Sustainable Hydrogels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

Sustainable Hydrogels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications explores the development of sustainable hydrogels using biorenewable monomers, mimicking commercial properties, and creating bio-based hydrogels with benign degradation. It also addresses challenges in sustainable polymer chemistry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 538 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

Sustainable hydrogels: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications delves into the multifaceted development of these versatile materials, encompassing a wide range of topics. It explores the utilization of abundant and/or inexpensive biorenewable monomers to create hydrogels, replicating the diverse properties inherent in successful commercial hydrogels. Furthermore, it focuses on the creation of bio-based hydrogels that possess functional equivalence to their fossil fuel-derived counterparts, yet exhibit benign degradation over significantly shorter timescales. Additionally, the text addresses some of the challenges encountered in sustainable polymer chemistry.

Sustainable hydrogels, derived from renewable sources, offer a promising solution to address environmental concerns and meet the growing demand for hydrogels in various industries. These materials, synthesized using biorenewable monomers, mimic the properties of commercial hydrogels while exhibiting enhanced biodegradability. By leveraging the advantages of nature, sustainable hydrogels can be designed to degrade within a matter of days or weeks, significantly reducing their impact on the environment.

One of the key challenges in sustainable polymer chemistry is the development of efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Traditional hydrogel production methods often rely on non-renewable resources and energy-intensive processes, which contribute to environmental degradation. However, researchers are actively exploring alternative manufacturing techniques, such as bioprocessing, to produce sustainable hydrogels on a large scale.

Another area of focus in sustainable hydrogel research is the exploration of novel monomers and polymer architectures. By incorporating biocompatible and biodegradable components into the hydrogel matrix, researchers can enhance the biodegradability and biocompatibility of these materials. This not only benefits the environment but also promotes the development of hydrogels for medical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.

Sustainable hydrogels also find applications in various industries, including packaging, agriculture, and waste management. For example, they can be used as edible packaging materials, replacing traditional plastic and paper packaging that contribute to environmental pollution. In agriculture, sustainable hydrogels can be used as soil conditioners to improve soil fertility and water retention, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In waste management, sustainable hydrogels can be used as absorbents to capture and degrade organic waste, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.

In conclusion, sustainable hydrogels represent a promising solution to address the challenges of traditional hydrogels while promoting environmental sustainability. By utilizing abundant and/or inexpensive biorenewable monomers, mimicking the properties of commercial hydrogels, and incorporating biodegradable components, sustainable hydrogels can be designed to degrade over short timescales, reducing their impact on the environment. With ongoing research and development, sustainable hydrogels have the potential to revolutionize various industries and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323917537