Properties and Applications of Superabsorbent Polymers: Smart Applications with Smart Polymers

Preface
Contents
Contributors
Abbreviations
1 Introduction of Superabsorbent Polymers
	1.1 History of the Development of Superabsorbent Polymers
	1.2 Methodologies and the Fundamentals of SAPs Conception
		1.2.1 Chemical and Structural Specifications
		1.2.2 Effect of the Cross-Linking Process
		1.2.3 Absorption and Retention of Liquids Principle
	1.3 Classification of Superabsorbent Polymers
	1.4 Interests, Specificities, and Implications of Synthetic and Polysaccharide-Based SAPs
	1.5 Biodegradability of Superabsorbent Polymers
	1.6 Highlights of SAP Application Areas
	1.7 Conclusions
	References
2 Synthesis Methods of Superabsorbent Polymers and Factors Affecting Their Preparation
	2.1 Introduction
	2.2 Methods of the SAP Cross-Linking
		2.2.1 Chemical Cross-Linking
		2.2.2 Physical Cross-Linking Methods
	2.3 Strategies to Improve the Swelling Ratio of the Semi-Synthetic SAPs
	References
3 Experimental Methods of Superabsorbent Polymers: Characterization
	3.1 Introduction
	3.2 General Characterization (Regular Tests)
		3.2.1 Solubility of the SAP Sample or Sol–Gel Fraction
		3.2.2 Structural Characterization and Morphological Studies
		3.2.3 Swelling and De-Swelling Studies
		3.2.4 Network Parameters
		3.2.5 Swelling Kinetics
		3.2.6 Mechanical Characterization (Quantitative Analysis of Free and Bound Water)
		3.2.7 Other Tests
	3.3 Application Specific Characterization
		3.3.1 For Removing Pollutant/Contaminant Like Heavy Metal Ion or Dye from Waste Water
		3.3.2 For Personal Care Products
		3.3.3 As Drug Delivery Devices
	References
4 Superabsorbent Polymers for Heat Resistance and Treatment of Industrial Effluents
	4.1 Introduction
	4.2 Application of SAPs in Heat Resistance
	4.3 Application of SAPs in Treatment of Industrial Effluents
		4.3.1 Factors Influencing the Adsorption of Heavy Metal Pollutant Ions on SAHs
	4.4 Conclusion
	References
5 Superabsorbent Polymers Application in Agriculture Sector
	5.1 Introduction
	5.2 Classifications
		5.2.1 Natural SAPs
		5.2.2 Synthetic SAPs
	5.3 Preparation Techniques of SAPs
		5.3.1 Bulk Polymerization
		5.3.2 Solution Polymerization
		5.3.3 Inverse Suspension Polymerization
		5.3.4 Radiation Polymerization
	5.4 Evaluation of Performance of SAPs
		5.4.1 Water Absorbency Performance
		5.4.2 Water Retaining Potential
		5.4.3 Loading and Release Kinetics of Agrochemical
	5.5 Application of SAPs in Agriculture Sector
		5.5.1 Controlled/ Slow Release (C/SRs) Devices
		5.5.2 Soil–Water Dynamics
		5.5.3 Effects on Soil Properties
	5.6 Conclusion
	References
6 Recent Advancements in Superabsorbent Polymers for Drug Delivery
	6.1 Introduction
	6.2 Synthetic Superabsorbent Polymers for Drug Delivery
		6.2.1 Poly(Acrylic Acid) (PAA) and Poly(Methacrylic Acid) (PMA)
		6.2.2 Poly(Ethylene Glycol) (PEG)
		6.2.3 Poly(Acrylamide) (PAM)
		6.2.4 Sodium Polyacrylate (SPA)
		6.2.5 Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)
	6.3 Natural Superabsorbent Polymers for Drug Delivery
		6.3.1 Chitosan
		6.3.2 Alginate
		6.3.3 Starch
		6.3.4 Natural Gums
		6.3.5 Cellulose
		6.3.6 Carrageenan
		6.3.7 Other Natural Polymers
	6.4 Semi-synthetic Superabsorbent Polymers for Drug Delivery
		6.4.1 Semi-synthetic SAPs Prepared with Cellulose
		6.4.2 Semi-synthetic SAPs Prepared with Chitosan
		6.4.3 Semi-synthetic SAPs Prepared with Collagen
		6.4.4 Semi-synthetic SAPs Prepared with Starch
		6.4.5 Semi-synthetic SAPs Prepared with Natural Gums
