Alkaline-Enhanced Poly(Acrylic Acid)/Sodium Alginate/PEO Hydrogels: Structural Modifications and Functional Properties for Agriculture
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study examines the impact of alkaline treatment on hydrogels composed of acrylic acid (AAc), sodium alginate (SA), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), produced via 5.5 MeV electron beam irradiation, emphasizing swelling behavior and functional performance. Hydrogels were treated with NaOH (0.25 M and 0.50 M) to modulate biodegradability, water retention capacity, and water retention ratio. The materials were characterized in terms of structural, morphological, thermal, and physicochemical properties using FTIR, SEM, and TGA/DSC, along with evaluations of gel fraction, cross-linking density, mesh size, porosity, swelling kinetics, and water retention. FTIR confirmed carboxyl group ionization and polymer chain reorganization, while SEM revealed structural changes, rougher surfaces, and larger pores that facilitate water uptake. Thermal stability of the hydrogels increased, with the T-onset rising from 236 °C in the untreated samples to 451 °C after alkaline treatment. Treatment with 0.25 M NaOH enhanced mesh size (127.97 ± 4.05 nm), porosity (99.74 ± 0.05%), and swelling capacity (428 ± 14 g/g), whereas 0.50 M induced partial degradation and reduced swelling. Despite a significant increase in degradability (>39.49 ± 1.94% after 28 days), treated hydrogels maintained functional performance, showing accelerated water uptake and improved rainwater retention. Overall, alkaline treatment enables tunable structural and functional modifications, optimizing hydrogel performance for agricultural water management.
Source: Gels
DOI: 10.3390/gels12050395
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,534
OpenAlex ID: W7160036603