Tamarind Kernel Gum based superabsorbent polymer composite preparation and investigation of properties

In this paper, the preparation of a super absorbent polymer from bio-based monomer by free radical polymerization of tamarind kernel gum (TKG), itaconic acid (IA) in presence of kaolin powder with potassium persulfate (KPS) as reaction initiator and n-methylenebisacrylamide (n-MBA) as a cross-linker has been done. The reaction depends on the concentration of following variables like initiator, monomer, cross-linker, and kaolin. The optimization of swelling behaviour was done. In situ polymerization, hydrophilicity, stability and release kinetics were analysed. The FTIR gave the chemical composition by identifying functional group of the product structure by indicating specific frequency on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. TGA was performed to investigate the weight loss to observe the thermal stability of synthesized superabsorbent polymer composite. The linkage of kaolin-organic monomer was seen at an absorption band of 2924 cm ^− 1 in the composite spectrum. The swelling behaviour measurements were analysed in diluted salt solution as well. It was observed that on increasing the concentration of n-MBA and kaolin the swelling capacity decreased. The swelling behaviour was also studied by varying pH to observe the response of composite towards pH. Swelling-Deswelling pulsation behaviour was recorded at pH 2 and 12. The swelling kinetics of synthesised composites with various porous sizes was also researched. Such characteristics make these smart materials suitable for several technological applications.