A new method for the preparation of a starch-graft-sodium acrylate-co-acrylamide superabsorbent using a thermal propagating front was described. The frontal polymerization(FP) is a simple mode of polymerization in which a localized zone of reaction propagates in an unstirred medium, converting monomer to polymer. Because no additional heat is needed after the initial application, the process has potential advantages over traditional polymerization methods: lower processing costs, faster reaction rate, and less energy input. These advantages make the frontal polymerization a potential viable option in polymer synthesis. Scanning electron microscope picture shows that porous superabsorbent can be synthesized by FP. The superabsorbent swelled fast with high water and salt solution absorbency.
