Preparation and Swelling Behavior of a pH-Responsive Psyllium-g-Poly(acrylic acid)/Attapulgite Superabsorbent Nanocomposite

In this study, a series of psyllium-g-poly(acrylic acid)/attapulgite (PSY-g-PAA/APT) superabsorbent nanocomposites were prepared. The effects of the content of APT on equilibrium water absorption, swelling rate, and the swelling behaviors of the nanocomposites in various cationic saline solutions and different pH solutions were also systematically investigated. The nanocomposite containing 10 wt% APT gives the best water absorption of 568 g/g in distilled water and 64 g/g in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution. The excellent responsive properties and reversible On-Off switching characteristics can be observed in various pH buffer solutions.