Seminar Report Keshav PDF

M.S.
Univerrsity Vadodara SUPERABSO

ORBENT POLYM
MER IN AGRICUL
LTURE
SE
EMINA
AR RE
EPORT
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ON
S
SUPER
R ABS
SORB
BENT POLY
YMER
R IN
A
AGRIC
CULT
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NAME: PAND
DE KESHA
AV MANJJUL
E:DR. NAIINA TAHIILRAMAN

GUIDE NI
HARAJA
MAH A SAYA
AJIRAO
O UNIVE
ERSITY
Y OF BA
ARODA
A.
FAC
CULTY
Y OF TE
ECHNO
OLOGY AND ENGINE
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DEPART
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HEMICAL ENG
GINEER
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1
PANDEB.E.SEMINA
KESHAVP ARREPORT
M.S. Univerrsity Vadodara SUPERABSO
ORBENT POLYM
MER IN AGRICUL
LTURE
CER
RTIFICA
ATE
DEPA
ARTMEN
NT OF CHEMICA
AL ENGIINEERIN
NG
FACUL
LTY OF TECHNO
T OLOGY AND
A ENGINEER
RING
THE
E MAHA
ARAJA SA
AYAJIRA
AO UNIV
VERSITY
Y
OF
BA
ARODA
This is to certify thaat Mr. KE ESHAV PANDE,

P a studennt of
B.E.-IV Chem mical Enngineeringg, Exam No.8010002 has satisfactoorily
comppleted hiis seminnar reporrt work on SUP PER AB BSORBE ENT
POLLYMER IN AGR RICULTU URE undder my guuidance and
a here with
w
subm
mit his report
r inn partial fulfillm
ment of the degrree of B.E.
B
(Cheemical) fo
or the yeaar 2016-177.
Guide
G Heead of Deepartmen nt
(D
Dr.Naina Tahilram
mani) (Drr. Bina Seengupta)
2
PANDEB.E.SEMINA
KESHAVP ARREPORT
M.S. University Vadodara SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER IN AGRICULTURE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my deepest sense of gratitude and respect to my

guide Dr. Naina Tahilramani, for his valuable guidance, constructive
criticism and constant encouragement during the entire course of
studies, till the completion of this seminar report.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to Head of the

Department of Chemical Engineering Dr. Bina Sengupta for granting
the permission to do work on my seminar.
Prepared by:
KESHAV PANDE
3
KESHAVPANDEB.E.SEMINARREPORT
ABSTRACT
Superabsorbent polymers are very high molecular mass, cross-linked polyelectrolytes that
can absorb or imbibe more than 10 times their mass of water or aqueous solutions. In order to
absorb this large quantity of aqueous fluid, the polymers must be only slightly cross-linked so
that the polymer chains can adopt widely spaced configurations.
Cross-linked polyelectrolytes absorb more aqueous liquid than do neutral polymers as a

result of the added osmotic, swelling pressure of the counter ions that balance the high electric
charge of the ionized functional groups spaced along the polymer chains.
While any high molecular mass, cross-linked polyelectrolyte can function as a
superabsorbent polymer, the commercially available superabsorbent polymers are alkali metal
salts of poly (acrylic acid) cross-linked with multifunctional crosslinkers Most often the
crosslinks are formed from comonomers that are incorporated into the polymer during the free-
radical-initiated addition polymerization.
The principal use of superabsorbent polymers is as a liquid absorbent in disposable
hygiene products, which include baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and adult
incontinence products. Smaller volume uses include liquid absorbent pads for packaged meats
and water-blocking tapes and coatings for electrical and telecommunication cables.
4
INDEX
SR NO CONTENT PAGE
NUMBER
1 INTRODUCTION TO SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 6
2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MONOMER 7
3 MANUFACTURE OF MONOMER 7
4 PROPERTIES OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 8
5 POLYMERIZATION OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 10
6 MANUFACTURING OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 11
7 ECONOMIC ASPECTS 14
8 ANALYTICAL AND TEST METHODS 15
9 APPLICATION OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 17
10 CASE STUDY 21
11 CONCLUSION 31
5
12 REFRENCE 32
1.INTRODUCTION
Superabsorbent polymers are very high molecular mass, cross-linked polyelectrolytes that
can absorb or imbibe more than 10 times their mass of water or aqueous solutions. In order to
absorb this large quantity of aqueous fluid, the polymers must be only slightly cross-linked so
that the polymer chains can adopt widely spaced configurations. And in order to remain largely
insoluble, while at the same time being highly expanded, the polymer chains must have very
high molecular mass so that the small number of cross-links connect together all the chains.
Cross-linked polyelectrolytes absorb more aqueous liquid than do neutral polymers as a result of
the added osmotic, swelling pressure of the counter ions that balance the high electric charge of
the ionized functional groups spaced along the polymer chains.
While any high molecular mass, cross-linked polyelectrolyte can function as a
superabsorbent polymer, the commercially available superabsorbent polymers are alkali metal
salts of poly (acrylic acid) cross-linked with multifunctional cross linkers Most often the
crosslinks are formed from comonomers that are incorporated into the polymer during the free-
radical-initiated addition polymerization. Common cross-linkers are diand triacrylates or
methacrylates. The polymer chains can also be cross-linked after the main polymer chains have
been formed. In this case, the cross-linker is multifunctional with groups that can react with the
carboxylic acid or carboxylate groups present along the polymer chains. Examples of this type of
cross-linker are polyols, polyepoxides, polyamines, and the like. Most commonly, the polymers
aremade by means of free-radical-initiated polymerization of an aqueous solution of the
monomers, followed by drying the hydrogel that is formed and grinding the dry polymer to a
granular powder.
6
2.PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MONOMERS

