BARC has developed superabsorbent polymer hydrogel (BARC-Hydrogel) using cold ionizing energy, such as gamma-rays and electron-beam. Process preparation thereof makes it more eco-friendly and biodegradable compared to chemically synthesized process. BARC-Hydrogel can absorb and retain pure water up to several hundred times (~550 times) of its own weight and supply upon plant-root demand. BARC-Hydrogel granules can act as a mini water reservoir near the plant root region (Rhizosphere) and enhances soil properties by retention of more water and soil aeration. It helps to maintain the good health of plants in semi-arid and arid regions and conserve water by reducing the frequency of irrigation.

1. Soil augmentation by nutrients and water retention.
2. No impurities due to radiation based synthesis.
3. Reduces irrigation frequency.
4. Improves hydro-physical properties of soil.
5. Bio-degradable and non-toxic.
6. Reduces erosion and water runoff.
7. Enhances plant productivity, especially in arid areas.

BARC has developed superabsorbent polymer hydrogel (BARC-Hydrogel) using natural polymer graft-co-polymerized with synthetic precursor by cold ionizing energy, such as gamma-rays. It can absorb and retain pure water up to 550 times of its own weight and supply upon plant-root demand through osmotic pressure difference.

Drought is the largest abiotic stress that obstructs the growth of plant and its productivity. The severity and frequency of drought may lead to climate change for agriculture practices. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is one of most attractive approaches of nourishing the soil and its uses may vary depending upon region, environment and crops. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a closely guarded technology and only few global giants have developed their own process technology. With limited know-how the market is controlled by leading global manufacturers who limit its availability to the user and also control the price.

BARC has developed superabsorbent polymer hydrogel (BARC-Hydrogel) using natural polymer graft-co-polymerized with synthetic precursor by cold ionizing energy, such as gamma-rays and electron-beam. Process preparation thereof makes it more eco-friendly and biodegradable compared to chemically synthesized process because of elimination of harmful chemical cross-linkers. BARC-Hydrogel can absorb and retain pure water up to several hundred times (~550 times) of its own weight and supply upon plant-root demand through osmotic pressure difference. The use of hydrogel in macro porous medium (sandy soil) is very effective to increases the water holding capacity, which significantly improves the plants health and productivity.

1. Soil augmentation by nutrients and water retention.
2. No impurities due to radiation based synthesis.
3. Reduces irrigation frequency.
4. Improves hydro-physical properties of soil.
5. Bio-degradable and non-toxic.
6. Reduces erosion and water runoff.
7. Enhances plant productivity, especially in arid areas.

Due to their quick and high water retention capacity, BARC-Hydrogel can be used in various agriculture and horticulture applications that includes;

Raw Materials

1. All the raw materials required are available in the local market.

Equipments

1. Mechanical Stirrer (motor capacity is depend upon the batch volume).
2. Temperature controlled reactor (for maintaining 15 to 18 deg. C)
3. Mechanical cutting machine (for automation purpose to shredded the hydrogel mass).
4. Hot-air oven with exhausts.
5. Jaw crusher.
6. Pulveriser.
7. Automatic sieving system.
8. Sealing machine.
9. Polymer is to be irradiated in either gamma-rays or electron-beam irradiation facility.

Irradiation

1. Gel precursor solution is to be irradiated in gamma-rays irradiation facility.

Space

1. Factory shade of 500 sq. ft. operational area.

Power

1. 3- Phase power connection.

Manpower

1. Production Manager: 01, Chemist: 01, Technician and operator: 01, Unskilled labour: 04