Microwave assisted synthesis of guar gum grafted sodium acrylate/cloisite superabsorbent nanocomposites: Reaction parameters and swelling characteristics

In this study, superabsorbent nanocomposites of guar gum grafted sodium acrylate have been synthesized via both microwave and conventional techniques. The reaction parameters of both techniques were optimized and the microwave assisted method was proved to have higher grafting yield with lesser time of reaction as compared to the conventional method. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that cloisite was exfoliated and uniformly dispersed in guar gum grafted sodium acrylate matrix. The results show that introducing cloisite into the guar gum grafted sodium acrylate network improved the swelling capability and the swelling rate of the superabsorbent nanocomposite was found to be enhanced at an optimal loading of 10% cloisite. The nanocomposites showed high water absorbency within a wide pH range. Preliminary studies on crystal violet dye removal showed promising results.