Investigation of Okposi Brine-based Sodium Hydroxide for Indigenous Manufacturing of Sodium Polyacrylate Absorbent

Cut-down on importation of essential sodium hydroxide which usually improves absorbency of sodium polyacrylate absorbent (SPAA) determines the success of cost-effective manufacturing of diapers in Nigeria. The sodium hydroxide functions include promotion of hydroxyl groups, which are water loving ions and catalyzing reaction of crosslinker and sodium polyacrylate polymers. Okposi brine-based sodium hydroxide is investigated with N, N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) crosslinker for preparation of the sodium polyacrylate absorbent. Different concentrations of sodium hydroxide neutralizer in the solution polymerization reaction were observed for optimal reaction. The samples of synthesized absorbents exhibited hydroxyl groups and amino groups as studied by FTIR spectra. Based on the free absorbency test, the corresponding absorbency and absorption rate are graphically represented and tabulated. The synthesized K-SPAA exhibited high absorbency of 39 wt.% and absorption rate of 8.580 ml/min, translating to capacity of 90 g fluid per gram of K-SPAA in the temperature range of 25 – 32 . In overall, the apparent performance of the Okposi brine-based sodium hydroxide indicates high potential of manufacturing diaper absorbent in Nigeria.