Synthesis of hydrogel beads for disaster relief applications

• Main Author: Chew, Chia Eng.
• Other Authors: School of Materials Science and Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Ecomaterials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/45472
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In regions that are disaster ridden, the distribution of potable water has always been an issue due to the lack of accessibility, technical support and electrical power. A water purification method that is easy-to-use, portable and able to be distributed to the public with minimal response time and logistics would be an economical and practical solution in times of a disaster. Hydrogel beads present a possible way to provide pathogen-free water to disaster victims rapidly. This research focuses on the synthesis of hydrogel beads that would be suitable for disaster relief applications. Alginate was employed as a key material due to its unique properties that include good biocompatibility, non-toxicity, biodegradability as well as the capability to undergo gelation in aqueous solution at room temperature.