Biodegradability of Blend Hydrogels Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Carboxymethyl Starch

Abstract

Biodegradable blend hydrogels based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carboxymethyl starch (CMS) were prepared by the radiation-induced crosslinking. Properties of the crosslinked CMC/CMS blend hydrogels such as gel fraction, degree of swelling (Sw), gel strength, and biodegradability were investigated. The Sw of the CMC/CMS blend hydrogels were in the range of 10 to 800, which depended on the dose as well as on the CMC/CMS ratio. The gel fraction and the Sw of the CMC/CMS blend hydrogels obtained at the same dose decreased and increased, respectively, with increasing CMS content. The biodegradability of the CMC/CMS blend hydrogels was controlled by adjusting the CMC/CMS ratio, resulting in the biodegradation ratio in the range of 5% to 20% after 30 days in controlled compost.