Bio-based and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers based on citric acid and polyols
| PhD ceremony: | Mr J. (Jingying) Chen |
| When: | December 17, 2024 |
| Start: | 09:00 |
| Supervisors: | P. (Patrizio) Raffa, Prof, C.E. (Cor) Koning, F. (Francesco) Picchioni, Prof |
| Where: | Academy building RUG / Student Information & Administration |
| Faculty: | Science and Engineering |
In his thesis Jingying Chenexplores the development of novel biodegradable SAPs utilizing citric acid (CA) and bio-based polyalcohols as monomers, aimed at combining high water absorption capacity with enhanced biodegradability. Chen investigated the reaction mechanisms of CA with various alcohols through model reactions and simulations, elucidating the esterification processes involved.
Chen synthesized three series of CA-based SAPs via step-growth polymerization and cross-linking, with varying performance based on different monomers and counterions. The findings indicate that CA/glycerol-based SAPs achieved a maximum absorption capacity of 24 g water/g SAP, demonstrating satisfactory biodegradability. Further modifications with sorbitol and tartaric acid produced SAPs with enhanced properties, achieving absorption capacities up to 32 g water/g SAP. Additionally, Chen examined the influence of counterion size on SAP performance, revealing that potassium-neutralized SAPs exhibited the highest water absorption capacity.
Overall, this work presents a novel, eco-friendly approach to producing biodegradable SAPs with promising absorption capabilities, paving the way for sustainable alternatives to traditional non-degradable polymers.