The monomers useful for making superabsorbent polymers are water-solublemonomers
such as. Acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acidare the
principal ionizablemonomers useful for making superabsorbent polymers. Other
comonomerssuch as acrylamide and N-isopropylacrylamide can also be incorporated intothe
polymer chain. For example, N-isopropylacrylamide imparts temperaturesensitivity into the
superabsorbent polymer. The useful cross-linkers includea variety of multifunctional monomers.
They canbe di-, tri-, or tetrafunctional, and can have mixed types of polymerizable groupssuch as
methacrylate and allyl, as in allylmethacrylate. Mixed types of functionalgroups provide olefins
with varying reactivity toward the main monomer. Themixed-functional cross-linkers can be
used to control the incorporation of thecross-links during the polymerization. For example, the
gel point of the polymerizationcan be made at lower conversion of monomers by using a cross-
linker thatis more reactive than the main monomer. Conversely, the gel point can be delayedto
higher conversion of monomers by using a less reactive monomer compared tothe main
monomer.
3.MANUFACTURE OF MONOMER
The principal monomer used in the manufacture of superabsorbent polymers is acrylic
acid. Acrylic acid is made by the oxidation of propene in two steps. First, propeneis oxidized to
acrolein, and then the acrolein is further oxidized to acrylic acid. Different mixed metal oxide
catalysts are used for each step to optimize the yield and selectivity of the oxidation reactions.
Technical-grade acrylic acid is isolated from the steam-quenched reaction gas by means of
solvent extraction and distillation, and is used principally in the further preparation of acrylate
esters. The technical-grade acrylic acid is further purified by distillation or by crystallization
from the melt to afford the polymerization-grade monomer.
7
4.PROPERTIES OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS

The principal useful feature of superabsorbent polymers is their ability to absorb aqueous
liquids and expand or swell in size. The swollen polymer a cross-linked polymer solution holds
tightly to the liquid and prevents the liquid from being easily squeezed from the expanded
structure. The two principal properties of the polymer that define their usefulness are the
swelling ratio and the elastic modulus of the swollen polymer.
1) Swelling Ratio:
The swelling characteristic of superabsorbent polymers has been described in several
ways. A volumetric swelling ratio is equal to the volume of solvent absorbed per unit volume of
the polymer. The gravimetric swelling ratio, or specific absorbency, is equal to the mass of
solvent absorbed per unit mass of unswollenpolymer. The gravimetric ratio is most commonly
used in the measure of swelling in commercial practice. These volumetric and gravimetric ratios
can be easily interconverted by multiplication with the ratio of densities of the solvent and
polymer. The molecular theories of swelling and elasticity of cross-linked polymer networks use
the volume fraction of polymer in the gel phase as a measure of swelling extent. The reciprocal
of the volume fraction, equal to the ratio of gel volume to polymer volume, is an alternative
volumetric swelling ratio.
2) Modulus of Elasticity:
When a swollen superabsorbent polymer particle is subjected to mechanical stress, it
strains and changes shape. The elastic modulus of the material is the ratio of the applied stress to
the resulting strain. For swollen superabsorbent polymers, the magnitude of the elastic shear
modulusprincipally depends on the cross-link density established during synthesis of the polymer
and on the extent of swelling during measurement of the modulus. Polymer swelling lowers the
cross-link density by increasing the volume in which the cross-links reside.
8
The elastic modulus of the swollen superabsorbent polymer is important for several
reasons. The powdered polymer is typically used in a physical blend with fibers such as cellulose
and thermoplastic binder fibers. The resulting structure is called the absorbent core. The
absorbent core relies on pore spaces between the fibers and polymer particles to provide liquid
transport volume for the overall structure. When the swollen superabsorbent particles have low
modulus, they are easily deformed by body pressures and can fill in the interfiber and
interparticle pores. This prevents liquid flow and wicking of liquid into the drier portions of the
core. Higher modulus limits the deformation of the particles and helps maintain the pore space.
The elastic modulus also influences the swelling kinetics of the superabsorbent polymer
in the blend.Fora cross-linked polymer, different shaped particles have different swelling
kinetics. This results from the coupling between the diffusion of water into the polymer network
through the surfaces of the particles, and the relaxation of the cross-linked polymer chains in the
presence of the swelling agent. Of the simple shapes, spherical particles have the fastest kinetics
whereas flat disks have the slowest kinetics. Spherical particles that are deformed into a disk-like
shape swell more slowly, and therefore the more deformable swollen particles (lower elastic
modulus) will be slower than similar sized particles with higher modulus that are less
deformable.
9
5. POLYMERIZATION OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER

