Microwave-Assisted Polymerization: Superabsorbent Polymer With Improved Properties

Microwave-assisted polymerization was used as a promising technique to synthesize superabsorbent polymers. A small amount of thermal initiator was used to initiate the reaction, and the polymer's properties were evaluated at acid levels of 31-50% and degrees of neutralization of 68-75 mol %. The polymers were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, and properties such as the capacity and absorbency under a load were measured in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution. In addition, the extractable and residual acrylic acid contents were measured to determine the reaction's efficiency. In conclusion, the synthesis of the superabsorbent polymer via microwave heating reduced the time and cost of production and improved the physical properties of the polymer. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43325.