Synthesis and water state characterization of polysodium acrylate/cellulose microfibril hydrogels

The structure of polysodium acrylate (PSA) hydrogel was modified using N,N-methylenebisacrylamide and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) as a cross-linker and filler, respectively. CMF was obtained from banana fiber by acid hydrolysis process. The resulting structure and morphology of CMF and PSA/CMF hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy. From the FTIR and XRD spectra, the formation of CMF from banana fiber is confirmed. Differential scanning calorimetric study was carried out on the swollen PSA/CMF hydrogels to determine the state and quantification of water present inside the hydrogels. The mechanical characterization of PSA/CMF hydrogels was studied in brief by dynamic mechanical analysis technique.