Enhancing Water Absorption in Inverse Vulcanized PEG-Based Polymers via Chemical and Structural Modification
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Courtney Jenkins, Idaho State University
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Sulfur-based polymers synthesized via inverse vulcanization are promising materials f due to their low cost, tunable properties, and broad applications. Inverse vulcanization is a process by which large amounts of sulfur are combined with an organic comonomer, creating a crosslinked, polymeric network. This work investigates a polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) terpolymer system to develop sulfur-based hydrogels with enhanced water absorption. PEG systems have been used in the production of hydrogels before; incorporating sulfur would diversify applications. The objective of this project is to evaluate how synthetic modifications influence hydrophilicity and water absorption performance. Polymers were prepared by incorporating water during synthesis or by post-synthetic treatment with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). Water absorption testing showed that samples prepared with water incorporation or NaBH4. addition achieved an increase in mass after several days. Control polymers without water nor reducing agents averaged about 30% increase in mass after several weeks in water. Samples were analyzed by FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy to investigate chemical structure and leaching properties. These results demonstrate that porosity generation and chemical modification are effective strategies for increasing water absorption. The adjustable absorption behavior highlights potential applications in antimicrobial materials or soil water retention.
Enhancing Water Absorption in Inverse Vulcanized PEG-Based Polymers via Chemical and Structural Modification
Sulfur-based polymers synthesized via inverse vulcanization are promising materials f due to their low cost, tunable properties, and broad applications. Inverse vulcanization is a process by which large amounts of sulfur are combined with an organic comonomer, creating a crosslinked, polymeric network. This work investigates a polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) terpolymer system to develop sulfur-based hydrogels with enhanced water absorption. PEG systems have been used in the production of hydrogels before; incorporating sulfur would diversify applications. The objective of this project is to evaluate how synthetic modifications influence hydrophilicity and water absorption performance. Polymers were prepared by incorporating water during synthesis or by post-synthetic treatment with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). Water absorption testing showed that samples prepared with water incorporation or NaBH4. addition achieved an increase in mass after several days. Control polymers without water nor reducing agents averaged about 30% increase in mass after several weeks in water. Samples were analyzed by FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy to investigate chemical structure and leaching properties. These results demonstrate that porosity generation and chemical modification are effective strategies for increasing water absorption. The adjustable absorption behavior highlights potential applications in antimicrobial materials or soil water retention.