Study on CR/SAP Water Swellable Composite for Application of Functional Additives to Improve Water Absorption Rate

This study focused on experiments with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), which are functional additives for water-expandable rubber. Polychloroprene rubber (CR)/superabsorbent polymer (SAP) composites were prepared and their cure behaviors, mechanical properties, water absorption rates, and surface morphology were measured based on the functional additives applied. When PEG and GMA were applied to the composites, the water absorption rate increased-including the initial rate-compared to that measured when functional additives were not used. The results also show that PEG has a hydrophilic functional group, which allows it to absorb more water, and GMA acts as a coupling agent between CR and SAP. However, with the introduction of functional additives, the cure rate slowed down and the mechanical properties also decreased.