Factors on the preparation of carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel and its degradation behavior in soil

A hydrogel, with water content more than 97.0 wt%, was prepared through crosslinking sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) with AlCl3, The effects of amount of crosslinker, water, Na-CMC and the reaction temperature on modulus and biodegradation of the hydrogel were investigated and optimized. At the same time, the factors of amount of antiseptic, nutriments and different soils on the biodegradation of the hydrogel were also discussed in detail. The results showed that the hydrogel had better biodegradation and strength when the mass ratio of crosslinker to Na-CMC was 0.13 at room temperature. The degradation rate of the hydrogel was enhanced by addition of nutrient element especially by addition of urea. The results of biodegradation in different soils showed sand soil is favorable to degradation of the hydrogel. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.