Modified acrylic-based superabsorbent polymers (dependence on particle size and salinity)

Superabsorbent polymers have been prepared by inverse suspension and solution polymerization techniques using different acrylic monomer compositions and different amounts of crosslinking agents. The particle size distributions of products made by inverse suspension polymerization were determined and the dependence of absorption characteristics on particle size was investigated. As the particle size became smaller, the rate of absorption and ultimate degree of absorption both increased. These observations drew attention to the importance of particle morphology in optimizing superabsorbent performance. The experimental data provided further support for a two-parameter Voigt model of the rate of absorption. The effect of increasing the salinity of the water on absorption was also determined.