Purdue College researchers say they’re utilizing cellulose extracted from industrial hemp to develop biodegradable superabsorbent supplies that will likely be much less polluting than these now utilized in disposable diapers, female hygiene merchandise, agricultural water retainers and different purposes.

The widespread use of conventional non-renewable, non-biodegradable, petroleum-based absorbents has created environmental issues that are exacerbated by the numerous vitality required for his or her manufacturing, in accordance with Senay Simsek, who heads the college’s Division of Meals Science and is main a crew of researchers within the hemp undertaking.

“Hemp hurds, discovered within the internal woody core of the hemp stalk, are extremely absorbent as a consequence of their excessive cellulose content material and low lignin ranges. This makes them a wonderful various for superabsorbent purposes,” Simsek stated.

Distinctive molecular construction

The cellulose extracted from hemp fibers is good for merchandise requiring excessive absorbency as a result of its molecular construction may be modified to spice up its water retention capabilities, in accordance with Simsek. Hemp bast fibers, the stringy fibers on the outer core of hemp plant stems, whereas much less absorbent, present energy and sturdiness, she added.

Simsek stated the Purdue course of to refine the cellulose extracted from hemp includes a fastidiously designed sequence of remedies that first break down the pure construction of the fabric, rising its floor space and porosity, like “turning a compact sponge right into a extra open, fluffy one.”

“The individuality of our know-how lies in its versatility, making it extremely tunable for numerous purposes of superabsorbent supplies throughout numerous industries,” Simsek stated.

Different makes use of

Together with diapers and hygiene merchandise, the Purdue-developed hemp materials may be utilized in components that assist soil retain water, providing a sustainable various to conventional superabsorbents that may hurt the soil and retard plant progress, in accordance with Simsek. “Our strategy conserves water and helps the ecosystem by offering a biodegradable resolution that integrates seamlessly into pure cycles,” she stated.

Hemp-based absorbents can be utilized to biosensors utilized in a wide range of industries, comparable to glucose strips and being pregnant checks, Simsek stated. “The flexibility stems from the fabric’s means to reply dynamically to environmental modifications. This trait is important for well timed and correct biosensing,” she stated.

Environmental problem

The waste from used, non-biodegradable disposable diapers alone is impacting the planet’s well being, in accordance with the World Financial Discussion board, which reported in August 2023 that greater than 300,000 disposable diapers are incinerated or taken to landfills every minute, and that billions of menstrual pads and tampons are discarded yearly within the U.S. alone.

Along with environmental considerations, the manufacturing of absorbents primarily based on petroleum results in the depletion of restricted sources and ties these merchandise to fluctuating oil costs and geopolitical tensions, Simsek stated.

Big $$ alternatives

Simsek stated the following step to carry the superabsorbent supplies to the market is to scale up the know-how to industrial ranges.

“This scaling part is important not just for refining our course of but additionally for demonstrating the sensible purposes of our innovation in agriculture and meals packaging, areas the place sustainable options are urgently wanted,” she stated.

The alternatives for such supplies are huge. The worldwide disposable diaper market was estimated to be value round $80-90 billion in 2023, whereas the female hygiene merchandise market, together with tampons, sanitary pads, and liners, is projected to achieve $50-55 billion by 2025. The mixed market dimension for biosensor glucose strips utilized by diabetics and residential being pregnant checks was estimated to be round $20-25 billion globally final yr.

The agricultural water retainer market is a comparatively smaller phase estimated at round $500 million to $1 billion, however with rising considerations about water shortage and rising adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, the market is anticipated to see vital progress within the coming years.

Patents sought

The superabsorbent hemp-based supplies being developed at Purdue have been submitted to the college’s commercialization workplace, which has utilized for a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Workplace.

The Purdue hemp analysis crew obtained seed funding by the School of Agriculture’s Agricultural Science and Extension for Financial Improvement program, an inside grants competitors that helps plant and animal agriculture and rural growth.