Synthesis and Characterization of Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) based on Starch and Acrylic Acid

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is hydrophilic polymer networks that can absorb high amount of water and eco-friendly. SAP was synthesized by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid on to the backbone of starch using N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate (KPS) as a free radical initiator. This material was synthesized in nitrogen atmosphere at 70oC for two hours using of acylic acid (after 40% neutralization with NaOH). The influence of amount crosslinker agent to water absorbency was investigated. The polymer product was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Based on the result show that superabsorbent polymer had an optimum crosslinker value of 1,5% wt acrylic acid with water absorbency obtained were 241.11 g/g dan 279 ml/ml