Green synthesis of graft copolymer of psyllium musilage with acrylamide/acrylic acid and investigation of properties of its hydrogel

Graft copolymer is a branched polymer having sidechains composed of different monomers to that of the main chain. Graft coplymerization can be used to modify natural polymer such as starch, cellulose , chitosan, guar-gum and psyllium. The modified polymers can be used for removal, separation metal ions from aqueous solutions and can play an important role for environmental remediation of municipal and industrial wastewater[1]psyllium is a medicinal plant, uses against various diseases like constipation, diarrhea and diabetes[2].Its mucilage is composed of arabinose, xylose and traces of other sugars[3].In this study,graft Copolymer of psyllium musilage with acrylamide/acrylic acid was synthesized and converted to hydrogel by using Cross Linker and the amount of absorption was measured by a tea bag To method. To get the highest percentage of water absorption (Ps) in the hydrogel, various parameters, including weight ratio of monomers, type and amount of initiator, type and amount and cross linker, pH, reaction temperature and reaction time might be investigated.Maximum Ps 4000.194gr/gr was observed at0.05gr of APS in the aqueous solution. FTIR spectrum natural psyllium and grafted psyllium are shown below.