화학공학소재연구정보센터
Advances in Polymer Technology, Vol.20, No.2, 146-154, 2001
Synthesis and swelling properties of superabsorbent copolymers
Superabsorbent copolymers (SAPs) based on monomers acrylamide (AM), sodium acrylate (SA), and potassium acrylate (KA) were prepared by aqueous solution polymerization using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent. The copolymers were synthesized by varying, the monomer concentration, MBA concentration, and initiator concentration The experimental results show the SAPs have better absorbency both in water and NaCl solutions. The copolymers are characterized by LR spectroscopy. The water retention in the soil is enhanced using the SAPs. The SAPs are tested for the growth of cosmos bipinnata plants and the results are presented. SAPs can be used as water management materials for agricultural and horticultural purpose in desert and drought prone areas.