The fabrication of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogels (SAHs) with a high absorption capacity and robust gel strength at an acceptable cost remains challenging. In this study, a series of hyperbranched polyether crosslinkers were designed and employed as effective crosslinkers to create feasible, high-performance superabsorbent hydrogels that are environmentally friendly. The hydrogel materials achieved greater strength compared with traditional hydrogels by using hyperbranched polyether to create a homogenous and strongly crosslinked polymer network. In addition, it was determined that the addition of modified sodium lignosulfonate improved several characteristics of traditional hydrogels, including the absorption and fixation of water, and that the produced hydrogels have good antibacterial properties. According to an analysis of the structure–activity relationship, the resultant SAHs achieve greater saturated gel strength (∼2 kPa) and swelling capacities (91.6 g/g in normal saline) compared with commercial products. This study provides a promising approach for the fabrication of biodegradable SAHs owing to its varied engineering applications, low cost, and good environmental profile. 

High-Toughness and Biodegradable Superabsorbent Hydrogels Based on Dual Functional Crosslinkers

This research aimed to prepare superabsorbent resin from agro-mining waste, which is important for sustainable development and practical application in agriculture and forestry. Corn stover (CS), humic acid (HA), acrylic acid (AA), and acrylamide (AM) were used as raw materials to produce CS–HA-based superabsorbent resin (p-CS-HA-PAA) by plasma modification, and the optimum modification conditions were obtained. The superabsorbent resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle analysis. The adsorption characteristics of the superabsorbent resin were analyzed by kinetic model fitting, and the performances were tested. The results showed that the water absorption capacity could reach 1106.9 g/g under the following optimal process conditions: a discharge time of 180 s, a discharge power of 40 W, and a discharge pressure of 20 Pa. The characterization confirmed that plasma modification could make the surface of the superabsorbent resin rougher, produce more and larger pores, and introduce more hydrophilic groups. The p-CS-HA-PAA conformed to the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and non-Fickian intradiffusion process in aqueous solution. The chemical resistance, repeated liquid absorption, and water retention properties of the modified resin were better than those of the unmodified resin, which provided a viable way for industrial and agricultural applications. 

Chun Wang

Papers

Synthesis of cellulose based super absorbent and its excellent oil–water separation properties