Preparation and Morphology of High-Performance Exfoliated Poly(sodium acrylate)/Hydrotalcite Nanocomposite Superabsorbents

A poly-matrix composite-poly(sodium acrylate) (PSA)/hydrotalcite (HT) (PSA/HT) nanocomposite superabsorbent-with obvious improvements in both the water absorbency and salt absorbency has been prepared by the intercalated HT, using sodium methyl allyl sulfonate as an intercalation agent. The superabsorbents acquired their highest water (salt) absorbency when the content of HT is 3 wt%. The highest absorbency for deionized water and 0.9 wt% NaCl ((aq)) were 1100 g/g and 145 g/g, respectively. Microstructures were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. Chemical analysis was determined measurements. Results showed that HT incorporated into the superabsorbents was by Fourier infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy. Results showed that the superabsorbent particles were in the form of spheres, and the hydrogels were in the form of regular network structures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 49:264271, 2009. (C) 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers