SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BARLEY STARCH-G-POLYACRYLAMIDE/ZINC SULFATE COMPOSITE

Abstract

The present study describes the synthesis and detailed characterization of a barley starch-g-polyacrylamide/ZnSO₄ composite developed to improve material performance. The composite was synthesized through free-radical graft polymerization of acrylamide onto a barley starch backbone, followed by the incorporation of zinc sulfate into the resulting polymeric network.

Comprehensive structural and physicochemical characterization was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis techniques. The findings confirmed the successful grafting of polyacrylamide chains onto the starch backbone, along with the homogeneous distribution of ZnSO₄ throughout the composite matrix.

Compared with native starch, the prepared composite exhibited enhanced thermal stability, improved structural integrity, and a modified surface morphology. Swelling studies and functional performance evaluations further demonstrated superior properties, highlighting the material’s potential for applications in agriculture, environmental remediation, and controlled-release systems.

Overall, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of starch-based grafted composites as sustainable, high-performance functional materials with promising practical applications