Frontal polymerization synthesis of starch-grafted hydrogels: Effect of temperature and tube size on propagating front and properties of hydrogels.

The frontal polymerization process was used to produce superabsorbent hydrogels based on acrylic acid monomers grafted onto starch. Using a simple test tube which was nonadiabatic and permitted contact with air, the effects of initial temperature and tube size on the propagating front of grafting copolymerization and the properties of hydrogels were explored. The unrestricted access of the reaction mixture to oxygen delayed the formation of self-propagating polymerization front.

Frontal copolymerization synthesis and property characterization of starch-graft-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels.

Recently, a considerable amount of research has centered on uniquely structured polymers synthesized through self-propagating frontal polymerization. The obtained polymer materials have better features than those obtained by using the classical batch route. The additional advantages are short reaction times and low cost.