Effects of modified vermiculite on the synthesis and swelling behaviors of hydroxyethyl cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid)/vermiculite superabsorbent nanocomposites
(401-408) Journal of Polymer Research 18  #3 (2011)
Wang et al of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, prepared a series of hydroxyethyl cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid)/vermiculite (HEC-g-PAA/VMT) superabsorbent nanocomposites by radical solution polymerization among hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), partially neutralized acrylic acid (AA), raw vermiculite (RVMT), acidified vermiculite (AVMT) and organo-vermiculite (OVMT) in the presence of initiator ammonium persulfate (APS) and crosslinker N,N’-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA).  The vermiculite was exfoliated during polymerization leading to the nanocomposite.  Results showed that incorporation of VMT greatly enhanced the water absorbency, and the modified VMT by acidification and organification can improve the water absorbency more remarkably than raw one. OVMT can improve the swelling capabilities and swelling rate to the highest degree in contrast to RVMT and AVMT.  (RDC 4/21/2011)