A new foam-like hydrogel has been developed by scientists at the University of Maryland that can absorb liquids three times better than traditional paper and cloth towels. The material is expected to be used in the future to absorb blood during surgeries or oil spills during accidents. The hydrogel is made up of water-insoluble polymers and can absorb not only thin liquids like water but also thicker liquids like blood. The researchers combined the properties of a hydrogel with those of a normal paper towel to create the new material.
To create the material, the researchers mixed sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid, which released carbon dioxide bubbles and formed a foam-like material. The material was then compressed with glass plates and exposed to UV light. Finally, the gel was dipped in a mixture of alcohol and glycerin to make it soft and even. In experiments, a small section of the new towel was able to absorb 40 milliliters of blood in just 60 seconds, while a conventional gauze bandage absorbs only half the amount of blood in the same time.
The researchers plan to further develop the material so that it can also absorb oil. The new hydrogel has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, including in medical settings and environmental clean-up efforts. The development of this new material is a significant step forward in the field of absorbent materials and could have a positive impact on a range of industries.
