Preparation and properties of organic–inorganic composite superabsorbent based on xanthan gum and loess

A new, low-cost, and eco-friendly organic–inorganic composite superabsorbent was successfully synthesized in aqueous solution by polymerization xanthan gum (XG), neutralized acrylic acid (AA) and loess using ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker. Structure and morphological characterizations of the composite superabsorbent were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The loess content, pH values, surfactants, salts and temperature which could affect the swelling and water-retention capabilities of the composite superabsorbent were investigated. The composite superabsorbent exhibits excellent water absorbency (610 g/g in distilled water), pH-stability (pH 5–10), and higher swelling capacity in anionic surfactant solution; on the other hand, the composite superabsorbent can be used for removing multivalent metal ions.