synthesis of graft copolymer of itaconic acid/acrylamide on starch and investigation of water absorption behavior of its hydrogel

Hydrogels are a group of polymeric materials have swelling and water absorption properties due to their hydrophilic structure. We can use natural polymer such as a starch, and their derivatives in the synthesis of hydrogel due to low cost and biodegradable [1,2].The aim of the present research was synthesize the graft copolymer of itaconic acid / acrylamide onto starch and investigation of water absorption behavior of its hydrogel. For this purpose ammonium persulfate (APS) was used as initiator and 1,4-buthylene bis methacrylate (BGDMA) as cross linker.The effect of various parameters such as monomer concentration, crosslinking agent and initiator concentration, time and tempreture reaction, and pH might be investigated on grafting efficiency and adsorption capacity of the starch hydrogels. Percentage of water swelling (PS) of hydrogel was investigated by tea bag method. Maximum Ps1848.7 was obtained using 1 g starch, 1g acrylamide, 1 g itaconic acid, 0.01 mL BGDMA, and 0.1g ammonium persulphate (APS) in the aqueous solution. FTIR spectrum natural starch and its grafted copolymer are shown below.