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

Superabsorbent polymers have been prepared by inverse suspension and soluti on polymerisation techniques using different acrylic monomer compositions a nd different amounts of crosslinking agents. The particle size distribution s of products made by inverse suspension polymerisation were determined and the dependence of absorption characteristics on particle size was investig ated. As the particle size became smaller, the rate of absorption and ultim ate degree of absorption both increased. These observations drew attention to the importance of particle morphology in optimising superabsorbent perfo rmance. The experimental data provided further support for a two-parameter Voigt model of the rate of absorption. The effect of increasing the salinit y of the water on absorption was also determined. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.