Guar gum based biodegradable hydrogel for water purification and sanitary applications

Technology Details:

This innovation addresses the need for low-cost, biodegradable materials in water purification and sanitary applications by developing a guar gum-borax (GGB) hydrogel. This hydrogel is synthesized through a simple, cost-effective, single-step process that can be easily scaled up for production. The process occurs at room temperature and doesn’t require advanced instrumentation. This makes it accessible for production by a wider range of stakeholders, including self-help groups and individual entrepreneurs.

The GGB hydrogel has several unique features that make it promising solution:

• High Absorbency:

The optimized hydrogel can absorb up to 100 grams of water per gram of its dry weight. This high absorption capacity makes it suitable for applications like sanitary napkins, where efficient fluid absorption is crucial.

• Rapid Biodegradability:

Unlike existing hydrogels that take a long time to degrade, the GGB hydrogel decomposes completely within 3-4 days in the presence of moisture. It can even be dissolved in hot water for immediate disposal. This biodegradability addresses environmental concerns associated with conventional sanitary products.

• Effective Dye Removal:

The GGB hydrogel demonstrated excellent adsorption capabilities in tests, removing almost 94% of aniline blue dye within an hour. This suggests its effectiveness in absorbing menstrual fluids and other contaminants.

The combination of these features makes the GGB hydrogel a potentially transformative solution in the sanitary product market, offering a sustainable and affordable alternative to conventional products.