Urea modification of a gamma-irradiation-synthesized dextrin hydrogel for enhanced water retention and sustained agrochemical release
摘要
This study reports the synthesis and modification of dextrin-based superabsorbent hydrogels for enhanced water retention and controlled agrochemical delivery. Dextrin/acrylic acid/methacrylic acid (DxPU) hydrogels were prepared via gamma irradiation, followed by urea modification to improve hydrophilicity and swelling capacity. Structural and morphological properties were characterized using FTIR and SEM analyses. The urea modification significantly increased swelling capacity to 935.7 g/g and improved water retention after 4 cycles compared with the unmodified hydrogel. The hydrogels also exhibited pH- and ionic-strength responsiveness. Controlled-release studies of the fungicide Ridomil Gold MZ revealed prolonged release up to 20 days, indicating strong potential for sustainable agricultural applications.