Effect of sepiolite clay subsidiary amount on properties of sepiolite clay/PAA super absorbent composites

Sepiolite/PAA (PAAS) super absorbent composite was prepared using solution polymerization method. Effect of sepiolite clay content at the range of 0%-10% and 20%-150% on water absorbency, water-holding performance, repeated water absorbency, electrolyte resistance and microstructure of the as-synthesized composite was discussed respectively. The results show that the maximum distilled water absorbency and the maximum 0.9% saline water absorbency of composite are both received when sepiolite mineral content is equal to 4%. Sepiolite mineral/PAA (PAAS) composite reaches to the maximum distilled water absorbency (800 g/g) within the range of 40%-60%. Water absorbency of composite is declining sharply within the range of 60%-150%. It is noticeable that water absorbency of composite containing sepiolite clay mineral is larger than that of polyacrylic acid natrium free sepiolite clay. Water holding of composite increases ratherish along with sepiolite content augmentation. Repeated water absorbency of composite is steady-going while sepiolite clay content within the range of 40%-60%. The distilled water absorbency of composite is decreased simultaneously when ionic strength of electrolyte solution enlarges. The higher the composite with sepiolite clay content, the faster the exoteric electrolyte solutions absorbency descend.