Superabsorbent polyacrylates are prepared by means of free-radical-initiated
copolymerization of acrylic acid and its salts with a cross-linker. Two principal processes are
used: bulk, aqueous solution polymerization and suspension polymerization of aqueous
monomer droplets in a hydrocarbon liquid continuous phase. In either process, the monomers are
dissolved in water at concentrations of 2040 wt% and the polymerization is initiated by free
radicals in the aqueous phase. The initiators, free radicalused include thermally decomposable
initiators, reductionoxidation systems, and photochemical initiators and combinations. Redox
systems include persulfate/bisulfite, persulfate/thiosulfate, persulfate/ascorbate, and hydrogen
peroxide/ascorbate. Thermal initiators include persulfates, 2,2_-azobis(2-amidinopropane)-
dihydrochloride, and 2,2-azobis (4-cyanopentanoic acid). Combinations of initiators are useful
for polymerizations taking place over a temperature range.
The copolymerization is conducted either at low pH with the acid-form monomers,
which are neutralized after polymerization, or at roughly neutral pH with partially neutralized
carboxylate salts. Sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate typically are the neutralizing agents.
The cross-linkers vary in functionality, from difunctional acrylate esters and
methylenebisacrylamide, to trifunctional compounds, such as 1,1,1-trimethylol-
propanetriacrylate and triallylamine, and to tetrafunctional compounds, such as
tetra(allyloxy)ethane.
In the case of acrylic and methacrylic acids, the reactivity of the monomer toward
polymerization is a complex function of the pH (extent of neutralization) and monomer
concentration. The reactivity of ionized monomer being lower than the neutral carboxylic acid,
polymerization proceeds more slowly as pH is increased. A minimum in the polymerization rate
occurs at pH of 7. Above pH of 7, the rate increases again because of electrostatic screening due
to increased ionic strength.
10
6.MANUFACTURING OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS
1) Gel Size Reduction:

After polymerization, the gel intermediate must be dried. However, prior to drying, the
size of the gel pieces must be reduced in order to increase surface area and speed drying. In some
commercial processes, the gel size reduction is done in the polymerization vessel by means of
high torque agitators or screws. In other processes, gel is sized in a separate unit operation of gel
extrusion and cutting or mincing. Final gel particles are in the diameter range of 0.53 cm.
11
2) Drying:
The water used as solvent in the polymerization is removed from the polymerized gel by
evaporation in continuous-operation, hot-air convection dryers or in contact dryers such as
steam-heated drum dryers. In hot-air convection dryers, the rate of moisture removal depends on
the heating gas temperature, humidity and flow rate, and the diffusion characteristics of water
from the gel. Drying occurs in three general stages. For high water content in the gel, the drying
rate is constant, as the rate is limited by heat transfer into the gel. At low water contents, the
drying is limited by diffusion of water through the gel, and the drying rate falls as water is
further depleted. In the intermediate or transition regime, some of the polymer is still in the
constant-rate regime while other portions have entered the diffusion-controlled regime.
On rotating drum dryers, the drying energy is conductively transferred from the hot
metal drum to the gel. The hydrogel must be applied to the drum in a sufficiently thin layer,
accounting for the available heat transfer and drum size, so that it is thoroughly dry in about
three quarters of a revolution of the drum roll, whereupon it is scraped from the drum with
flaking knives. In order to spread the gel layer effectively onto the drum, the hydrogel must be
soft enough to be deformable in the dryer nip.
3) Grinding and Sieving:

