Synthesis of Superabsorbent Polymers via Itaconic Acid Graft Copolymerization onto Acacia Gum Polysaccharide for Improved Material Performance

In this study, novel superabsorbent polymer composites based on natural acacia gum (AG) were synthesized via graft copolymerization of itaconic acid (IA) in the presence of inorganic kaolin powder. The polymerization was initiated by ammonium persulfate (APS) and crosslinked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (N-MBA). Key variables influencing the polymerization process, including the concentrations of KPS, IA, N-MBA and the AG/kaolin weight ratio, were systematically studied to optimize water swelling capacity. The structural characterization of the synthesized composites was performed using FTIR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The FTIR spectrum revealed a new absorption band at 1671 cm–1, confirming the successful integration of kaolin powder and the formation of inorganic-organic polymer linkages. Additionally, the degree of neutralization was examined, along with the evaluation of critical parameters such as free absorbency capacity, absorbency under load of 16.9 g/g and centrifuge retention capacity of 55.1 g/g. The results demonstrate the potential of these superabsorbent polymer composites for various applications due to their enhanced water absorption properties.