BARC has developed superabsorbent polymer hydrogel (BARC-Hydrogel) using natural polymer graft-co-polymerized with synthetic precursor by cold ionizing energy, such as gamma-rays. Process preparation thereof makes it more eco-friendly and biodegradable compared to chemically synthesized process because of elimination of harmful chemical cross-linkers. BARC-Hydrogel can absorb and retain pure water up to several hundred times (~550 times) of its own weight and supply upon plant-root demand through osmotic pressure difference. The use of hydrogel in macro porous medium (sandy soil) is very effective to increases the water holding capacity, which significantly improves the plants health and productivity.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
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