Preparation and characterization of cellulose acetate‐coated compound fertilizer with controlled‐release and water‐retention

A novel cellulose acetate‐coated compound fertilizer with controlled‐release and water‐retention (CAFCW) was prepared, which possessed the three‐layer structure. Its core was water‐soluble compound fertilizer granular, the inner coating was cellulose acetate (CA), and the outer coating was poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide)/unexpanded vermiculite (P(AA‐co‐AM)/UVMT) superabsorbent composite. The effects of the amount of acrylamide, crosslinker, initiator, degree of neutralization of acrylic acid (AA), and unexpanded vermiculite concentration on water absorbency were investigated and optimized. The water absorbency of CAFCW was 72 times its own weight if it was allowed to swell in tap water at room temperature for 90 min. Element analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometer results showed that the product contained 11% nitrogen, 6% phosphorus (shown by P₂O₅), 9% potassium (shown by K₂O), 1% calcium (shown by CaO), and 0.4% magnesium (shown by MgO). Swelling rate, slow‐release, and water‐retention properties of CAFCW were also investigated. This product with good controlled‐release and water‐retention capacity, being degradable in soil and environmentally friendly, could be especially useful in agricultural and horticultural applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization and water absorbency properties of poly(acrylic acid)/sodium humate superabsorbent composite

A novel poly(acrylic acid)/sodium humate superabsorbent composite was synthesized by aqueous solution polymerization of acrylic acid using N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator in the presence of sodium humate. The effects on water absorbency such as initial monomer concentration, degree of neutralization of acrylic acid, amount of crosslinker, initiator and sodium humate, etc. were investigated. The water absorbency of the superabsorbent composite synthesized under optimal synthesis conditions with a sodium humate content of 20% exhibited an absorption of 1268 g H₂O/g sample and 93 g H₂O/g sample in distilled water and in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. Swelling rate and water retention tests were also carried out. The results show that sodium humate, as a kind of functional filler, can enhance comprehensive properties of superabsorbent composite and reduce the product cost significantly. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

3种丙烯酸系列高吸水树脂的吸水性能

采用反相悬浮聚合法合成了3种聚丙烯酸系列吸水树脂：聚丙烯酸钠(PAA)、丙烯酸-丙烯酰胺共聚物(P(AA/AM))和丙烯酸-马来酸酐共聚物(P(AA/MA))。 对3种树脂的吸水性、保水性、耐候性和耐电解质等性能进行测试比较。 结果表明,P(AA/MA)的吸水性能最优异,10 min内吸蒸馏水量可达3578.4 g/g;在一定的温度或压力范围内,3种树脂均有良好的保水性能,在不同温度下储存均能保持各自的吸水性;P(AA/MA)的耐电解质性能较为突出,吸生理盐水量可达107.2 g/g,其综合性能最好。     

Effect of intercalated reactive mica on water absorbency for poly(sodium acrylate) composite superabsorbents

A series of superabsorbents based on sodium acrylate (NaA), mica (MI), and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (NMBA) were prepared by inverse suspension polymerization. The influences of the type and content of mica such as pure K⁺-MI and intercalated-MI (IMI) in the composite gels on the water absorbency and the initial absorption rate in deionized water and salt solutions were investigated. Results showed that the water absorbency and initial absorption rate gradually decrease with increasing amounts of pure K⁺-MI and intercalated-MI. In addition, the water absorbency and initial absorption rate for the gels prepared by intercalated-MI were lower than those prepared by pure K⁺-MI.     

Synthesis of a slow‐release and superabsorbent nitrogen fertilizer and its properties

A slow‐release and superabsorbent nitrogen fertilizer (SSNF) was synthesized by aqueous solution copolymerization of acrylic acid and maleic anhydride using N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinker, ammonium persulfate and sodium sulfite as an initiator in the presence of urea. The effects on water absorbency such as amount of crosslinker, initiator, urea and maleic acid, degree of neutralization, etc. were investigated. To improve slow release and water retention properties, the product was surface‐crosslinked with trihydroxymethyl propane glycidol ether (6360). The nitrogen content of the SSNF synthesized under optimal conditions was 28.5%, and the water absorbencies were about 900 (g/g) in distilled water and 180 (g/g) in tap water. The nitrogen slow release behavior of the SSNF in water and water retention capacity of the soil with SSNF were also investigated. The results showed that the surface‐crosslinked product not only had good slow release property but also excellent soil moisture preservation capacity, which could effectively improve the utilization of fertilizer and water resources simultaneously. The results of the present work indicated that the SSNF could be found an application in agriculture and horticulture, especially in drought‐prone areas where the availability of water is insufficient. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel controlled release nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer hybrid nanocomposite based on banana peel cellulose and layered double hydroxides nanosheets

In the present study, a novel environment-friendly hybrid nanocomposite of Banana Peel Cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid)/PVA (BPC-g-PAA/PVA) hydrogel and Layered double hydroxides (LDH) nanosheets was developed using in situ graft polymerization for slow release of NP (nitrogen, phosphorous) fertilizers and water retention. The hybrid nanocomposite hydrogel containing NP fertilizers was characterized using FTIR, and SEM. The effects of pH changes and different saline solutions on the swelling behavior, fertilizer release and water retention properties of the nanocomposite were investigated.The nanocomposite hydrogel showed a pH dependent swelling, as in the pH range of 7–10, the hydrogel had higher water absorbency. However, pH had opposite effects on the release of fertilizers. Phosphorus release had an increasing trend from pH 2 to 7 and it reached its maximum value at normal pH while nitrogen had a higher release rate at acidic pH and by increasing pH from 2 to 7, the release of nitrogen decreased gradually. Water absorption and fertilizer release of hydrogel was influenced by different cations in the order of Ca²⁺ < K⁺ < Na⁺. Water retention study in loamy sand soil showed that the nanocomposite hydrogel significantly improved the water retention of the soil for a longer period of time, compared to neat BPC-gPAA. This result indicated that incorporation of LDH nanosheets in hydrogel matrix improved its water retention property. The obtained results revealed that the nanocomposite of BPC-g-PAA/PVA hydrogel and LDH nanosheets can be a promising controlled release fertilizer formulation with enhanced water retention properties for agricultural applications.     

Synthesis and properties of clay-based superabsorbent composite

A novel superabsorbent composites based on acrylic acid, acrylamide, and inorganic clay mineral-attapulgite were synthesized through a solution polymerization to improve water and saline absorbencies. The superabsorbent composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of saline solutions, amount of initiator, crosslinker and attapulgite on the water absorbency of superabsorbent composites were investigated. The water retention test of superabsorbent composites were also carried out. The superabsorbent composite exhibited improved water and saline absorbencies compared with that of crosslinked poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) superabsorbent polymer. The water absorbency of the superabsorbent composite synthesized under optimal synthesis conditions with an attapulgite content of 10% reaches more than 1400 g H₂O/g and 110 g H₂O/g in distilled water and 0.9% NaCl solution, respectively.     

Syntheses and properties of superabsorbent composites based on natural guar gum and attapulgite

Utilization of raw materials available in nature and their application to derive other useful products without any adverse impact on the environment has long been a desired goal. In this work, guar gum (GG) and attapulgite (APT) clay were used as raw materials for preparing guar gum‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite (GG‐g‐PAA/APT) superabsorbent composites through the graft copolymerization of GG, partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA) and APT in aqueous solution. The effects of reaction conditions such as concentrations of the initiator and crosslinker, APT content, etc. on water absorbency were investigated. The composite prepared under optimal conditions gave the best absorption of 529 g/g sample in distilled water and 61 g/g sample in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution. Swelling behaviors revealed that the superabsorbent composites retained a high water absorbency over a wide pH range of 4–11, and the developed composites also exhibited improved reswelling and water‐retention capabilities. The superabsorbent composites can be utilized as eco‐friendly water‐manageable materials for agricultural and horticultural applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and properties of superabsorbent containing starch and sodium humate

Starch and sodium humate were utilized as raw material for synthesizing starch‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)/sodium humate (St‐g‐PAA/SH) superabsorbent by graft copolymerization reaction of starch (St) and acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of sodium humate (SH) in aqueous solution. The effect of weight ratio of AA to St, initial monomer concentration, neutralization degree of AA, amount of crosslinker, initiator and SH on water absorbency of the superabsorbent were studied. The swelling rate and swelling behavior in NaCl solution as well as reswelling ability of the superabsorbent were systematically investigated. The results showed that the superabsorbent synthesized under optimal conditions with SH content of 7.7 wt% and St content of 11.5 wt% exhibits water absorbency of 1100 g/g in distilled water and 86 g/g in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution, respectively. Introducing SH into the St‐g‐PAA polymeric network can improved the swelling rate and reswelling capability of the superabsorbent. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Graft Copolymerization of Artemisia Seed Gum with Acrylic Acid under Microwave and its Water Absorbency

A super‐absorbent polymer was prepared by grafting copolymerization of acrylic acid onto Artemisia seed gum, using microwave irradiation and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. The effect of various preparation conditions on its water absorbency, such as the ratio of acrylic acid to Artemisia seed gum, degree of acrylic acid neutralization, amount of initiator and microwave irradiation time, was investigated by orthogonal tests. The optimal reaction conditions were 3 min (irradiation time), 70% neutralization degree of acrylic acid and 2% initiator on the basis of the mass of acrylic acid used. When the mass ratio of acrylic acid to Artemisia seed gum is 5:0.5, the product has a water absorbency close to 400 times at room temperature in distilled water, this indicated that is has a high water absorbency. The structure of the graft copolymer was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further more, this microwave irradiation processing method to prepare water absorbent materials has no industrial cast off produced, that is to say, this method is environmentally friendly.     

Preparation and Properties of Biodegradable Slow-Release PAA Superabsorbent Matrixes for Phosphorus Fertilizers

Biodegradable superabsorbent matrixes for a slow-release fertilizer were prepared by using crosslinked acrylic acid and water-soluble granular phosphorus fertilizer KH₂PO₄. The effects of the amount of crosslinker, initiator and phosphorus fertilizer concentration on water absorption were investigated and optimized. The products show excellent slow release and water-retention capacity, being nontoxic in soil and environment-friendly, and could be useful especially in agricultural and horticultural applications. The results showed that the hydrogel structure and swelling capacity was affected by various factors, such as concentration of crosslinker and initiator, as well as by the amount of KH₂PO₄.     

Investigation of the effect of type and concentration of ionizable comonomer on the collapse behavior of N-isopropylacrylamide copolymer gels in water

This work was done to investigate the effect of three different ionizable components (acrylic acid, AA; itaconic acid, IA; maleic acid, MA) on the volume phase transitions and swelling equilibria of thermoshrinking type N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM) gels in water. NIPAAM copolymer gels were synthesized by free radical crosslinking copolymerization of NIPAAM with each of AA, IA, and MA, the difference being both between configurations and carboxyl group numbers, and pK values, in the presence of N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBAAM). The influence of comonomer concentrations (1, 5, and 10 mol %), MBAAM content (0.0096, 0.0193, and 0.0288 g), and comonomer type (AA, IA, and MA) on the external views, the percentages of equilibrium mass, and volume swellings [S %(m), S % (v)], the number-average molecular weight between crosslinks (M̄_c), effective crosslinking densities (ν_e), the change of the collapse temperatures, and swelling ratios in the swelling–shrinking process of the gels were examined. It was observed that phase transition temperature and swelling degree in the case of MA having a cis configuration and higher pK value are larger than those of the samples containing IA and AA. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1847–1855, 1999     

Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Diverting Agent Derived From the Copolymerization of Acrylamide with Sodium Acrylate

A novel diverting agent, which derived from the copolymer of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) [P(AM-co-SA)], was synthesized by using aluminium nitrate [Al(NO₃)₃] as crosslinker, L-ascorbic acid/peroxide hydrogen [Vc/H₂O₂] as initiator, and methanol as temperature regulator. Thereafter, as key investigation points, the aging time and water absorbency of the resulting diverting agent were recruited, the amount of crosslinker and initiator, the ratios between acrylic acid and acrylamide, the neutralization of acrylic acid, the feeding ratios of methanol, the temperature and the reaction time were investigated. The dependency relationship between the water absorbency and aging time on each factor was also obtained.     

Investigation of Water Uptake Behavior of Superabsorbent Polymers Composed of N‐Vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and Partially Neutralized Acrylic Acid

Fast‐swelling micrometer sized superabsorbents were synthesized through a rapid solution polymerization of n‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NVP) and partially neutralized acrylic acid (PNAAc) under normal atmospheric conditions using N,N'‐methylene bisacrylamide (MB) as crosslinker and sodium bicarbonate as porogen. The effect of various parameters such as crosslinker concentration, degree of neutralization of monomer acid, concentration of initiator have been evaluated. Water retention capacity of superabsorbents under varying loads was also examined. The drying behavior of polymers at 37°C was also studied. The gels showed sharp volume transition in solutions of divalent metal ions. The superabsorbents were also characterized by FTIR and TGA.     

Modified carrageenan 3. Synthesis of a novel polysaccharide-based superabsorbent hydrogel via graft copolymerization of acrylic acid onto kappa-carrageenan in air

A novel biopolymer-based superabsorbent hydrogel was synthesized through chemically crosslinking graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) onto kappa-carrageenan (κC), in the presence of a crosslinking agent and a free radical initiator. A proposed mechanism for κC-g-polyacrylic acid was suggested and the affecting variables onto graft polymerization (i.e. the crosslinker, the monomer and the initiator concentration, the neutralization percent and reaction temperature) were systematically optimized to achieve a hydrogel with swelling capacity as high as possible. Maximum water absorbency of the optimized final product was found to be 789 g/g. The swelling capacity of the synthesized hydrogels was also measured in various salt solutions. The time-temperature profile of the polymerization reaction, in order to investigate the effect of molecular oxygen was conducted in terms of the absence and presence of the atmospheric oxygen. The overall activation energy (E_a) of the graft polymerization reaction was found to be 2.93 KJ/mol.     

Preparation and swelling properties of hydrolysis-resistant superabsorbent composite based on acrylic acid and sodium bentonite

Abstract

A novel hydrolysis-resistant superabsorbent composite was prepared via the solution polymerization based on acrylic acid (AA) and sodium bentonite (SBT) as monomers, tetraallylammonium bromine (TAAB) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. The mechanism of polymerization and the structure of the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (X-ray), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The reaction conditions such as different mass ratios of APS to AA, TAAB to AA, SBT to AA, neutralization degree of AA were optimized by orthogonal experiment, and the influence of each reaction condition on the capacity of water absorption at 150?°C was investigated via single-factor controlled experiment. The hydrolysis resistance and swelling kinetics of the SAP were studied in different solutions at 150?°C. Compared to traditional SAPs, the SAP synthesized with TAAB as crosslinker performed a more excellent hydrolysis resistance and water absorbency capacity at high temperatures. The water absorbency in distilled water or 0.1?mol L^?1 NaCl solution could reach 392.6 and 145.2?g g^?1at 150?°C, respectively. The SAP maintaining high swelling capacity in the pH range of 5–9 indicated its wide application values in the acidic or alkaline environment at high temperature. In addition, the SAP exhibited good reusability which could still retain about 73% of its initial water absorbency after reswelling six times at 150?°C.     

Taguchi optimized synthesis of collagen-g-poly(acrylic acid)/kaolin composite superabsorbent hydrogel

A novel biopolymer-based hydrogel composite was synthesized through chemical crosslinking by graft copolymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid onto the hydrolyzed collagen. The Taguchi method, a robust experimental design, was employed for the optimization of the synthesis based on the swelling capacity of the hydrogels. This method was applied for the experiments and standard L16 orthogonal array with five factors and four levels. In the synthesis of the composite superabsorbent, N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker, ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator, acrylic acid (AA) as monomer, neutralization percent (NU), and collagen/kaolin weight ratio were used as important factors. From the analysis of variance of the test results, the most effective factor controlling equilibrium swelling capacity was obtained and maximum water absorbency of the optimized final product was found to be 674 g/g. The surface morphology of the gel was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore in this research, swollen gel strength of composite SAPs already swollen under realistic conditions (saline solution absorbency under load) was determined.     

丙烯酸与丙烯酰胺共聚制备高吸水性树脂

采用溶液聚合法,以N,N’-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺（NMBA）为交联剂,过硫酸钾（KPS）为引发剂合成了高吸水性树脂聚（丙烯酸-丙烯酰胺）（P（AA—AM））,研究了单体配比、丙烯酸中和度、引发剂及交联剂用量、反应温度对树脂在去离子水和0．9％盐水中吸水率的影响．最佳条件下制备的树脂在去离子水中吸水率为750g·g^-1,在0．9％盐水中吸水率为85g·g^-1．     

Synthesis and Properties of Poly(acrylic acid)/Mica Superabsorbent Nanocomposite

A novel poly(acrylic acid)/mica superabsorbent composite was synthesized by graft polymerization reaction between partially neutralized acrylic acid and ultrafine mica mineral powder. The water absorbency of the composite is higher than 1 100 g H₂O/g. The influence of the neutralization degree of acrylic acid, as well as of the amounts of mica and crosslinker on the absorbing properties are discussed in this paper.     

Superabsorbent Capability and High Retention Ability of China Clay (Kaolinite)/Polyacrylic Acid Composites for Aqueous Solution

Majority of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) yet reported either have low gel strength or high production cost. Therefore, we synthesized a novel polyacrylic acid-grafted China clay (Kaolinite) super-absorbent polymer composite (SAPC) with high thermal stability, low cost of production and superior sorption and retention capability for water and salt solution. The resulting SAPCs were extensively characterized and analysed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results suggested that the composites were thermally stable. Water absorbency increased with increase of clay content up to 45%, while further increase in clay content decreased the water absorbency. Percentage of acrylic acid (AA) and clay by weight shows the optimum absorbency in 35% and 40% respectively. Crosslinker and initiator contents were optimized to be 0.5% and 0.3% by weight respectively. The resulting polymer composite showed high water absorbency of about 785 g/g and 103 g/g of 1% NaCl solution with above 90% retention ability at 50 oC.