Development of novel cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(potassium 1-hydroxy acrylate): synthesis, characterization and properties

Covalent cross-linking of poly(potassium 1-hydroxy acrylate) (PKHA) polymer and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was carried out in the presence of DCC and DMAP catalyst via ester linkage bond formation without using any cross-linking agents. The covalently cross-linked CMC/PKHA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The thermal properties of covalently cross-linked polymer were also investigated with the help of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and hot stage microscopy. The covalently cross-linked CMC/PKHA depicts thermal stability up to 231 degrees C as compared to CMC and PKHA polymer. The effect of ester linkage on water absorption capacity (WAC), pH and temperature-dependent WAC was investigated. Further, WAC of cross-linked CMC/PKHA was also performed in saline environment.