Polyaspartic Acid Based Superabsorbent Gels with Different Cross-Linkers- A Comparative Study

Two cross-linkers with different functional groups amide (N,NMethylenebisacrylamide (NMBA)) and esters (Ethylene Glycol Dimethylacrylate (EGDMA)) have been selected for comparative study for crosslinking polyaspartic acid (PAsp) and acrylic acid (AA). Thus, resulting in formation of different polymers with PAsp and acrylic acid in different ratios and cross-linked with different cross-linkers. Polymers with maximum PAsp have shown best superabsorbent properties. The developed polymers have been analysed for their swelling behaviour in different physiological solution like glucose, saline, and water. Varying swelling behaviour has been observed under highly alkaline and acidic conditions. Best absorbing characteristics, as indicated by the swelling behaviour have been observed with EGDMA as cross-linker. The swelling behaviour confirms that the synthesized polymers have superabsorbent characteristics. The structure of the polymers has been studied by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) and CHN analysis. The surface morphology has further supported the results. These results can be exploited for their use in wound dressings with superabsorbent polymers.