Using borax as a cross-linking agent in cellulose-based hydrogels

摘要

In this research,the cellulose-based hydrogels were obtained from the water hyacinth fibers(WHFs)with aids of borax as a chemical cross-linker.The chemical treatment on WHFs,confirmed by Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)analysis and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),exhibited the reduction of hemicellulose and lignin.The treated cellulose fibers were dissolved in the mixed solution of NaOH/urea prior to mixing with borax at the cellulose/borax weight ratio of 1/0,1/0.5 and 1/1 to prepare cellulose-based hydrogels.The effect of borax contents on the properties of cellulose-based hydrogels was investigated.The results showed that the swelling ratio and equilibrium water content of the obtained hydrogels were similar with increasing a borax content.