Optimization of the preparation of a poly(aspartic acid) superabsorbent resin with response surface methodology

A poly(aspartic acid) superabsorbent resin was synthesized with polysuccinimide through chemical crosslinking with a crosslinking agent (diamine). The optimization of its preparation was investigated with response surface methodology. According to the Plackett-Burman design, the crosslinking temperature, drying temperature, and dissolving time of polysuccinimide had significant influences on the swelling ratio of the poly(aspartic acid) resin, which was the criterion for describing the water absorption capacity. Central composite design and response surface analysis were employed subsequently to further optimize the three aforementioned factors. A maximum swelling ratio greater than 500 g/g was attained; this was more than a 60% increase in comparison with previous results. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.