Synthesis and characterization of novel carboxymethylcellulose hydrogels and carboxymethylcellulolse-hydrogel-ZnO-nanocomposites.

New approach for preparation of CMC hydrogels was undertaken through reacting CMC with either malic, succinic or citric acid. Characteristics of the hydrogels, as monitored by the swelling behavior, FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM and XRD were dependent on nature and concentration of the polycarboxylic acid, time and temperature of curing. The best practice achieved from these studies was harnessed to synthesize and characterize CMC hydrogel-ZnO-nanocomposites with additional study pertaining to the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposites. CMC hydrogel with excellent swelling behavior could be prepared by adding succinic acid (0.5%) to CMC solution then drying the obtained paste at 80 °C for 5 min followed by curing at 120 °C for 3 min. Similarly, addition of ZnNO3 solution to the CMC paste results in CMC hydrogel-ZnO-nanocomposites having biocidal activity to gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria.