Complex Catalyzed Microwave Assisted Green Synthesis of Guargum-g-P (MMA-co-AM) / MMT Nanocomposite Superabsorbent

Microwave assisted synthesis of a copolymer of vast application is being presented in recent communication. In the study, Guargum-g-P (MMA-co-AM) /montmorillonite nanocomposite superabsorbent has been prepared by microwave method. The electromagnetic energy was generated by magnet at 2.45GHz. The power has been adjusted between 10W& 700W in a microwave continuously. The temperature of the reaction vessel has been kept in control with an IR temperature pickup. Graft copolymerization of guargum (GG) with two monomers such as MMA (hydrophobic) and AM (hydrophilic) under the influence of microwave irradiation in presence of cobalt (III) complex as catalyst and ammonium persulfate as initiator with and without additive MMT has been studied. The maximum grafting obtained under MW irradiation method has been found to be 91.5 % in 180s. The yield of guargum-grafted-P (MMA-co-AM) copolymer and guargum-grafted- P (MMA-co-AM) / MMT nanocomposite have been characterized by using IR, XRD, SEM and their properties like superabsorbency and biodegradability, etc are evaluated for their better commercialisation and industrialisation as well.