Optimization of Manufacturing Conditions for Radiation-Crosslinked Hydrogels- Part 1: Effects of Raw Material Mixing Ratios on Hydrogel Properties -

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a promising feedstock candidate for producing eco-friendly, highabsorbency hydrogels.Electron beam irradiation (EBI) offers a safer and more efficient method for hydrogel formation without petrochemical-based crosslinkers.In this study, citric acid (CA) was used as a cross-linking agent to prepare non-toxic and environmentally friendly hydrogels by combining CMC and irradiating with a low dose (7 kGy) of electron beam.The central composite design (CCD) was applied to investigate the effects of CMC and CA concentrations for optimizing the water sorption ability of the hydrogels.The results indicated no gel was formed at CMC concentrations below 5%, while stable cross-linkings were achieved at concentrations above 9%.These conditions produced hydrogels with gel fractions exceeding 80%, water absorption capacities above 75 g/g, and excellent mechanical stiffness.