Water absorbing hydrogels and methods of making and use thereof
AssigneeGeohumus International Verwaltungs 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.
Claims26
A particulate crumbly material comprising at least 30% by dry weight of at least one mineral nutrient bound into a crosslinked spongy polymer having a porous structure, wherein the material is capable of forming a hydrogel with water and liquids.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.