Synthesis, swelling capacity, and texture of polymers from monomers of sulfonic acid and acrylamide(Article)

The monomers 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanosulfonic acid and acrylamide, and methyleno-bisacrylamide (BA) whenever a crosslinker was added, were selected for the synthesis of superabsorbent polymers. Texture was observed by scanning electronic microscopy, and specific gravity and swelling were measured. The influence of synthesis conditions - polymerization technique, reaction medium pH, and BA addition - on the texture of the synthesized polymer and its influence on polymer characteristics were assessed. The tests showed that the pores' sizes and distribution in the polymer depend on the polymerization conditions. Swelling rate of the polymers, namely from inverse emulsion technique, with BA and at pH 9, is remarkably high, suiting applications. Copyright © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.