Peppermint Extract as a Natural Additive forImproving the Properties of SuperabsorbentComposites

Superabsorbent composites are materials that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Theyhave various applications in agriculture, hygiene, medicine, and biotechnology. In this study, wesynthesized four superabsorbent composite samples using potassium polyacrylate (KPA) and polyvinylalcohol (PVA) as the main components. We also added peppermint extract (PEX) as a natural additiveto enhance the antibacterial activity of the samples. We tested the water absorption, water retention,and antibacterial activity of the samples against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common pathogen thatcauses infections in humans and plants. The results showed that by increasing the concentration ofPEX, the water absorption, water retention, and antibacterial performance of the samples wereimproved. The findings suggest that the addition of PEX can improve the properties and functionalityof superabsorbent composites, making them suitable for various applications

Keywords:

Superabsorbent composites , Potassium polyacrylate , Polyvinyl alcohol , Peppermintextract , Antibacterial agent