Using borax as a cross-linking agent in cellulose-based hydrogels

In this research, the cellulose-based hydrogels were obtained from the water hyacinth fibers (WHFs) with aids of borax as a chemical cross-linker. The chemical treatment on WHFs, confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), exhibited the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin. The treated cellulose fibers were dissolved in the mixed solution of NaOH/urea prior to mixing with borax at the cellulose/borax weight ratio of 1/0, 1/0.5 and 1/1 to prepare cellulose-based hydrogels. The effect of borax contents on the properties of cellulose-based hydrogels was investigated. The results showed that the swelling ratio and equilibrium water content of the obtained hydrogels were similar with increasing a borax content.