Synthesis and properties of a superabsorbent polymer prepared by copolymerization of sodium acrylate with sodium 1-(Acryloyloxy)propan-2-yl phosphate

A novel monomer, 1-(acryloyloxy)propan-2-yl phosphoryl dichloride, was synthesized and characterized in this work. Thereafter, the monomer was neutralized with sodium hydroxide and copolymerized with sodium acrylate to obtain a superabsorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer was then modified to improve its swelling properties (i.e., the water absorbency under load, the hydrogel strength, the resilience and the dispersion). Both single factor and orthogonal design experiments were adopted to obtain optimal conditions. The superabsorbent polymer prepared under the optimal conditions showed improved water absorbency in physiological saline [17 g center dot g(-1) under load (P = 2 X 10(3) Pa) and 65 g center dot g(-1) at atmospheric pressure] and other swelling properties, such as hydrogel strength, resilience and dispersion, also improved.