Synthesis of hydrogels from pectin extracted from water hyacinth stems to use as Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) in sanitary napkins. Researchers Miss Chavisa Boonyakiate Miss Thidaporn Chiang Miss Pienpen Koonsrirat Mr. Ronnachai Klinkla *SMTE classroom, Satree Wat Mahapruttaram Girls’ school under the Royal Patronage of her Majesty the Queen **Science Teacher and Head of Enrichment Science Classroom, Satree Wat Mahapruttaram Girls’ school
INTRODUCTION 1 2 4 5 6 Recently, people have been facing communities overflowing with garbage, including materials such as women’s sanitary napkins. They are difficult to decompose because they use Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs). After use, a high amount of fluid is retained, making recycling difficult and rendering them unsuitable for energy recovery through incineration. Consequently, these items become pollutants in landfills, and landfilling allows pathogens to spread to water sources. The current research on hydrogel production focuses on the ability to absorb and retain water hundreds of times its own weight. Therefore, the team aims to develop hydrogels with liquid absorption capabilities comparable to those of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs). 3 ABSTRACT The purpose of the project is the synthesis of hydrogel from pectin extracted from water hyacinth stems, which has absorption properties like those of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) used in sanitary napkins. The pectin extracted from water hyacinth stems yielded 3.1% and had a methoxyl content of 97.83%, indicating it belongs to the high methoxyl pectin classification. The FTIR spectra show functional groups of pectin with the wave number positions at 3373.76 cm⁻¹ for O–H (Stretching), 1631.27 cm⁻¹ for C=O (Stretching), 891.51 cm⁻¹ for C–H (Stretching), and 1011.84 cm⁻¹ for C–O (Stretching) functional groups. The hydrogel was synthesized using pectin and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in a ratio of 1:0.8 by weight, and glutaraldehyde (GA) was used as a cross-linking agent. The gel structure of it shows 9.21%. The FTIR spectra show functional groups of the hydrogel with the wave number positions at 3358.87 cm-⁻¹ for N-H (stretching), 1635.31 cm⁻¹ for C=O (stretching), and 1015.96 cm⁻¹ for S=O (stretching) functional groups. The free absorption capacity test shows properties less than SAPs. However, it is a suitable natural material that can be developed as SAPs in sanitary napkins.
STEM CONCEPTS INVOLVED Chemistry Chemical Engineering Data Analysis Research and Development Production Process: Designing processes extracting pectin from water hyacinth and producing hydrogels from pectin. Testing and Quality Control: Quality assurance of the extracted pectin and synthesized hydrogel involves employing various methods, such as the FTIR technique. Pectin Extraction: Selecting the appropriate extraction method is crucial for the quality of extracted pectin. Polymerization Reaction for hydrogel synthesis: The process of polymerization involves chemical reactions leading to the formation of new polymers of hydrogel.. Experimentation and Measurement: Collecting data from experiments to analyze properties of pectin such as the percentage yield, methoxyl content of extracted substances. The analyzing properties of hydrogels such as water absorption, and gel fraction of synthesis substances. Innovation: Creating new materials or developing new processes in hydrogel production from water hyacinth stems. Experimentation and Improvement: Developing suitable processes to improve efficiency in pectin extraction and hydrogel production from water hyacinth stems.
