gamma-Irradiation Synthesis of a Smart Hydrogel: Optimization Using Taguchi Method and Investigation of Its Swelling Behavior

In the current work, synthesis of an environmental-sensitive superabsorbent hydrogel using gamma-rays is described. Grafted polyacrylonitrile onto a homogeneous solution of starch and kappa- Carrageenan hybrid backbones created a smart material with reversible behavior. The reaction parameters (i.e. acrylonitrile, starch and kappa-Carrageenan concentration, as well as gamma-irradiation time) affecting the water absorbency of the hydrogel were optimized using the Taguchi method, in order to achieve a hydrogel with high swelling capacity. FTIR spectroscopy was used for confrming the structure of the final product and the morphology of the synthesized hydrogel was examined by a scanning electron microscope. The swelling behavior of the optimized hydrogel sample in various NaCl concentrations and swelling kinetics in distilled water were investigated. The pH-reversibility and on-off switching behaviors of entitled smart hydrogel make it a good candidate for consideration as a potential carrier for bioactive agents like drugs.