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1615717 
Journal Article 
Relationship between water absorbency and reaction conditions in aqueous solution polymerization of polyacrylate superabsorbents 
Chen, JW; Zhao, YM 
2000 
Yes 
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
ISSN: 0021-8995
EISSN: 1097-4628 
75 
6 
808-814 
WOS:000084395300010 
Polyacrylate superabsorbents were prepared by in situ
aqueous solution polymerization in a polyethylene bag, which was submerged in a water bath. The
influence of the initiator content, bath temperature, isopropanol content, initial monomer
concentration, and crosslinker content (Cc) on water absorbency (Q) were investigated. The
temperature change of the monomer mixture during polymerization was also analyzed. Increase of
the chain ends in networks resulting from decrease of the molecular weight in free-radical
polymerization causes an increase of the water absorbency of superabsorbents and also reduces the
crosslinking efficiency. The results are in conformity with the classical network theory. An
empirical relation of Q = 2.45 Cc(-0.600) was obtained and the validity of Flory's swelling
equation was confirmed indirectly. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 
superabsorbent; ionic networks; in situ aqueous solution polymerization; free-radical polymerization; water absorbency; crosslinking