An interpenetrating network of acrylic acid (AA)-based superabsorbents and
sodium PVA sulfate (SPS) were prepared by copolymerizing AA and N,N'-methyl
ene bisacrylamide as a crosslinking monomer in a solution of SPS with KPS,
a radical initiator. The SPS was prepared through the sulfation of the hydr
oxyl groups of PVA with DMF-SO3 complex in DMSO. The AA-based superabsorben
t interpenetrated with SPS (SA-IP-SPS) showed superior properties such as h
igher water and saline absor bency, absorbency under load (AVL), and water
retention value (WRV) compared with AA-based superabsorbent due to the inte
rpenetrated SPS. The maximum water and saline absorbency of SA-IP-SPS was 1
753 and 125.6 g/g, respectively. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.