ONE HEALTH CONCEPT INVOLVED Efficient resource management is an essential component Chemical Exposure Natural Resource Use Environmental Impact Efficient Product Creation Chemicals or solvents may be used that could have environmental impacts Involve considering the environmental and health impacts Select chemicals or processes that have minimal environmental impact Utilizing plant biomass and converting it into raw materials A use of natural resources in product development Have environmental implications The possibility of ending up in water bodies and affecting aquatic life. Studying the environmental impacts and overall resource use is an important aspect Potentially reduce environmental impacts and human health concerns Associated with plastic waste. Using hydrogel in products like menstrual hygiene products
METHODOLOGY 1 Extraction of pectin from water hyacinth stalks Wash them and cut them into small pieces. Boiled in water for 25 minutes at a temperature of 74.8 °C Dry it at 65 °C until dry, then blend until fine. Put it into a beaker and add distilled water in a ratio of 1:12 (w/v). The pH was adjusted with HCl at pH 2 and then extracted at 80 °C for 90 minutes. Dried and pulverised into a fine powder to be analysed further. Filtered and washed with 95% ethanol and 50% acetone. Left it at room temperature for 15 hours. Precipitated the pectin by adding 95% ethanol in a ratio of 1:1 (v/v) and vigorously mixing to combine. Filtered it with a thin layer of white cloth. Pectin analysis 2 Hydrogel synthesis Pulverised it for further analysis of its properties. Dissolved the ช pectin in a 10% (w/v) volume of 50 ml and dissolved it with PVP with the ratio 1:0.8 (w/w). Stirred the mixture constantly until it became homogeneous. Added the GA reagent (2 ml HCl and 1 ml GA) to perform the cross-linking reaction with agitation at room temperature for half an hour. Placed the mixture on a Petri dish to dry, and then we dried it at 40 °C for 40–45 hours. Hydrogel analysis 3. Testing the ability to absorb liquids under free conditions (Free-absorption Capacity) 1. Identification of hydrogel using the FTIR technique 2. Analysis of the amount of gel structure (Gel Fraction) Preparation of pectin 1. Identification of pectin using the FTIR technique 2. Finding the percentage of yield (% yield) 3. Methoxyl content analysis Preparation of hydrogel
RESULTS & DISCUSSION Extraction of pectin from water hyacinth stems A total of 15.52 grams of water hyacinth was used as the substance for extracting pectin. It yielded 0.4804 grams of pectin, which is a 3.1 % yield. The methoxy content, determined from the degree of esterification, was found to be 97.83%, indicating a high pectin classification. The FTIR technique was employed to identify the functional groups present in the pectin, as shown in Figure 2. Additionally, the FTIR spectra exhibit frequencies corresponding to other functional groups present in pectin, including the wave number positions at 3373.76 cm⁻¹ for O–H (Stretching) functional group, 1631.27 cm⁻¹ for C=O (Stretching) functional group, 891.51 cm⁻¹ for C-H (Stretching) functional group, and 1011.84 cm⁻¹ for C–O (Stretching) functional group (Bow Thinphowong, et al., 2017). Moreover, when compared with the FTIR spectra of general pectin in Figure 3, the spectral image closely resembles that of the extracted pectin. Hydrogel Synthesis The synthesized hydrogel, which is brown and hard. It was analyzed using the FTIR technique, as shown in Figure 5. According to the FTIR spectra, there are three main peaks, including with the wave number positions at 3358.87 cm⁻¹ for N-H (Stretching) and O-H (Stretching) functional groups, 1635.31 cm⁻¹ for the C=O (Stretching) functional group, and 1015.96 cm⁻¹ for the S=O (Stretching) functional group (Sayan Saengsuwan, 2012). Therefore, it can be concluded that a general lattice hydrogel was produced. Hence, the amount of gel structure (gel fraction) was found to be approximately 9.21%. Additionally, the ability of the hydrogel and SAPs to absorb liquids under free-standing conditions (Free Absorption Capacity) was tested. The results, as shown in Figure 6, indicate that the hydrogel can absorb more liquid over time, with a percentage difference compared to the SAPs of 66.08%. However, the adsorption capacity is not equivalent to that of SAPs. Figure 2 FTIR Spectra of Extracted Pectin Figure 3 FTIR Spectra of General Pectin Figure 5 FTIR Spectra of synthesized hydrogel Figure 6 Graph showing the Free-absorption Capacity in each hour between hydrogel and SAPs. C=O (Stretching) functional group O-H (Stretching) functional group C-O (Stretching) functional group C-H (Stretching) functional group C=O (Stretching) functional group O-H (Stretching) functional group C-O (Stretching) functional group C-H (Stretching) functional group N-H (Stretching) and O-H (Stretching) functional groups C=O (Stretching) functional group S=O (Stretching) functional group
