The synthesis and incorporation of a star-shaped bio-based modifier in the acrylic acid based superabsorbent: a strategy to enhance the absorbency under load

ABSTRACT

The mechanical strength of superabsorbents is an important practical factor that can be characterized by measuring the absorbency of the superabsorbent under load. In the last decades, many efforts have been devoted to enhancing the mechanical strength of superabsorbents. Herein, as an attempt to increase the superabsorbent mechanical strength, two types of star-shaped bio-based modifiers were designed and synthesized via condensation reaction between acids and alcohols. The chemical structures of the bio-based modifiers were characterized via FT-IR and ¹H NMR analysis. Glycerin, lactic acid, succinic acid, and itaconic acid used for the synthesis of the star-shaped modifier, which further used in different ratios in the bulk of the superabsorbent. Moreover, another modifier was synthesized from glycerin, lactic acid, and methacrylic anhydride, and successfully used as a surface modifier for superabsorbents in different ratios. The absorption analysis showed that the employment of the optimum amount of the bulk modifier (4.75 wt.%) increases the AUL almost 4 units, without significant impacts on the water and NaCl solution absorbencies. Also, the incorporation of the optimum amount of the surface modifier increases the AUL about 3 units. As a result, the AUL value of the acrylic acid- sodium acrylate superabsorbent enhanced ~7 units by the incorporation of these bio-based modifiers-from 17.3 for the pristine superabsorbent to 24.2.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Superabsorbent
• star-shaped polymers
• bio-based modifier
• acrylic acid

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kourosh Kabiri

Kourosh Kabiri was born in tehran, Iran, in 1974. He finished his PhD studies in Polymer Engineering & Technology from Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran in 2008. He is currently Professor of Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute (IPPI) in Adhesive and Resin Department. His main research interest is focused on Superabsorbent hydrogel, synthesis of new superabsorbent and superabsorbent composite. Also, he has published more than 100 papers and patents in his field.

Ali Ramazani

Ali Ramazani was born in Zanjan, Iran, in 1967. After studying chemistry at University of Mazandaran, he completed his Ph.D. under the supervision of Professor Issa Yavari at Tarbiat Modarres University (TMU, Tehran-Iran) in 1997. He is currently Professor of Organic Chemistry. His main research interest is focused on Organophosphorus compounds and their applications in organic synthesis, synthesis of Organosulfur compounds, multicomponent reaction, medicinal chemistry, biomaterials, nanochemistry, nanocatalysts, hydrogels, drug delivery and nanobiotechnology. He has published more than 400 papers and patents. He is an Editorial Board Member of the international Journal Nanochemistry Research. He has received several national and international awards, including the 2013 Khwarizmi international award, several top-cited author awards and best-paper awards from leading ISI Journals, Best Researcher Awards, and the Best Lecturer Awards at the University of Zanjan.