Faculty Articles

Fine tuning of SAP properties via epoxy‐silane surface modification

ISBN or ISSN

1099-1581

Publication Title

Polymers for Advanced Technologies

Volume

28

Issue

9

Publication Date / Copyright Date

9-2017

First Page

1132

Last Page

1147

Publisher

Wiley

DOI Number

10.1002/pat.4006

Abstract

Using 3‐[(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)‐propyl]‐trimethoxysilane as a surface modifier, superabsorbent polymers with improved gel strength in their swollen state and saline absorbency under load are synthesized. The products are characterized using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), rheometry, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, water absorbency and gel content. The temperature and the duration effect of the surface‐treatment process on residual monomer content are also investigated by high performance liquid chromatography. The gel strength (as shown by storage modulus) and absorbency under load are improved up to 3500–4000 Pa, and 30–40 g/g, respectively. It is suggested that the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles has been modified by two mechanisms: i.e. interpenetrating polymer network and cross‐linking. Moreover, the surface modification has enhanced thermo‐stability and prohibited undesirable gel blockage. Depending on the post‐treatment method used, the wetting behavior of particles is also altered.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Keywords

cross-linking, polymers, water absorption

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