Abstract
A novel superabsorbent composite system based on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of kaolin powder using methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The effect of reaction variables, such as MBA, AA, and APS concentration and CMC/kaolin ratio on the water absorbency of the composite were studied. Evidence of grafting and kaolin interaction was obtained by comparing the FT-IR spectra of the initial substrates with that of the superabsorbent composite. The results indicated that with increasing amount of kaolin, the swelling capacity was increased and then considerably decreased with further increase in amount. The effect of various salt media was also studied, along with swelling kinetics.