Synthesis and swelling properties of a poly(vinyl alcohol)-based superabsorbing hydrogel

Article history: Received January 26, 2013 Received in Revised form May 10, 2013 Accepted 20 May 2013 Available online 24 May 2013 Superabsorbent hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared by a crosslinking technique using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. The hydrogel structure was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results from SEM observation showed a porous structure with smooth surface morphology of the hydrogel. We have systematically optimized the certain variables of hydrogel synthesis (i.e. the crosslinker concentration, poly(vinyl alcohol) content, time and temperature of crosslinking reaction) to achieve a hydrogel with maximum water absorbency. It was concluded that under the optimized conditions, maximum capacity of swelling in distilled water was equal to 231 g/g. The absorbency under load (AUL) of hydrogels was also measured. In addition, swelling ratio in various salt solutions was determined and the hydrogels exhibited salt-sensitivity properties. © 2013 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.