Superabsorbent polymers - An innovative solution for improving water usage efficiency and agriculture productivity

Nguyen Van Khoi; Nguyen Thanh Tung; Nguyen Trung Duc; Pham Thi Thu Ha; Pham Thu Trang; Tran Vu Thang; Nguyen Thu Huong; Nguyen Thi Lien Phuong

doi:10.15625/2525-2518/16888

Author affiliations

Authors

Nguyen Van Khoi Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Nguyen Thanh Tung Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Nguyen Trung Duc Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Pham Thi Thu Ha Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Pham Thu Trang Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Tran Vu Thang Institute of Chemistry, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Nguyen Thu Huong Lac Trung Technology and Trading Services Company Limited, 350 Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Nguyen Thi Lien Phuong Lac Trung Technology and Trading Services Company Limited, 350 Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/16888

Keywords:

superabsorbent polymers, Grafting copolymerization, water retention, soil improvement, agriculture productivity

Abstract

In recent years, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have become an attractive solution to solve the problem of water scarcity in agriculture. This article reviews the literature concerned with preparation techniques of SAPs, methods for evaluating and their application in agriculture. SAPs can be prepared by four main techniques: bulk, solution, inverse suspension and radiation polymerization. Analytical evaluation methods of SAPs, including free absorbency capacity, absorbency under load, swelling rate, swollen gel strength, soluble fraction, residual monomer and ionic sensitivity, are briefly introduced. SAPs have a wide applicability in agriculture. They can be used to efficiently improve water use in agriculture, such as retaining moisture in the soil and reducing irrigation water consumption due to their super high water absorption and water retention capacity. SAPs also have positive impacts on soil properties, such as improving soil as well as improving water and fertilizer efficiency, leading to the enhancement of crop yields.

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