| Abstract: | A series of natural polymer‐based superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared by free radical graft copolymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA) onto psyllium gum (PSY) in aqueous solution, using ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator, and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as the crosslinker. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that AA monomers have been grafted onto PSY macromolecular chains. The swelling properties of the hydrogels in various saline and pH solutions were investigated, and the swelling kinetics and reswelling ability of the hydrogels were also evaluated systematically. The hydrogels showed excellent responsive properties and reversible On‐Off switching characteristics in various pH buffer solutions, which render the hydrogels available as a candidate for drug delivery system. |
