Abstract: A composite superabsorbent resin was synthesized through microwave irradiation copolymerization of potassium polyacrylate with waste material cultured pleurotus nebrodensis (WMCPN). The influence of the synthesizing formulation, microwave power, and the neutralization degree of polyacrylic acid (AA) on the properties of superabsorbent resin was investigated. Optimal synthesis condition was found as: the loading of WMCPN, initiator, crosslinker were 50 %, 1.33 % and 1.0 %，based on the weight of AA, respectively; microwave power 450W, neutralization degree of AA 80 %. The maximum water absorbencies were found to be 974 g/g for distilled water and 59 g/g for 0.9 % NaCl solution. In addition, the water loss rate was 6.2 % after centrifuging at 6000 r/min for 60 minutes.

Key words: potassium polyacrylate, waste edible fungus substrate, superabsorbent resin