Grinding or milling the very coarse dryer product, followed by sieving sets the particle
size distribution of the dried superabsorbent polymer. The common polyacrylate superabsorbent
polymers have a particle size distribution ranging from about 200 to 800 m. Two-stage milling
is frequently used in combination with sieving and recycles of the oversize particles in order to
prepare a relatively narrow size distribution of the final granular powder. Knife mills, attrition
mills, roll crushers, and the like are used in the first stage to provide a coarse but narrower
particle size distribution feed for the second grinding stage. In the second stage, the final average
particle size is attained. Sieving off both the coarse tail and the fine tail of the size distribution
12
typically narrows the final size distribution further. The coarse tail is recycled to the grinder, and
the fine tail may be used for other purposes or recycled back to the polymerization reactor.
4) Surface Cross-linking:
Since small particles of hygroscopic polymer absorbwater very fast, they can quickly
form a thin, sticky layer of gel at the particlesurface and then clump together or gel block. The
resulting interparticleadhesion causes the formation of large, sticky agglomerates with low
interparticleporosity and drastically slower swelling rate. One remedy is to add a solution
ofmultivalent cations to the surface of the dry particles, forming an ionically crosslinkedsurface
layer. Alternatively, the particle surface can be coated withand reacted at elevated temperature
with polyols, polyepoxides, linear or cyclicdiesters or polyamines, as examples, forming a
covalently cross-linked surfaceshell. This shell of higher cross-link density is less swellable, less
sticky,more rigid than the untreated polymer surface, and prevents gel-blocking. Thisimproves
the permeability of the particle bed toward liquids.
A third method to produce these so-called structured particles is to first forma particle
with higher cross-link density and then lower the cross-link densityin the center of the particle.
Cross-linked polymers made in the presence of oxidizingagents such as sodium or potassium
chlorate have shown improvementsin absorbency under load and swelling capacity after a high
temperature heatingstep wherein a portion of the polymer chains in the particle center are
cleavedthrough the action of the oxidizers.
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7.ECONOMIC ASPECTS
Cross-linked, partially neutralized poly (sodium acrylate) represents the
overwhelmingmajority of the superabsorbent manufactured in the world todayThe global
manufacturing capacity for these superabsorbent polymers in 2011was about 1.187 million
metric tons per year. This quantity issplit with 380 kt/year in Europe, 427 kt/year in the United
States of America,and 380 kt/year in Asia. Total global usage of superabsorbent polymers in
2001amounted to about 1093 kt, or just over 92% of the global manufacturing capability.
There are six principal global manufacturers of superabsorbentpolymers. BASF
Aktiengesellschaft had about 305 kt/year of manufacturing capacity,followed by Degussa
(Stockhausen division) with about 245 kt/year, NipponShokubai KagakuKogyo with about 230
kt/year, The Dow Chemical Co. with about120 kt/year, SanDia (Sanyo and Mitsubishi joint
venture) with about 95 kt/year,and Sumitomo Chemical with about 60 kt/year. Several smaller
manufacturerstogether made up another 132 kt/year of manufacturing capability. Includedin this
group of smaller companies are those who make slightly different superabsorbentpolymers such
as cross-linked, partially neutralized poly (potassium acrylate)and cross-linked, slightly ionized
polyacrylamide, which are used mainly inthe agricultural and horticultural industries.
Superabsorbent polymers are used mainly in disposable, personal care hygieneproducts.
About 81% of total tonnage (885 kt/year) is used in infant diapersand child training pants.
Another 14% of the total (157 kt/year) is used in adult incontinenceproducts, and about 2% (22
kt/year) is used in feminine menstrual padsand napkins. The remaining 3% of total tonnage (32.8
kt/year) is used in other applications such as construction materials, cable wrapping tapes,
agriculture, and horticulture.
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8.
ANALYTICAL AND TEST METHODS
1) Swelling Capacity:
Several methods have been used to measure the specificabsorbency (mass of liquid
absorbed per unit mass of superabsorbent polymer),swelling ratio, or swelling capacity. In the
most common technique,a small quantity of superabsorbent polymer is placed in a porous, heat-
sealablebag, which is then immersed in the desired aqueous liquid. The polymer is allowedto
absorb liquid for a time long enough to reach maximum or equilibriumswelling, which is usually
from 30 to 90 min. Then the porous bag and its contentsare centrifuged under standard
conditions to remove the unabsorbed liquid fromthe pore spaces between the swollen particles.
The liquid absorbed is determinedby gravimetry.
2) Elastic Modulus:
The elastic shear modulus of swollen superabsorbentpolymer is commonly measured by
means of oscillatory rheometry, using any ofa variety of commercially available instruments.
The sample to be analyzedis screened to the desired particle size cut such that the swollen
particle size issmaller than the gap between the measuring plates. The sample is swollen in
thedesired liquid, usually 0.9 wt% NaCl solution or synthetic urine. Excess liquid isremoved
from the swollen hydrogel by blotting to minimize interparticle slippage.The hydrogel typically
is placed onto the lower circular plate. An upper conicalplate is positioned at the proper sample
gap, which is packed with the gel. Anoscillating torque is applied at a known frequency to the
15
upper plate and theresulting angular displacement of the cone is determined. The shear modulus
ofthe hydrogel is calculated from the ratio of the applied stress to the resulting Strain.
3) Particle Size Distribution:
The particle size distribution is determinedby sieving. The Rotap sieving, similar to the
ASTM method used for polymerpowders is typically used. The method consists of placing a
known quantityof the powder in a stack of sieves that are shaken horizontally while beinghit at
the top with a hammer. Alternatively, vibrating sieve sets maybe used. The mass of polymer on
each sieve is measured gravimetrically. Fromthis data, the size distribution may be plotted and
the mass-median particle sizecalculated.
4) Bulk Density and Flow ability:

