abstract |
A new and improved method of manufacturing an acrylic acid superabsorbent polymer, that is manufactured by any known technique, except that the acrylic acid monomer is polymerized to substantial completion before neutralization, and neutralization is accomplished by admixing a solid, e.g., powdered or granular, neutralizing agent into the acrylic acid polymer. Preferably, the neutralizing agent is a solid, non-hydroxide neutralizing agent, such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, ammonium carbonate or mixtures thereof. Cross-linking may be accomplished during polymerization, simultaneously with neutralization, or cross-linking may be carried out in a separate processing step subsequent to neutralization, or both. |