Synthesis, characterization and investigation of dye sorption properties of superabsorbent semi-IPN hydrogels

In this study, acrylamide based anionic semi-IPNs were synthesized by using maleamic acid as comonomer. Linear chain poly(sodium acrylate) was used to synthesis of semi-IPNs. Semi-IPNs was prepared by using a crosslinker such as poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylate via free radical polymerization reaction in solution. Structural characterization of chemically crosslinked semi-IPNs was made by Fourier Transform Infrared Spektroscopy (FT-IR). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs were taken for determination of surface porosity of semi-IPNs. Dynamic swelling tests were applied at 25oC pH 4,0; 7,0 ; 10,0; urea and NaCl solutions for the purpose of investigation of swelling properties of semi-IPNs. According to obtained data, parameters concerning liquid adsorption kinetics and diffusion mechanism were calculated. It was determined that semi-IPNs have high liquid adsorption capacity in high pH value. Cationic dyes such as nile blue and safranin T were selected as model molecules to investigate of adsorption properties of semi-IPNs. It was determined that crosslinked copolymers adsorbed dye of nile blue and safranin T from aqueous solutions in high level. Keywords: Acrylamide, semi-IPN, maleamic acid, poly(sodium acrylate), poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylate, adsorption, nile blue, safranin T