Ionic superabsorbent polymers with enhanced swelling characteristics

摘要

Ionic superabsorbent polymers having increased swelling capacity of salt-containing solutions are disclosed. The ionic superabsorbent polymers of the present invention contain an additive to increase the osmotic activity of the polymer in the presence of a salt-containing solution. The additive used in combination with the ionic superabsorbent polymer is capable of forming a zwitterion at a pH of from about 1 to about 9, has a dipole moment greater than that of water, and has a molecular weight less than about 10,000 grams/mole.