Interconnected macropores cryogel with nano-thin crosslinked network regenerated cellulose.

Dissolved oil palm empty fruit bunch cellulose (EFBC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) were chemically crosslinked with epichlorohydrin (ECH) to generate designated hydrogel. After swelling process in distilled water, the swollen hydrogel was frozen and freeze-dried to form cryogel. The swelling phenomenon of hydrogel during the absorption process gave substantial effects on thinning of crosslinked network wall, pore size and volume, steadiness of cryogel skeletal structure, and re-swelling of cryogel.