The polymer bulk density and polymerflow ability affect conveying pipe and hopper
design in the polymermanufacturing plants and dosing machine settings on diaper
manufacturinglines. Flow ability is typically evaluated by timing the flow of a 100-g
granularsample from a funnel into a cylinder of known volume. The bulk density,taken from the
same procedure, is the mass/volume ratio of polymer in thecylinder.
5) Absorbency under Load:

The absorbency under load is a commonly usedmeasure of the performance of
superabsorbent polymers in absorbent products such as diapers. It is not so much a property of
the superabsorbent polymer, butrather a swelling phenomenon of a compressed, packed bed of
polymer particles.The test system consists of a short plastic cylinder with a fine mesh screen
fixedover one end. A quantity of dry polymer particles is placed on the screen andcovered with a
loose-fitting plastic disk as a piston. A standard weight is placedon the plastic piston, and then
the polymer is put into contact with a saline solutionthrough the fine mesh screen. As the
polymer absorbs liquid, the swellingparticles fill the cylindrical cell and push up the piston. The
gravimetric swellingratio achieved in a standard time is determined. The test is thought to mimic
thebehavior of the polymer as it swells within the absorbent core, under compressionapplied by
the babys body. The test has been modeled in terms of the polymerproperties and some
characteristics of the particle bed.
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9. APPLICATION OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER

The unique attributes of superabsorbent make them useful in many different applications.
The liquid absorption and retention ability makes them useful in disposable hygienic products.
These include infant diapers, feminine hygiene pads, and adult incontinence products. Other
absorbent products suitable for superabsorbent polymers are paper towels, surgical sponges,
meat trays, disposable mats for outside doorways, household pet litter, bandages, and wound
dressings. Because the gels can slowly release water vapor to the atmosphere, they can be used in
humidity controlling products or as soil conditioners. Superabsorbent polymers can also release
water-soluble substances from within the network structure into surrounding solutions; hence,
pharmaceuticals or fertilizers may be controllably released from within the gels. The rubbery
nature of the swollen gels can control the consistency of cosmetics or concrete, and yield a soft
and dry feel too hot or cold packs for sore muscles. The combination of swelling and soft rubber
properties imparts sealing properties to products that may come into contact with water or
aqueous solutions, such as, underground wires and cables. In the following paragraphs,
additional details will be given of how the properties of superabsorbent polymers affect their
utility in specific products.
1) Disposable Infant Diapers:

A basic disposable diaper consists of an absorbent core sandwiched between a liquid
permeable top-sheet and an impermeable back-sheet. The top-sheet, next to the babys skin,
allows urine to flow through it into the core. The back-sheet, made of impermeable plastic, helps
17
keep the babys clothing dry. The core takes in the liquid, distributes it within the core and holds
the liquid under compression from the baby.
In a diaper, the polymer is mixed with 0.510 times its mass of cellulose pulp fluff
(processed wood fiber) to make up the core.Cores containing superabsorbent are thinner because
a smaller volume of dry superabsorbent polymer can absorb the same volume of aqueous liquid
as a larger volume of fluff.
In addition to the specific absorbency of the superabsorbent polymer, the absorption rate
of the diaper must be optimized to the urination rate of the baby. When the core absorbs too
slowly relative to the urination rate, the liquid overflows the core and leaks from the diaper. The
absorption rate of the composite is influenced by the absorption rate of the superabsorbent
polymer. Fast swelling of the polymer can contain the liquid quickly. However, in some diaper
designs, fast swelling may cause the diaper to leak if the porosity and permeability of the
composite is reduced too rapidly.
2) Adult Incontinence:
Adult incontinence products include belted or fitted disposable garments and light
incontinence pads, which are similar to feminine napkins. Similar design considerations are used
as in baby diapers. In adults the liquid volume is larger and the urination rate is faster than in
infants; therefore, polymers with larger specific absorbency and faster swelling rate are desired
for this application. The market for these products is growing with the aging population.
3) Feminine Hygiene:
18
The first personal-hygiene product commercialized with superabsorbent polymer was a

