Effect of nano precipitated calcium carbonate on the properties of hydrogels prepared with acrylamide, starch, and TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose

A variety of water-retaining hydrogels possessing macroporous interiors resembling a honeycomb framework were developed by free radical polymerization of acrylamide (AM), starch, and TEMPO-oxidized nanofibrillated cellulose (TONFC) (Poly (AM-co-TONFC/Starch) (PATS) hydrogels). With the help of ultrasound, nano precipitated calcium carbonate (NPCC) was gelatinized in the preformed NPCC suspension in a monomer solution that forms a hydrogel. When NPCC was dispersed in water, its surface was positively charged, and NPCC could be used as a condensation center to form hydrogen bonds with AM, TONFC, and starch, shortening the distance between AM, TONFC, and starch, increasing the pore size, and thinning the pore wall. The uniform dispersion of NPCC in hydrogels could also promote a more uniform degree of cross-linking in hydrogels. When the hydrogels was extruded and deformed by external forces, the stress of hydrogels was more uniform, so that they could withstand more forces without collapsing. When 4% NPCC was added (relative to starch and TONFC), the pore size of PATS2 hydrogel was uniformly distributed in the range of 10 to 20 μm. The maximum tensile strength of PATS2 hydrogel reached 84.8 KPa, and the elongation at break was 399%. The water absorption reached 172.3, and 65% water content was maintained after 720 h.