Preparation of hydrogel composites using Ca2+ and Cu2+ ions as crosslinking agents

• Published in: SN applied sciences Vol. 1; no. 6; p. 643
• Main Authors: Mikula, K., Skrzypczak, D., Ligas, B., Witek-Krowiak, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-06-2019; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: 1. Chemistry (general); Alginates; Alginic acid; Applied and Technical Physics; Binding; Biomedical materials; Biopolymers; Calcium; Calcium ions; Carboxymethylcellulose; Cations; Chemical composition; Chemistry/Food Science; Composite materials; Controlled release; Copper; Crosslinking; Earth Sciences; Engineering; Environment; Fertilizers; Fourier transforms; Functional groups; Hydrogels; Infrared spectroscopy; Ions; Materials Science; Nutrients; Physicochemical properties; Polymers; Protective coatings; Research Article; Sodium; Biosorbent; Alginate; Microelements; Copper; Carboxymethylcellulose; Fertilizers
• ISSN: 2523-3963; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-019-0657-3

The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the crosslinking agent on the production of biopolymer composites with immobilized eggshells. Capsules with various chemical composition were produced: pure alginate (ALG) and alginate with carboxymethylcellulose and different content of biosorbent (5 wt% and 10 wt%). Two crosslinking agents have been used for the production of composites, i.e. Cu
2+
ions and Ca
2+
ions. Physicochemical properties (drying kinetics, swelling) and sorption properties of the structures were examined. Composite functional groups responsible for binding Cu
2+
cations using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were located. Desorption of Cu
2+
ions was performed to investigate the effect of crosslinkers on the release of cations (composites crosslinked with Ca
2+
ions slower desorb the Cu
2+
ions). The results showed that the type of the crosslinking agent has a significant influence on the physicochemical properties of biocomposites, as well as the binding and release of Cu
2+
ions. Based on the result, biocomposites with immobilized biomass crosslinked with Ca
2+
ions could be used in the future as controlled release fertilizers.