Thermal preparation of chitosan-acrylic acid superabsorbent: Optimization, characteristic and water absorbency

Chitosan-acrylic acid superabsorbent polymer was successfully prepared by the thermal reaction without using initiator and crosslinker in air. The effects of some reaction variables on the water absorbency of this polymer were investigated by orthogonal tests, and the optimal conditions were described. The influences of temperature, time, ratio of the reactants and neutralization degree of acrylic acid on the reaction were further studied. These polymers were also prepared in nitrogen atmosphere and by using a radical initiator and compared against thermal reaction obtained polymers. The structures of the polymers were characterized by FT-IR, TGA, XRD, 13C NMR and elemental analyses. The results showed that the thermal reaction product of acrylic acid with chitosan might form N-carboxyethyl grafted and amide-linked polymer and this product could absorb water 644 times its own dry weight. The possible mechanism for the thermal reaction was further suggested. The purpose of this research was to explore the friendly synthesized method of the superabsorbent.