Synthesis and characterization of a novel cellulose-g-poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) superabsorbent composite based on flax yarn waste

A new, low-cost, and eco-friendly cellulose-based superabsorbent was successfully prepared from flax yarn waste. The method used was a free-radical graft copolymerization of AA and AM onto a cellulose backbone in a homogeneous aqueous solution. APS was used as the initiator in the presence of a crosslinker, MBA. The effects of various factors on water absorbency were discussed. The factors included reaction temperature, initiator amount, monomer amount, salt solution type, and solution pH. Under the optimized conditions, the water absorbencies of the obtained superabsorbent composite were 875   g/g distilled water, 490   g/g natural rainwater, and 90   g/g 0.9   wt% aqueous NaCl solution. The product also had excellent water retention and salt resistance properties. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were employed to examine the structure of the prepared superabsorbent.