The preparation and properties of dextrin‐graft‐acrylic acid/montmorillonite superabsorbent nanocomposite

Abstract A novel superabsorbent nanocomposite was synthesized through intercalation polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid, gelatinized dextrin, and an organic‐montmorillonite powder using N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker, Span‐60 as a dispersant, and ammonium persulfate together with sodiumsulfite as a type of mixed redox initiator. Effects of the amount of them on water absorbency of the superabsorbent were investigated. The structure and the morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The blood compatibility of the composite was primarily measured. The results show that the acrylic acid monomer was successfully intercalated into the organic‐montmorillonite layers and bonded with them. The superabsorbent nanocomposite synthesized under optimal conditions with an organic‐montmorillonite powder content of 5 wt% exhibit an absorption of 725.3 g/g in distilled water and favorable blood compatibility. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers