Physically and Chemically Cross-Linked Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Humic Acid Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications.

ABSTRACT: The preparation method of hydrogels has a significant effect on their structural and physicochemical properties. In this report, physically and chemically cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) networks containing humic acid (HA) were alternatively prepared by autoclaving (AC) and through glutaraldehyde (GA) addition, respectively, for agricultural purposes. PVA/HA hydrogels were comparatively characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical assays, scanning electron microscopy, swelling kinetics measurements, and water retention tests in soil. AC hydrogels showed a more homogeneous porous microstructure, higher swelling levels, and a better capacity to preserve the humidity of soil than those obtained by adding GA. Both PVA/HA hydrogels exhi

SUBMITTER: Torres-Figueroa AV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10688162 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature