Study on superabsorbent composites XVII. Preparation and characterization of poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite/Na-montmorillonite superabsorbent composites

A novel superabsorbent composite simultaneously incorporated with both attapulgite and Na-montmorillonite was prepared by aqueous polymerization using N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate as an initiator. The effects of the clay content on swelling ability of the superabsorbent composite were investigated. The superabsorbent composite were characterized by IR, XRD and SEM. The results indicate that Na-montmorillonite was exfoliated in the composite, whereas, attapulgite kept its crystalline structure. The content of clay has great influence on surface morphology and water absorbency of the superabsorbent composite, and the collaborative effect of attapulgite and Na-montmorillonite on swelling ability is superior to that of single one.