SIGNIFICANCE OF PROJECT This project demonstrates the use of technology and innovation to address waste management and chemical pollution issues in the community. By using water hyacinth stems, the project aims to reduce the use of harmful chemicals and alleviate waste management problems. This not only contributes to the longterm health and well-being of the community but also creates new opportunities for local industry development and income generation. The use of water hyacinth stems in the production of hydrogels and other valuable products offers economic and social advantages for the community. Benefits to the Community. The project has contributed to the development of new knowledge and technologies for researchers, students, and society. It demonstrates the application of knowledge and technology to address social and environmental issues by using natural materials like water hyacinth stems. This reduces the use of harmful chemicals and waste associated with water hyacinth, minimizing environmental and community impacts. Education and research in this area deepen understanding of creating pectin hydrogels and their application in sanitary napkins, encouraging further innovation and knowledge exchange in academic communities. Education Contribution The hydrogel from water hyacinth stems will hold significant commercial potential, particularly in the rapidly growing market of hygiene products. Therefore, the commercial potential of utilizing pectin hydrogels from water hyacinth stems in hygiene products is significant and can lead to business success in the future. Especially in a context where there is increasing interest in using environmentally friendly products in daily life, sanitary products manufactured from SAPs derived from water hyacinth stems may present an appealing and sought-after option for consumers. Commercial Potential
CONCLUSION 1 2 3 4 Bow Thinphowong, et al. (2017). Optimum Conditions for Pectin Extraction from Okra. Faculty of Agricultural and Bio Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Lannna. Chen, et al. (2022). Superabsorbent Polymers: From long-established, microplastics generating systems, to sustainable, biodegradable and future proof alternatives. Retrieved November 10, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079670021001222 Erawan Bao Thong and Phisit Charoensudjai. (2021). Vegetable pectin hydrogel for absorbing lead and cadmium. Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University. Narong Sikhiram.Extraction and characterization of pectin from guava pomace. Master of Science. Food Science and Technology Faculty of Agro-Industry Chiang Mai University, 2003. Pattira Tangarunsanti, Piyanannoirod and Cb hairattechawutporn. (2019). Comparison of the method of extracting pectin from vegetable stalks with acid and distilled water. Faculty of Science and Technology, Hua Chaloem Phrakiat University. Rakitikul, W. (2020). The Synthesis of Hydrogel from Canthium Parvifolium Roxb.’s Pection for Nitrogen Fertilizer Releasing. Ramkhamhaeng University’s Research, 23(1), 48-50. Sayan Sangsuwan. (2012). Synthesis and Properties of Superabsorbent Hydrogels for Heavy Metal Removal Applications. Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani University. Siriluck Onnum, et al. (2022). Study of optimal condition for extraction of pectin with hydrochloric acid from Silver Bluggoe banana (Musa sapientum Linn.). Faculty of Education, Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University. Yodtanet Thatsanapakdi. (2019). The synthesis of ketosan hydrogel by using microwaves to absorb heavy metal ions. Graduate School, Srinakharinwirot University. Yoshimura, T., Sengku, K., and Fujioka, R. 2005. Pectin-based superabsorbent hydrogels crosslinked by some chemicals: synthesis and characterization. Polymer Bulletin, Volume 55, 123-129. References The hydrogels can indeed be synthesized from pectin extracted from water hyacinth stems. The extracted pectin exhibited a percent yield (% yield) of 3.1 % and a methoxyl content (%DE) of approximately 97.83 %, indicating it falls under the category of high-methoxyl pectin. The synthesized hydrogel displayed a gel structure with a Gel Fraction of 9.21 %. As time elapsed, the adsorption capacity of the hydrogels was not comparable to that of SAPs, suggesting a difference in performance over time.