Synthesis and properties of acrylic-based superabsorbent

Acrylic-based superabsorbent polymers with partial-neutralized acrylic acid were synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization. The effects of reaction parameters, including the concentration of crosslinking agent and initiator, the neutralization degree of monomer, the monomer concentration, and phase ratio of a system, on the water absorption have been investigated. Furthermore, to improve the properties of salt-resistance and antielectrolyte for the polymer, acrylamide monomer containing non-ionic and hydrophilic groups was introduced into the system, which can suppress the salt effect and homoion effect. The water absorption Q(5/3) is proportional to the reciprocal of ionic strength, 1/S, which follows Flory's elasticity gel theory. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.