Morphological, mid-FTIR Spectral, and Thermal Characterization of Oxidized Cellulose Gel from Philippine Rice (NSIC Rc222, Tubigan 18) Husk
Document Types
Poster Presentation
School Name
De Lalle University - Manila
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Bonto, Aldrin
Start Date
23-6-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
23-6-2025 12:00 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
5th Floor Breakout Function Room (501-503), Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall, DLSU Laguna Campus
Abstract/Executive Summary
Modern agriculture still encounters challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, and the adverse effects of synthetic agrochemicals, proving the importance of hydrogels for their water retention properties. The Philippines, rich in rice husks, offers low-cost materials for hydrogel production as these are abundant in cellulose. Transforming these into oxidized cellulose-based hydrogels utilizes waste and mitigates pollution. This study aims to synthesize an oxycellulose hydrogel derived from rice husk cellulose through TEMPO-oxidation and Ca²⁺ ionotropic gelation, and characterize its morphological and thermal features. However, the study does not test its effects on plant growth and acknowledges the possible limitations in material accessibility. A quantitative experimental design was employed to evaluate the hydrogel’s structure and suitability for agriculture—the methods involved extracting cellulose from rice husks through alkaline treatment and bleaching. The extracted cellulose was oxidized using TEMPO-mediated oxidation for hydrogel formation through ionotropic gelation, followed by sonication and molding with CaCl₂ solution to transform it into hydrogel cubes. For characterization, the hydrogels underwent SEM for morphology and elemental composition, FTIR for functional groups, and DSC for thermal properties. FTIR analysis reveals the successful lignin elimination, addition of carboxyl groups, and stable hydrogel network. DSC findings indicate modification in the material’s thermal characteristics because of oxidation and gelation, increasing water absorption. SEM showed a rough, porous surface with fragmented morphology and visible voids, improving water retention. Based on these results, the hydrogel’s structure indicates effective moisture management and is well-suited for potential agricultural applications.
Keywords
hydrogel; rice husk; cellulose; TEMPO-oxidation; water retention
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Materials Engineering (MEN)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Morphological, mid-FTIR Spectral, and Thermal Characterization of Oxidized Cellulose Gel from Philippine Rice (NSIC Rc222, Tubigan 18) Husk
Modern agriculture still encounters challenges like water scarcity, soil degradation, and the adverse effects of synthetic agrochemicals, proving the importance of hydrogels for their water retention properties. The Philippines, rich in rice husks, offers low-cost materials for hydrogel production as these are abundant in cellulose. Transforming these into oxidized cellulose-based hydrogels utilizes waste and mitigates pollution. This study aims to synthesize an oxycellulose hydrogel derived from rice husk cellulose through TEMPO-oxidation and Ca²⁺ ionotropic gelation, and characterize its morphological and thermal features. However, the study does not test its effects on plant growth and acknowledges the possible limitations in material accessibility. A quantitative experimental design was employed to evaluate the hydrogel’s structure and suitability for agriculture—the methods involved extracting cellulose from rice husks through alkaline treatment and bleaching. The extracted cellulose was oxidized using TEMPO-mediated oxidation for hydrogel formation through ionotropic gelation, followed by sonication and molding with CaCl₂ solution to transform it into hydrogel cubes. For characterization, the hydrogels underwent SEM for morphology and elemental composition, FTIR for functional groups, and DSC for thermal properties. FTIR analysis reveals the successful lignin elimination, addition of carboxyl groups, and stable hydrogel network. DSC findings indicate modification in the material’s thermal characteristics because of oxidation and gelation, increasing water absorption. SEM showed a rough, porous surface with fragmented morphology and visible voids, improving water retention. Based on these results, the hydrogel’s structure indicates effective moisture management and is well-suited for potential agricultural applications.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/poster_men/3
