Effect of Drying Temperature on Network Structural and Absorption-Retention Properties of CMC/Starch-Based Superabsorbent Polymers; [건조 온도가 CMC/전분-기반 고흡수성 소재의 네트워크 구조 및 흡수·보수 특성에 미치는 영향]

초록

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) were synthesized from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and cationic starch via a mold-drying process, and the effect of drying temperature on their microstructure and hydrogel properties was systematically investigated. Aqueous CMC/starch solutions (1.5 wt%) were dried at temperatures ranging from 60 to 105°C and subsequently ground into powders. Increasing the drying temperatures significantly accelerated moisture removal, resulting in a marked reduction in drying time. SEM observations revealed dense polymer matrices without distinct open pores, while lower drying temperatures promoted layered structures due to gradual solvent evaporation. SAPs dried at lower temperatures exhibited higher free swelling capacity in both distilled and saline water. In contrast, higher drying temperatures led to reduced swelling but enhanced gel fraction, centrifuge retention capacity, and elastic-dominated viscoelastic behavior. These results demonstrate a clear trade-off between free swelling and gel stability governed by drying temperature, highlighting it as a key processing parameter for tailoring CMC/starch-based SAPs for specific applications. © 2026 Korean Technical Assoc. of the Pulp and Paper Industry

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