Study of the process of polymerization of epichlorohydrin with amino compounds

Azimov A. Bolysbek A. Iztleuov G. Shirinov S. Jalilov A.
December 2025 Springer Science and Business Media B.V.

Journal of Polymer Research
2025 #32 Issue 12

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of novel hydrogels based on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HPAN) and epichlorohydrin (ECH), aimed at enhancing water retention in soil and supporting controlled sorption of aqueous contaminants. The hydrogels were prepared via a batch reaction in an aqueous medium at 70 °C, employing three different amine crosslinkers (monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethylenepentamine) to explore the effects of branching and network structure on material properties. Characterization by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of covalent bonds between ECH and amine groups, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed porous morphologies whose size and distribution depended on the type of amine. Equilibrium swelling capacities ranged from 370 ± 10% for HPAN-MEA to 4.85 ± 0.12 g/g for HPAN-TEPA, with kinetic measurements showing that 90% of maximum swelling was reached within 20–30 min, indicating rapid water uptake relevant for irrigation applications. Mechanical testing indicated that all hydrogels maintained elasticity under up to 80% compression, with modulus values increasing with crosslinker branching. Preliminary biocompatibility assessment via seed germination tests showed no significant toxicity, and residual ECH content was below 0.01%, suggesting environmental safety. Comparative analysis with other crosslinkers demonstrated superior swelling, porosity (78 ± 5%), and low density (0.86 ± 0.03 g/cm³) for ECH-based hydrogels. Furthermore, HPAN-TEPA hydrogels exhibited sorption capacities toward Cu²⁺ ions up to 128 ± 6 mg/g and maintained over 92% functionality after five swelling–drying cycles, indicating good stability and recyclability. Cost and performance benchmarking suggest that these hydrogels are competitive with commercial polyacrylate-based superabsorbents while offering tunable properties through selection of amine crosslinkers. These results provide a foundation for the design of HPAN–ECH hydrogels with tailored sorption and swelling behavior, highlighting their potential for agricultural water management and environmental remediation, while acknowledging the need for further studies on large-scale application, long-term durability, and comprehensive biodegradability.

Agricultural applications , Copolymers , Hydrogel synthesis , Polymer characterization , Water retention

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Research Laboratory Innovative Water Treatment Systems, South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Student Affairs, South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Ecology, South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Tashkent Research Institute of Chemical Technology LLC, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Research Laboratory Innovative Water Treatment Systems
Department of Student Affairs
Department of Ecology
Tashkent Research Institute of Chemical Technology LLC

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