Synthesis of novel superabsorbing copolymers for agricultural and horticultural applications

A series of novel superabsorbent copolymers (SAPs) based on monomers acrylamide, calcium acrylate and sodium acrylate have been prepared using ammonium persulfate as initiator and N,N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent; the monomer concentration, MBA concentration and initiator concentration were varied. The experimental results show that the SAPs have good absorbency both in water and NaCl solutions. The copolymers were characterized by IR spectroscopy. Water retention in soil is enhanced by use of these superabsorbents. The effect of SAPs on the growth of bean plants is reported. SAPs may be of use as water management materials for agricultural and horticultural purposes in desert and drought‐prone areas. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry