Characterization of Superabsorbent Hydrogel Based on Epichlorohydrin Crosslink and Carboxymethyl Functionalization of Cassava Starch

Superabsorbent hydrogel was prepared by epichlorohydrin crosslink of cassava starch. Their swelling improved with added carboxymethyl group on the starch-epichlorohydrin structure. The structure and properties of starch-epichlorohydrin-carboxymethyl hydrogel were measured by SEM, FTIR, water and physiological solution absorption test and water retention test. The result showed that hydrogel displayed macroporous with heterogenous distribution and irregular surface was formed by epichlorohydrin and carboxymethyl bond in the structure of hydrogel. It was confirmed also by the FTIR spectra. The swelling ratio of starch-epichlorohydrin hydrogel to the water is 518 % and increased to 1,028.5 % with carboxymethyl addition on the structure. The best influence of the physiological solution to the swelling ratio of starch-epichlorohydrin-carboxymethyl hydrogel is urea solution. The water retention of starch-epichlorohydrin-carboxymethyl hydrogel in NaCl solution is better than in CaCl2 solution.