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Abstract
The alginate-Jeffamine hydrogels were synthesized throughout the reaction of alginate with O,O′-bis(2-aminopropyl)polypropylene glycol (Jeffamine) in HCl solution. The network formation was confirmed by presence of N-H bonds in FTIR and Raman spectra. The swelling properties of the hydrogels revealed water absorption of 330% after 18 h that reached maximum value of 430% in 18 days. The optical microscopy evidenced regular porosity of the hydrogels and the SEM micrographs of the hydrogels plasticized with glycerol showed homogenous and compact surfaces. The results showed that the alginate-based hydrogels are very good materials that can be applied successfully as moisture-soil-control agents in agriculture.
Acknowledgments
The authors are indebted to Denise T. B. De Salvi from IQ-UNESP Araraquara-SP, Brazil for the Raman measurements and to FAPESP, CNPq and CAPES for the financial support given to this research.