Polyaspartic acid based superabsorbent polymers

Superabsorbent polymers are widely used in many applications such as disposable diapers, feminine napkins, soil for agriculture and horticulture, gel actuators, water-blocking tapes, drug delivery systems, absorbent pads and other biomedical applications. Most of these superabsorbents are non-biodegradable and thus increasing burden on the earth. Polymer scientist and chemists are looking for environmental friendly solutions. Polyaspartic acid polymers have been reported to possess biodegradable properties. These polymers have been developed mainly as polyelectrolyte. However, this review compiles the work carried on developing polyaspartic acid based superabsorbent polymers. The review covers synthetic methodology, characterization of these polymers by different techniques, different types of polymer prepared using polyaspartic polymers which include co-polymers, grafted polymers, interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating polymers are covered. The biodegradability studies carried out on the superabsorbent polymers are also discussed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.