Fine tuning of SAP properties via epoxy‐silane surface modification. (14th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moini, Nasrin; Kabiri, Kourosh; Zohuriaan‐Mehr, Mohammad J.; Omidian, Hamid; Esmaeili, Naser
• Is Part Of: Polymers for advanced technologies. Volume 28:Number 9(2017)
• Page Start: 1132
• Page End: 1147
• Publication Date: 2017-02-14
• Subjects: superabsorbent -- surface modification -- epoxy silane -- saline absorbency -- rheometry -- residual monomer; Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/pat.4006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-7147

Abstract

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. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Abstract : Multiple improvements via a single modification process on the superabsorbent polymer particle surface have been achieved. The increased gel content (from 79 to 97%) with controlled residual monomer has been attained. The saline absorbency under load (from 18 to 39 g/g) and the swollen gel strength (up to 140%) incredibly have been enhanced. The undesirable gel‐blockage phenomenon has been prohibited. The initial decomposition temperature from 360 to ~400°C has been postponed.