A novel semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) porous salt-resistant superabsorbent composite was prepared by copolymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid and acrylamide using polyethylene glycol as semi-IPNs composite, N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, triene propanol phosphate, and trihydroxymethyl propane glycidol ether as crosslinking agents, methanol, propanol, and butanol as foaming agents, and L-ascorbic acid and peroxide hydrogen as initiators. To improve the properties of swollen hydrogel, such as strength, resilience, permeabilities, and dispersion, the copolymer was surface-crosslinked, and then blended with aluminum sulfate, sodium carbonate, and sodium 1-octadecanol phosphate in the course of post treatment. The influences of reaction conditions on properties of superabsorbent composite were investigated and optimized, and the water absorbency of superabsorbent composite prepared at optimal conditions in 0.9 wt% NaCl aqueous solution under atmospheric pressure and certain load (P approximate to 2 x 10(3) Pa) were 61 g g(-1) and 16.7 g g(-1), respectively. Moreover, the swelling rate reached 22.003 x 10(-3) g (g s)(-1). And the excellent hydrogel properties, such as hydrogel strength, resilience, permeabilities, and dispersion were also obtained. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 51:2453-2464, 2011. (C) 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers