Characterization of methacrylated alginate and acrylic monomers as versatile SAPs

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) based on polysaccharides, especially alginate, could offer a valuable solution in a plethora of applications going from drug delivery to self-healing concrete. This has already been proven with both calcium alginate and methacrylated alginate combined with acrylic acid. In this manuscript, the effect of varying the degree of methacrylation and use of a combination of acrylic acid and acrylamide is investigated to explore the effects on the relevant SAP characteristics. The materials showed high gel fractions and a strong swelling capacity up to 630 gwater/gSAP, especially for superabsorbent polymers with a low degree of substitution. The SAPs also showed only a limited hydrolysis in aqueous and cement filtrate solutions.