Swelling characteristics of konjac glucomannan superabsobent synthesized by radiation-induced graft copolymerization

Graft copolymerization of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and acrylic acid was induced by 60Co-γ irradiation at room temperature. The effects of radiation dose and monomer-to-KGM ratio on grafting yield and equilibrium water absorbency were investigated. The KGM-based superabsorbent polymer (KSAP) could absorb water 625 times of its dry weight when the radiation dose was 5.0 kGy and monomer-to-KGM ratio was 5. The structure of KSAP was characterized by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. KSAP showed a lower crystallinity than KGM. The porous microstructure of KSAP was revealed by SEM. The diffusion mechanism of water in the hydrogel is consistent with the anomalous diffusion model. Cations, especially multivalent cations, greatly reduced water absorbency of KSAP. Rising temperature, acidic or basic solutions are not favorable for the swelling of KSAP.

► Konjac glucomannan-based superabsorbent was synthesized by γ-irradiation.
► The diffusion of water into the KSAP is consistent with the anomalous diffusion model.
► Multivalent cations induce more severe shrinking of the hydrogel than monovalent cations.
► KSAP has good water retention capacity even under high temperature.