PAAm/CMC/nanoclay nanocomposite hydrogel: understanding the influence of initiators on the chain-growth mechanisms

Author(s)

Fernandes, Renan da Silva ; Tanaka, Fabricio Cerizza ; Ferreira Junior, Carlos Roberto ; Yonezawa, Uilian Gabaldi ; de Moura, Marcia Regina ; Aouada, Fauze Ahmad

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH; v. 29, n. 12, p. 12-pg., 2022-12-01.

Abstract

In this study, heat measurements were used to investigate the influence of three initiators on the chain-growth mechanisms of polyacrylamide/carboxymethylcellulose/nanoclay nanocomposite hydrogels. All the matrices had highly interconnected porous surfaces with intercalated configurations. Swelling degree measurements were conducted to investigate the effect of the various formed chains on the physicochemical properties of these matrices. According to the findings, hydrogels synthesized using a potassium persulfate initiator had the highest water absorbency (around 40.8 +/- 0.8 g.g<^>(-1)), followed by those synthesized using sodium persulfate (38.1 +/- 1.0 g.g<^>(-1)) and ammonium persulfate initiators (34.8 +/- 0.7 g.g<^>(-1)). The nanoclay-containing nanocomposite had a similar water absorption tendency. Additionally, all the nanocomposites had a lower swelling degree than pure hydrogel because nanoclay acted as a physical crosslinker in the polymeric matrix, decreasing the chain elasticity and water sorption ability. Different physicochemical properties were then generated due to the difference in polymerization mechanisms. Chain combination was the preferred termination mechanism for the polymerization of the hydrogel with the highest water absorbency. It was also plausible to assume that chain transfer reactions favored the termination mechanisms of the polymerization of the nanocomposites synthesized using NaPS and APS initiators, generating polymeric chains with low molecular weight and reducing the water absorption capacity. The insertion of nanoclay inhibited the start of the polymerization initiation step by preventing the initiator from attacking the monomer. Thus, a better understanding of the interaction between the initiators and hydrogel components can aid in the synthesis of hybrid nanocomposites with desirable characteristics and properties. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/03643-0 - Study of novel biodegradable carrier vehicles of fertilizers and agricultural defensives based on hydrogel and nanostructure silicates as an alternative in the combat of environmental impacts
• Grantee: Fauze Ahmad Aouada
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 18/18697-1 - Development of novel magnetic nanocomposites based on hydrogel for evaluation as carrier vehicle of drugs and agricultural inputs
• Grantee: Fauze Ahmad Aouada
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants