Techno-economic process parameter studies for hydrogel composite production from corncob biomass and its application as fertilizer releasing agent

This research work investigated the techno-economic process design for cellulose hydrogel synthesis from corncob biomass and their swelling and kinetic behaviors analysis In this process, raw corncob (RCC) was fractionated by alkali treatment process to obtain corn cellulose fibers (CCF) and then copolymerization with gelatin to produced cellulose hydrogel composite (CHC). Their swelling efficiency of CHC was investigated in NaCl, CaCl2 and CO(NH2)(2) solution by gravimetric method. The swelling capacity of CHC decreases with increasing salt concentration due to poor mass transfer diffusion. The dehydration kinetics of hydrogel were investigated at 30, 40 and 50 degrees C temperature to find the diffusion mechanism of the process. The techno-economic analysis was to estimate the operating cost to be 9,671,000 $/yr and annual revenue could be 12,230,000 $/yr for the hydrogel production process. These superior properties of hydrogel can promote the possible utilization of water retention and fertilizer releasing agent in the agricultural process.

Automated summary

This research work focused on the techno-economic process design of cellulose hydrogel synthesis from corncob biomass and analyzed their swelling and kinetic behaviors. Raw corncob was fractionated through alkali treatment to obtain cellulose fibers, which were then copolymerized with gelatin to produce cellulose hydrogel composite. The swelling efficiency of the cellulose hydrogel composite was investigated in different salt solutions and its drying kinetics were also studied. Techno-economic analysis estimated the operating cost and annual revenue for the hydrogel production process. The superior properties of the hydrogel make it a potential candidate for water retention and fertilizer releasing agent in agriculture.