feminine napkin in Japan. Perhaps the biggest challenge in using superabsorbent polymer in
these products is the huge difference in properties between urine and menstrual fluid. Menstrual
fluid is a complex, viscous mixture of water, salts, proteins, and cells. The cells are far too large
to be absorbed into the superabsorbent polymer, and the proteins make the fluid very viscous and
thereby slow the diffuse of liquid into the polymer. In other blood absorption applications, such
as in surgery and surgical appliances, the polymers can be chemically modified to prevent
undesired blood clotting.Incorporating similar additives into superabsorbent polymers may
improve their performance in feminine hygiene products.
4) Agricultural and Horticultural Applications:

Superabsorbent in agriculture and horticulture are used as a mulch, to help the soil retain
moisture. To provide this function, the polymers optimally are mixed into soil at a concentration
of about 0.1 wt%. The resulting mixture retains moisture longer than untreated soil and helps
maintain optimum germination conditions. Superabsorbent polymer helps improve porosity in
clay soils, as the polymer particles expand and contract during the moisture cycles. However, in
wet and soggy soils with low oxygen content, superabsorbent polymers can prolong the
unfavorable soil conditions. Salt-tolerant superabsorbent polymers may be more useful than the
common polyacrylates for this application. An excellent review of superabsorbentin soil has
been published.
5) Construction Materials:
19
Superabsorbent polymers are used to control liquid water in a variety of construction-

related products. Joint-sealing composites are made by blending superabsorbent into chloroprene
rubber or into poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). These composites are used like mortar in the
concrete block walls of the structure. Gaps left during construction are subsequently filled as the
superabsorbent swells in any water, and subsequent leaks are prevented. A water-blocking
construction backfill has also been developed from cement, water absorbing polymer, and an
asphalt emulsion.
The swelling property of superabsorbent also protects communication cables from water
damage. Water-blocking tapes are wrapped around fiberoptic communication cables and power
transmission cables to stop intrusion of water into the cables if the water-resistant coverings are
cut or broken swelling polymer seals the damaged area and slows water penetration further along
the cable.
6) Food Packaging:
Superabsorbent polymer can also absorb juice or water from raw chicken, shellfish and
other meats, or from frozen foods as they thaw, reducing sogginess of the product. Chilled
superabsorbent polymer gels can also be used as a dry-cooling medium to keep perishable foods
cold. The humiditycontrolling property of superabsorbent polymer also can be used to maintain a
constant humidity in vegetable and fruit storage and prevent water spotting on fruits.
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10. CASE STUDY

Procedure
The main aim of this case study was to see the growth pattern and the yield in the different types
of soil with and without super absorbent polymer.
Took four pots in which I added two types of soil i.e. sandy soil and loamy soil. Two pots
consisted of sandy soil and other two pots consisted of loamy soil.
In each pot 400 g of soil was added.
The superabsorbent polymer was added in one pot of sandy soil and loamy soil. So the
other two pots were without super absorbent polymer.
Now we have four pots which were termed as follows
1. Loamy soil with polymer (A)
2. Loamy soil without polymer (B)
3. Sandy soil with polymer (C)
4. Sandy soil without polymer (D)
Four grams of superabsorbent polymer was being added to the soil in the two pots.
21
In each pot 9 seeds of black mustard were sown and the growth pattern of the plant was
seen in each pot.
Every day 50 ml of water was being added.
This whole experiment was carried out for 85 days and the conclusion of each day was
noted down.
A) LOAMY SOIL WITH POLYMER

The growth pattern of the black mustard plant is shown in the figures
5th day 10th day
22
20th day 30th day
40th day 50th day

Various results that were seen are as follows
DAY 1 Seeds were sown and just added 50ml of water.

DAY 2 Again added 50 ml of water and no growth was seen.
DAY 3 Sapling started growing from 6 seeds and the growth of the sapling was rapid.
DAY 5 The sapling grew as shown in the figure above
DAY 7 The sapling grew faster and the growth of the sapling from two more seeds
took place.
DAY 10 The sapling grew as shown in the figure but two of the saplings dried out.
DAY 11 The cotyledons started disappearing and the leaves of the mustard seed started to
come out but they were very small.
DAY 15 On this day all the cotyledons had been dried off and the mustard leaves were
growing at a very fast rate.
DAY 20 The leaves grew fully and the growth is being shown in the figure.
DAY 25 In the plant, budding started.
DAY 27 The flower bloomed from one of the buds.
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DAY 30 Flowers bloomed from more buds and some new buds appeared. The growth is
shown in the figure.
DAY 40 The flowers and budding took place simultaneously. Growth is shown in the
figure.
DAY 45 The budding in the plant stopped and the growth of the flowers took place.
DAY 47 The growth of the flowers was very rapid.
DAY 50 Flowering was complete and no further growth was seen. Growth pattern is shown
in the figure.
DAY 53 The mustard seeds started growing in one of the flower.
DAY 55 Mustard seeds grew in half of the flowers.
DAY 60 Mustard seeds grew in all flowers.
DAY 62 Mustard seeds growth was seen no further so the seeds were taken out from the
plant. The water to the plant was not given from this day and plant was stable
around three days i.e. 65th day and then it dried out.
B) LOAMY SOIL WITHOUT POLYMER