		6.4.6 Other Semi-synthetic SAPs in Biomedical Applications
		6.4.7 Conclusions and Future Perspectives of SAPs
	References
7 Superabsorbent Polymers for the Development of Nanofiltration
	7.1 Introduction
	7.2 Brief History of Water Absorbing Polymers
	7.3 Synthesis of Superabsorbent Polymers
		7.3.1 Gel Polymerization
		7.3.2 Solution Polymerization
		7.3.3 Suspension Polymerization
	7.4 Application of Superabsorbent Polymers in Nanofiltration
	7.5 Unique Properties of SAPs that Make Them Useful in Nanofiltration
	7.6 Other Related Areas of Application of SAP
	7.7 Environmental Impacts of SAP
	7.8 Conclusion and Future Trend
	References
8 Progressive Approach of SAPs in Disposable Hygiene Industry
	8.1 Introduction
	8.2 Polymeric Compositions in Hygiene Products
		8.2.1 Classification of Hydrogels
		8.2.2 Synthesis Methods of Hydrogel
	8.3 Expectations from a Sanitary Napkin
	8.4 Baby Diaper and Its Requirements
	8.5 Chemistry Involved in Fluid Absorption
		8.5.1 Effect of Diaper on Environment
	8.6 Hydrogels in Hygiene Products
	8.7 Health Risk of Disposable Hygiene Products and Its Impact on Nature
	References
9 Utility of Super-Absorbent Polymers in Biomedical Applications
	9.1 Introduction
	9.2 Classification Based on Raw Material Source
		9.2.1 Classification Based on the Hydrophilization Technique
		9.2.2 Classification Based on the Cross-Linking Method
		9.2.3 Other Classifications
	9.3 Super-Absorbent Polymer Biodegradability
	9.4 Preparation Procedures
		9.4.1 Bulk Polymerization
		9.4.2 Solution Polymerization
		9.4.3 Suspension Polymerization
		9.4.4 Radiation Polymerization
	9.5 Applications
		9.5.1 SAPs for Biosensors
		9.5.2 SAPs for Controlled Drug Delivery Systems
		9.5.3 SAPs for Drug Delivery System
		9.5.4 SAPs for Hygiene and Bio-Related Areas
		9.5.5 SAPs for Anti-Bacterial Applications
		9.5.6 SAPs for Wound Healing
		9.5.7 SAPs for Tissue Engineering
	9.6 Conclusions and Future Prospectives
	References
10 Superabsorbent Polymer\'s Role in Nanomedicines
	10.1 Introduction
	10.2 Classification and Physical–Chemical and Biological Properties of Superabsorbent Polymers
		10.2.1 Physical–Chemical and Biological Properties of SAPs
	10.3 Superabsorbent Polymers: Functionalization Strategies
		10.3.1 Cross-Linking in Superabsorbent Polymers
		10.3.2 Surface Cross-Linking of Superabsorbent Polymers
		10.3.3 Chemical Organics Reactions on Natural SAPs Based Polysaccharides
	10.4 Superabsorbent Polymers: Applications in Nanomedicine
		10.4.1 As a Carrier for Drug Delivery
		10.4.2 As a Material for Embolotherapy
		10.4.3 As a Material for Use in Regenerative Medicine
		10.4.4 As Wound Dressing
		10.4.5 As Contact Lenses
		10.4.6 As a Material for Cell Culture
	10.5 Superabsorbent Polymers: Future Perspectives
	10.6 Conclusions
	References
11 Future Challenges and Opportunities in the Field of Superabsorbent Polymers
	11.1 Introduction
	11.2 Smart SAPs
		11.2.1 Characteristics and Application of Thermo-Responsive SAPs
		11.2.2 Characteristics and Applications of PH-Sensitive SAPs
		11.2.3 Characteristics and Applications of Photo- And Electro-Sensitive SAPs
	11.3 Synthetic Versus Polysaccharide-Based Natural SAPs
	11.4 Polysaccharide-Based SAHs
		11.4.1 Cellulose-Based SAHs
		11.4.2 Chitosan-Based SAHs
		11.4.3 Gum Arabic-Based SAHs
		11.4.4 Guar Gum-Based SAHs
		11.4.5 Carrageenan-Based SAHs
	11.5 The Challenges and the Prospects in the Fields of Construction, Agriculture, and Biomedical
	11.6 Conclusions
	References