Process System Development for the Sustainable Production of Superabsorbent Polymers from Renewable Materials

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), such as sodium polyacrylate, are essential components in disposable nappies and other hygiene products due to their exceptional ability to retain moisture. Currently, these materials are produced from petroleum-based feedstocks and are largely imported in countries such as South Africa and Nigeria, contributing to high production costs and limited affordability. This project aims to develop a sustainable alternative by designing a production process for sodium polyacrylate using locally available resources, including sea brine and agricultural waste. Building on prior experimental work, the study will use computational modelling to simulate and optimise the conversion of renewable materials into key chemical intermediates and ultimately into SAPs. By integrating process design, simulation, and economic evaluation, the project will identify efficient and scalable production pathways. The goal is to provide a scientifically grounded framework for local manufacturing of superabsorbent materials. The expected outcomes include an optimised process design and a decision-support tool for selecting suitable raw materials. More broadly, the project contributes to reducing reliance on imports, lowering the cost of hygiene products, and promoting sustainable industrial development in emerging economies.