5th day 10th day
24
20th day 30th day
40th day 50th day


DAY 3 Sapling started growing from 2 seeds and the growth of the sapling was slow.
DAY8 The sapling grew at the same rate and the growth of the sapling from one more
seeds took place.
DAY 10 The sapling grew as shown in the figure.
DAY 16 On this day all the cotyledons had been dried off and the mustard leaves were
growing at a very fast rate as compared to the loamy soil with SAP.
DAY 20 The leaves grew but the yield was low as compared to A and the growth is
being shown in the figure.
DAY 30 Budding in the plant started. The growth is shown in the figure.
25

DAY 35 Flowers bloomed from more buds and some new buds appeared.
DAY 40 The flowers and budding took place simultaneously but at a very slow rate as
compared to A. Growth is shown in the figure.
DAY 50 Flowering was still going on at the same rate and no further growth in leaves was
seen. Growth pattern is shownin the figure.
DAY 53The budding in the plant stopped and the growth of the flowers took place.
DAY 55 The flowering stopped in the plant.
DAY 60 Mustard seeds grew in one flower.
DAY 64 Mustard seeds grew in almost half flowers.
DAY 69 Mustard seeds grew in all the flowers.
around two days i.e. 73rd day and then it dried out.
C) SANDY SOIL WITH POLYMER

5th day 10th day
26
25th day 35th day
45th day 55th day


DAY 3 Sapling started growing from 6 seeds and the growth of the sapling was rapid.
DAY 7 The sapling grew faster and the growth was rapid than B.
DAY 18 On this day cotyledons started drying off and the mustard leaves were growing at
a rate slower than A.
DAY 29 In the plant, budding started.
DAY 35 Flowers bloomed from more buds and some new buds appeared. The growth is
27
DAY 45 The flowers and budding took place simultaneously. Growth is shown in the
figure.
DAY 50 The growth of the flowers was very rapid.
DAY 55Flowering was still going on and no further growth in leaves was seen. Growth
pattern is shownin the figure.
DAY 63 The flowering stopped in the plant.
DAY 65 Mustard seeds started growing.
DAY 73 Mustard seeds grew in half of flowers.
DAY 78 Mustard seeds grew in all the flowers.
around three days i.e. 83th day and then it dried out.
D) SANDY SOIL WITHOUT POLYMER
10th day
5th day
28
25th day 35th day
45th day 55th day

DAY 3 Sapling started growing from 2 seeds
DAY 7 The sapling grew the slowest and the sapling from one more seed grew.
DAY 22 On this day cotyledons started drying off and the mustard leaves were at a very
slow rate.
DAY 29 No changes were seen in the plant growth.
DAY 35 Still no appearance of budding and the drying of leaves was seen. The growth is
29
DAY 45 Still the results were same. Growth is shown in the figure.
DAY 48The budding in the flowers started.
DAY 51 Flowering stared in the first bud
DAY 55 Flowering was very slow and no further growth in leaves was seen. Growth
pattern is shownin the figure.
DAY 60 The budding in the plant stopped and the leaves started drying.
DAY 70 The plant dried off completely and no mustard seeds grew.
.
ADVANTAGESDISAVANTAGES
Higher cost
Reduce watering
Evolve some toxic residual byproduct
Increasing yield
during manufacturing
Increasing fertilizer efficiency
Some polymers are non-biodegradable
Fast drugs effect at particular area
Non toxic
Improving survival rate
Reducing corrosion problem
COMPARATIVE STUDY
VARIOUS LOAMY SOIL LOAMY SOIL SANDY SOIL SANDY SOIL

