| abstract |
A process for improving a water absorbent polyacrylic acid polymer in which the polymer is contacted with an aqueous solution containing a water soluble peroxide radical initiator, followed by heating, thereby causing substantially only the surface portion of the polymer to undergo crosslinking with the radical initiator while leaving the remaining core portion of the polymer substantially intact. The improved water absorbent polyacrylic acid polymer is excellent in both water absorbency and water absorption rate, and the hydrogel resulting from absorption of water has a pleasant, non-sticky feel. The improved water absorbent polyacrylic acid polymer can be advantageously utilized to produce a desirable disposable diaper, sanitary napkin, surgical pad, surgical sheet, paper towel or the like. |