ТАБИҒИ КОМПОНЕНТТЕРГЕ НЕГІЗДЕЛГЕН СУПЕРСІҢІРГІШ ГИДРОГЕЛЬДЕР ХИМИЯЛЫҚ ТЕХНОЛОГИЯСЫ

Abstract

This paper investigates the chemical technology for the synthesis of superabsorbent hydrogels based on natural components. Composite hydrogels synthesized from starch, acrylamide, and kaolin were selected as the objects of study. Starch was used as a biodegradable polymer matrix, while acrylamide was introduced to enhance hydrophilicity and swelling capacity. Kaolin, a layered aluminosilicate mineral, was incorporated as an inorganic filler to improve the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the hydrogel structure. The influence of initiator and cross-linking agent concentrations on the swelling behavior of the synthesized hydrogels was examined. Experimental results showed that the maximum swelling degree was achieved at an initiator concentration of 0.8–1.0 wt.%, which is attributed to enhanced free-radical generation and efficient formation of polymer chains. At an initiator content of 1 wt.%, the water absorption capacity of the hydrogel reached 890 g/g. In addition, an increase in NaCl concentration was found to result in a gradual decrease in the water absorption capacity of the hydrogels. The elemental composition of the composites was determined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the dominance of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in the polymer matrix. The obtained hydrogels are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and show strong potential for agricultural applications.