Investigation of the Physicochemical Behavior of a Thermosensitive Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) with Phosphate–Calcium Microfillers

Mutalovich, Abdugani Azimov; Iztleuov, Gani Moldaculovich; Mat, Nazmi Mat Nawi; Yessenbek, Assylbek; Aimenov, Zhambul

doi:10.48309/ajca.2026.568215.2013

Investigation of the Physicochemical Behavior of a Thermosensitive Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) with Phosphate–Calcium Microfillers

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

Abdugani Azimov Mutalovich ¹

Gani Moldaculovich Iztleuov ¹

Nazmi Mat Nawi Mat ²

Assylbek Yessenbek ¹

Zhambul Aimenov ¹

¹ Department of Environmental Science, M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University, Taukehan Street 5, 16000, Shymkent, Kazakhstan

² Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia

10.48309/ajca.2026.568215.2013

Abstract

This study explores the physicochemical behavior of a heat-responsive hydrogel composite produced from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm), additionally reinforced with calcium phosphate microfillers. The purpose of the work was to design and evaluate a polymer material capable of rapidly absorbing water while providing controlled ion release. The hydrogel was synthesized through free-radical copolymerization under gentle heating, which supported the formation of a semi-interpenetrating network strengthened by ionic interactions between CMC functional groups and the mineral additives. Swelling tests have shown that the material absorbs a significant amount of water at temperatures below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), and absorption clearly decreases after temperatures above approximately 30-34 °C, indicating temperature-related structural changes. Thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) showed a multi-stage decomposition pattern typical of cellulose-synthetic polymer systems, with the main decomposition occurring at temperatures between 250 and 450 °C. The porous polymer and mineral structure, which are well interconnected through microscopic studies, were determined by these studies. By adding calcium and phosphate to the composition, the mechanical integrity of the polymer was strengthened, increasing its ability to retain moisture and enhancing its applicability.

Graphical Abstract

Investigation of the Physicochemical Behavior of a Thermosensitive Hydrogel Based on Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) with Phosphate–Calcium Microfillers

Keywords

Hydrogel, Thermoresponsive polymer

Carboxymethyl cellulose

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Physicochemical behavior

Subjects

Organic Chemistry

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