Surface-crosslinking in the presence of nanoclay and characteristics of the itaconic acid-based superabsorbent polymer composites

ABSTRACT

Herein, the absorption properties of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) are enhanced by preparing a lightly crosslinked poly(itaconic acid-co-acrylic acid) via solution copolymerization with 1,6-hexanediol acrylate as the crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as the initiator, then adding a surface-crosslinked shell containing a nanoclay. The structures of the CSAP and surface-crosslinked SAP are characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and XRD analysis. The analysis in absorption properties according to nanoclay are evaluated. In addition, the gel strength and thermal stability are evaluated. The introduction of nanoclay in the surface layer is thereby shown to improve the absorption properties and thermal stability of the SAP.

KEYWORDS:

• Superabsorbent polymer
• nanoclay
• surface-crosslinking
• itaconic acid
• absorption properties

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Technology Innovation Program (Parts and Materials Technology Development) (20010106, Adhesives with low water permeability and low outgassing) funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE, Republic of Korea).

Data availability statement

Data sharing not applicable.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy [20010106].

Notes on contributors

Hae Chan Kim

Mr. Hae Chan Kim is currently Ph.D. candidate at Hanyang University. His interest is organic-inorganic hybrid polymer composites.

Yong Rok Kwon

Mr. Kwon is currently Ph.D. candidate at Hanyang University. His interest is organic-inorganic hybrid polymer composites.

Jung Soo Kim

Dr. Jung Soo Kim received a doctor’s degree from Yonsei University and is working at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology. His interests are synthetic catalysts and functional polymers.

Jong-Ho Kim

Prof. Jong Ho Kim has been working at Hanyang University as professor. His field of interest is Nanobio chemistry.

Dong Hyun Kim

Dr. Dong Hyun Kim is the supervisor. He works at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology. His interests are high-performance functional polymers and bio- degradable polymers.