Water absorbing hydrogels and methods of making and use thereof
AssigneeGeohumus International GmbH & Co. KG
InventorsReinmar Peppmoller, Gerhard Fabritz
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Abstract
The invention is directed to a crumbly, water-absorbing, soil-like hydrogel. The hydrogel comprises finely comminuted mineral substances, such as igneous rock; water-soluble alkali-silicate; solid and liquid nutrient additives; and ballast, bound in a cross-linked polymer. The hydrogel is structured like a sponge and absorbs water and liquids when in contact with water or aqueous liquids. The mineral substances present in the hydrogel may be present in an amount of at least 30% by weight of the dried hydrogel. Also, the invention encompasses methods of producing acidic and neutral to weakly alkaline hydrogels.
Claims31
A hydrogel comprising:
- a polymer of polymerized unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers;
- at least one igneous rock;
- and
- solid additives,
- wherein the unsaturated carboxylic acid monomers are polymerized and bound in a crosslinked polymer having a porous structure and capable of forming a hydrogel with water and liquids.
A process making a hydrogel comprising;
- mixing mineral nutrients, solid additives, and alkaline material in water to form a slurry;
- adding at least one unsaturated acid group containing monomer and optionally adding at least one crosslinking agent to the slurry;
- releasing carbon dioxide and foaming the slurry;
- polymerizing the monomers to form a hydrogel;
- and
- hardening the hydrogel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.