PROPERTIES OF HIGHLY SWELLING HYDROGELS DERIVED FROM NATURAL COMPONENTS

The aim of this study is to synthesize a new type of biodegradable superabsorbent hydrogel, based on Carboxymethyl starch - CMS), natural minerals (zeolite, perlite, apatite), vinyl monomers (acrylic acid - AA, acrylamide AAm) and cross-linking agents N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA). The results show that the swelling capacity and water absorption time of hydrogels are affected by the concentrations of NaCl, Na₂SO₄, CaCl₂, MgSO₄, AlCl₃, CaCO₃ and NH₄Cl present in the solution. Natural minerals — zeolite, perlite and apatite— were incorporated into the hydrogel matrix to investigate their effects on the material’s water absorption and moisture retention properties. The obtained samples were characterized using their morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrogel is designed to be cost-effective and capable of conserving water and mineral fertilizers, preventing soil erosion, salinization, and compaction, enhancing plant resistance to pests, and increasing crop productivity.