical attractions, and more.
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Article Type: Original Research | Subject: Polymerization Enginireeng
Received: 2020/04/18 | Accepted: 2020/05/18 | Published: 2021/01/2

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