Synthesis and study of superabsorbent properties of acryloylated starch ester grafted with acrylic acid

Abstract

A superabsorbent polymer has been prepared by acryloylation of starch followed by grafting with acrylic acid (AA) using Fenton's initiation system (Fe2+/H2O2). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses provided evidence for starch ester formation and grafting of AA onto its backbone. Further characterization of the product was carried out using XRD, SEM and thermogravimetric (TGA) techniques. The product, which has a low yield of homopolymer and exhibits more adhesive and film forming properties than the direct method of grafting AA onto starch, was used for water absorption analysis. The neutralized product showed a remarkable water absorption capacity (127 g/g) much higher than the polymer synthezised from direct grafting.