Grafting of acrylamide onto kappa-carrageenan via γ-irradiation: Optimization and swelling behavior

The Taguchi method, a robust experimental design for optimization, was used for the synthesis of a superabsorbent hydrogel network using γ-rays as an initiator, energy source and crosslinker at the same time. Nine different samples of superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared in various conditions from kappa-carrageenan (κC) and acrylamide by γ-irradiation at room temperature. Considering the results of nine trials and according to analysis of variance (ANOVA), a new experimental condition with the concentrations of κC and acrylamide 1.5 g and 0.028 mol (2 g in total volume of 50 mL H2O), respectively, as well as γ-ray at the optimum total dose (7 kGy) was proposed. After preparing the desired hydrogels according to optimum condition, the swelling behavior of hydrogels in different media was investigated.