Preparation of hydrogel based on cellulose from sugarcane bagasse

In this study, the preparation and characterization of hydrogels from sugarcane bagasse were investigated. The preparation of hydrogels was made with cellulose extracted from sugarcane bagasse, ammonium persulfate as initiator, acrylic acid as monomer and N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinking agent. The characterization of structure and properties of the hydrogels were carried out through Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy, Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy, determination of Young’s modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break and Charpy impact, swelling degree and Thermogravimetric Analysis. The optimal condition for the preparation was found at 1.0 g ammonium persulfate/kg cellulose, 1.6 g acrylic acid/kg cellulose and 0.2 g N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide/kg cellulose. It was found that both anion and cation can be absorbed in the 3D-network of the hydrogel. The highest Young’s modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break and Charpy impact of the obtained hydrogel is 1.3 MPa, 5.2 MPa, 89.0% ad 7.2 kJ/m2, respectively. The hydrogel is stable until 110 oC. The results show that the obtained hydrogel may be suitable for electrolyte membrane used in battery.