Effect of Different Clay of Attapulgite and Montmorillonite on the Superabsorbent Based on XG-g-PAA

Abstract

In order to research the better water absorption characteristic of superabsorbent polymer based on acrylic acid grafted with xanthan gum (XG), the different clay of montmorillonite (MMT) and attapulgite (AC) was used to mix with the material respectively. By introducing montmorillonite or attapulgite to the superabsorbent polymer, the maximum water absorbency was enhanced obviously. The two kinds of superabsorbent polymers of XG-g-PAA / MMT and XG-g-PAA / AC were synthesized by free-radical graft polymerization in aqueous solution using potassium persulfate as a free radical initiator and methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker, and then organic montmorillonite or organic attapulgite was introduced as filler into superabsorbent. The characterization of the polymer was confirmed by FTIR. Then the influence of attapulgite and montmorillonite to the superabsorbent were systematically optimized to achieve a superabsorbent with swelling capacity as high as possible.