Synthesis and properties of polyacrylamide/hollow coal gangue spheres superabsorbent composites

Abstract

Polyacrylamide/hollow coal gangue spheres (PAM/HCGS) superabsorbent composites were prepared by in situ aqueous solution polymerization using N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. PAM/HCGS composites exhibit the good water and salt absorption with 5 wt % HCGS, 0.14 wt % crosslinker, and 0.56 wt % initiator. Water retention of PAM/HCGS (5 wt %) retains 43% at 60°C for 24 h, which is much better than that of pure polyacrylamide. It suggests that the addition of HCGS increase the strength of swollen gel. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.