Preparation of Cottonseed Protein-Based Superabsorbent Hydrogel Composite

A novel superabsorbent hydrogel was obtained by graft coplolymerization of cottonseed protein (CP), acrylic acid (AA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). This composite was synthesized by free radical copolymerization in aqueous solution in the presence of redox initiators, potassium persulphate and sodium sulfite, and N, N-Methylene bisacrylamide (NMBA) as cross-linking agent. The effects of the certain variables of the copolymerization on the swelling capacity of the hydrogel were measured and its swelling properties in different solutions were investigated. This approach shows a promising method in utilizing cottonseed protein to synthesis superabsorbent polymer with excellent water absorbency and potential in various applications.