Synthesis of novel superabsorbing copolymers for agricultural and horticultural applications

A series of novel superabsorbent copolymers (SAPs) based on monomers acryla mide, calcium acrylate and sodium acrylate have been prepared using ammoniu m persulfate as initiator and N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as crossli nking agent; the monomer concentration, MBA concentration and initiator con centration were varied. The experimental results show that the SAPs have go od absorbency both in water and NaCl solutions. The copolymers were charact erized by IR spectroscopy. Water retention in soil is enhanced by use of th ese superabsorbents. The effect of SAPs on the growth of bean plants is rep orted. SAPs may be of use as water management materials for agricultural an d horticultural purposes in desert and drought-prone areas. (C) 2001 Societ y of Chemical Industry.