PARAMETERS WITH SAP WITHOUT WITH SAP WITHOUT
SAP SAP
Germinationstarted 3rdday 3rd day 3rs day 3rd day
30
Budding started 25th day 30th day 29th day 48th day
Budding stops 45th day 53rd day 45th day Plant dries
Flowering started 27th day 33rd day 32th day 51st day
Flowering stops 50th day 55th day 63rd day Pant dries
Mustard seeds 53rd day 60th day 65th day Plant dries
starts growing
Mustard seeds are 60th day 69th day 78th day Plant dries
completely grown
Yield of the 2.7 gm 1.88gm 1.8 gm Nil
mustard seeds
11. CONCLUSION
The superabsorbent polymer can be prepared by using acrylic acid & acrylamide
monomer.Superabsorbent polymers are very high molecular mass, cross-linked polyelectrolytes
that can absorb or imbibe more than 10 times their mass of water or aqueous solutions. Cross-
linked polyelectrolytes absorb more aqueous liquid than do neutral polymers as a result of the
added osmotic, swelling pressure of the counter ions that balance the high electric charge of the
ionized functional groups spaced along the polymer chains.
By doing this case study I conclude that the best soil for the growth of the mustard seeds
is loamy soil with super absorbent polymer as the germination rate is very high and the water
absorption is most in this soil, the yield is also more as compared to all the other soils. In sandy
soil the growth of the black mustard seed is very good as this soil is not suitable for the growth of
this type of plant. The best comparison between the soil with and without super absorbent
polymer can be made by the help of the sandy soil.
31
32
12.References
F. L. Buchholz and N. A. Peppas, eds., Superabsorbent Polymers, Science and
Technology(ACS Symposium Series 574), American Chemical Society, Washington,
D.C., 1994.
F. L. Buchholz and A. T. Graham, eds., Modern Superabsorbent Polymer Technology,
Wiley-VCH, New York, 1998.
J. P. Cohen Addad, Physical Properties of Polymeric Gels, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
NewYork, 1996.
D. DeRossi, K. Kajiwara, Y. Osada, and A. Yamauchi, eds., Polymer Gels,
Fundamentalsand Biomedical Applications, Plenum Press, New York, 1991.
L. Brannon-Peppasand R. Harland, Absorbent Polymer Technology, Elsevier, New
York,1990.
P. K. Chatterjee, ed., Absorbency, Elsevier, New York, 1985.
Bucholz, F.L. "Superabsorbent Polymers", J. Chem. Ed., 1996, 73, 512.
Commercial poly (aspartic acid) and Its Uses; Low, K. C., Wheeler, A.P., Koskan, L.P.
Advances in Chemistry Series 248; American Chemiscal Society: Washington, D.C.,
1996.
Anon., 2010. QUORA. [Online] Available at: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-
drawbacks-associated-with-superabsorbent-polymers-when-used-in-diapers-sanitary-
napkins-and-agriculture[Accessed 15 DECEMBER 2016].
TryECO, 2010. SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS. [Online] Available at:
http://tryecoinc.com/services/ [Accessed 15 DECEMBER 2016].
Lixia Yang, Yang Yang, Zhang Chen, Chunxiao Guo, Shaocai Li Influence
of super absorbent polymer on soil water retention, seed
germination and plant survivals for rocky slopes eco-engineering
China,2013
33

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M.S.

Univerrsity Vadodara SUPERABSO

E:DR. NAIINA TAHIILRAMAN

This is to certify thaat Mr. KE ESHAV PANDE,

I express my deepest sense of gratitude and respect to my

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Head of the

Cross-linked polyelectrolytes absorb more aqueous liquid than do neutral polymers as a

1 INTRODUCTION TO SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 6

2 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MONOMER 7

4 PROPERTIES OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 8

5 POLYMERIZATION OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 10

6 MANUFACTURING OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 11

8 ANALYTICAL AND TEST METHODS 15

9 APPLICATION OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER 17

2.PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MONOMERS

4.PROPERTIES OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS

5. POLYMERIZATION OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER

6.MANUFACTURING OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS

1) Gel Size Reduction:

3) Grinding and Sieving:

4) Bulk Density and Flow ability:

5) Absorbency under Load:

9. APPLICATION OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER

1) Disposable Infant Diapers:

The first personal-hygiene product commercialized with superabsorbent polymer was a

4) Agricultural and Horticultural Applications:

Superabsorbent polymers are used to control liquid water in a variety of construction-

10. CASE STUDY

A) LOAMY SOIL WITH POLYMER

5th day 10th day

20th day 30th day

40th day 50th day

DAY 1 Seeds were sown and just added 50ml of water.

B) LOAMY SOIL WITHOUT POLYMER

5th day 10th day

20th day 30th day

40th day 50th day

DAY 1 Seeds were sown and just added 50ml of water.

DAY 33 The flower bloomed from one of the buds.

C) SANDY SOIL WITH POLYMER

5th day 10th day

25th day 35th day

45th day 55th day

DAY 1 Seeds were sown and just added 50ml of water.

25th day 35th day

45th day 55th day

Various results that were seen are as follows

DAY 1 Seeds were sown and just added 50ml of water.

VARIOUS LOAMY SOIL LOAMY SOIL SANDY SOIL SANDY SOIL

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