A Review: Synthesis and Characterization of Alginate/PVA Composite Hydrogel and its Application as Controlled Released Fertilizer
Siti Fatimah(a), Hendrawan Hendrawan(a*), Fitri Khoerunnisa(a)

(a)Graduate Program of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Education, Indonesia University of Education Setiabudi 229 Bandung 40154
*hendrawan[at]upi.edu

Abstract

Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic networks of polymer chains, which can absorb liquids up to hundreds times of their own weight and keep their structural network intact. The superiority performance of hydrogels is determined by the selection of materials, synthesis techniques and characteristics. This article aims to study the synthesis technique and characteristics of alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based hydrogels with the addition of fertilizer as a control released fertilizer (CRF) material for agricultural applications. The research method used is literature review from various sources in journal database sites such as sciencedirect.com which are indexed by Scopus in quartile 1 (Q1). In particular, various synthesis and characterization methods using XRD, FTIR, SEM, swelling behavior, mechanical properties and fertilizer release behavior test of alginate/PVA composite hydrogels were reviewed comprehensively.

Keywords: Hydrogel- Alginate- PVA- CRF

Topic: Chemistry