Computational Approach to the Surface-Crosslinking Process of Superabsorbent Polymer via Central Composite Design

The improvement of gel strength and absorption properties through the surface-crosslinking of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is essential for sanitary industry applications. We prepared core-SAP via aqueous solution copolymerization, and then surface-crosslinked the core-SAP under various conditions. The structure of the SAP was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied to determine the optimum surface-crosslinking conditions such as surface-crosslinker content, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The optimal surface-crosslinking conditions were identified at a surface-crosslinker content of 2.22 mol%, reaction temperature of 160 degrees C, and reaction time of 8.7 min. The surface-crosslinked SAP showed excellent absorbency under load of 50 g/g with a permeability of 50 s. Other absorption properties were also evaluated by measuring the free absorbency and centrifuge retention capacity in saline solution.

Automated summary

The improvement of gel strength and absorption properties through the surface-crosslinking of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is essential for sanitary industry applications. In this study, core-SAP was prepared via aqueous solution copolymerization, and the optimal surface-crosslinking conditions were determined using response surface methodology. The surface-crosslinked SAP showed excellent absorbency under load of 50 g/g.