Synthesis of acrylic acid-based superabsorbent interpenetrated with sodium PVA sulfate using inverse-emulsion polymerization

Acrylic acid (AA)-based superabsorbent interpenetrated with sodium poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) sulfate (SPS) was prepared by inverse-emulsion polymerization. The disperse phase was prepared by dissolving AA and crosslinking monomer in aqueous SPS solution. Toluene was used as the continuous phase in which oil-soluble initiator and emulsifiers were dissolved. Sorbitan monooleate and ethyl cellulose were used as emulsifiers. The maximum water and saline absorbencies were 5041 and 211.4 g/g, respectively. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.