Utilization of Waste Paper to Manufacture of Hydrogels

Abstract

Michael Ioelovich

Huge volumes of mixed waste paper (MWP) pollute the environment. Nevertheless, it is an abundant, renewable and inexpensive material, so finding a new way of utilization it is very important. In this article, MWP has been used as initial material for the production of hydrogels. It was found that when MWP is treated with a cold solvent, namely with an aqueous solution of 7%NaOH/12%Urea (N/U), at solvent to initial paper ratio R ≥ 5, complete amorphization of the cellulose component of the paper occurs, as a result of which a hydrogel is formed. In addition, if the alkali of the solvent is neutralized with phosphoric acid, then the resulting hydrogel will contain PN-fertilizer and can be applied in agriculture. Studies have shown that this hydrogel promotes seed germination, increases the water retention of the soil, and then completely decomposes in a short time under the action of enzymes secreted by microorganisms present in the soil.

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