Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Superabsorbent Polymer Based on Konjac Glucomannan

A novel konjac glucomannan-g-poly(acrylic acid) superabsorbent with water absorbency of 380.8g/g in distilled water and 54.3 g/g in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution was prepared by graft polymerization with konjac glucomannan and acrylic acid in aqueous solution, using N, N’- methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinker and potassium persulfate as an initiator. Factors influencing water absorbency of the superabsorbent polymer were investigated, such as the neutralization degree of acrylic acid, the amount of crosslinker and initiator.