Grafting of acrylamide onto kappa-carrageenan via γ-irradiation:: Optimization and swelling behavior

The Taguchi method, a robust experimental design for optimization, was used for the synthesis of a superabsorbent hydrogel network using gamma-rays as an initiator, energy source and crosslinker at the same time. Nine different samples of superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared in various conditions from kappa-carrageenan (KC) and acrylamide by gamma-irradiation at room temperature. Considering the results of nine trials and according to analysis of variance (ANOVA), a new experimental condition with the concentrations Of KC and acrylamide 1.5 g and 0.028 mol (2 g in total volume of 50 m L H2O), respectively, as well as gamma-ray at the optimum total dose (7kGy) was proposed. After preparing the desired hydrogels according to optimum condition, the swelling behavior of hydrogels in different media was investigated. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.