Analysis of microwave vs. thermally assisted grafting of poly(methyl-vinyl ether co-maleic acid)-polyethylene glycol to birch kraft pulp

Abstract

Abstract Alternative methods of enhancing water absorption of birch pulp fibers by crosslinking poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-maleic acid) and polyethylene glycol are briefly explored. While thermal initiated crosslinking is common, microwave initiated crosslinking of lignocellulosics is less studied. The thermal and microwave initiated crosslinking were compared through water absorption and retention. The microwave conditions were optimized to 105 s at 1600 W, while the thermal samples were placed in a 130°C oven for 6.5 min. Both methods resulted in successfully creating new superabsorbent fibers. The microwave initiated crosslinked fibers absorbed 45–413% more water and the thermal initiated fibers absorbed 210–582% more water than the control fibers (37.3 g/g and 29.4 g/g, respectively). This study demonstrated that it is possible to utilize microwave technology to enhance water absorption properties of lignocellulosics fibers and to reduce reaction times.