Modifying acrylic‐based superabsorbents. I. Modification of crosslinker and comonomer nature

This article is devoted to the synthesis, characterization, and modification of acrylic‐based superabsorbents which are synthesized by carrying out the well‐known process of inverse suspension polymerization. The dispersion is stabilized by using a mixture of micromolecular and macromolecular stabilizers. High swelling and appropriate absorption kinetics are obtained, provided that parameters (including initial monomer and crosslinker concentration, range of neutralization degree, initiating and stabilizing system, monomer addition rate, temperature and nature of the organic phase) are being considered. Modifications of crosslinker and comonomer nature and their effects on absorbency characteristics (capacity and rate) of the above‐mentioned superabsorbents are graphically presented. Finally, diffusion behavior of superabsorbents is briefly discussed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.