Viscoelastic properties of borax loaded CMC-g-cl-poly(AAm) hydrogel composites and their boron nutrient release behavior

ABSTRACT Borax (Na2B4O7, 10.5% Boron) loaded CMC‐g‐cl‐poly(AAm) hydrogel composites were prepared by in situ grafting of acrylamide on to sodium carboxymethyl cellulose in the presence of borax by free radical polymerization technique to develop slow boron (B) delivery device. The composition, morphology, and mechanical properties of synthesized composites were studied by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, texture analyser, and dynamic shear rheometer. Characterization revealed formation of borate ion ( BO33−) from borax during polymerization reaction leading to extensive crosslinking of cellulosic chains and generation of mechanically strong composite hydrogels. Dynamic release of BO33− from the synthesized composites hydrogels followed Fickian diffusion mechanism and composites with high mechanical strength resulted in slow release of B. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43969.