A novel attapulgite clay -g-poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonicacid) (APT-g-PAMPS) superabsorbent resin was synthesized by aqueous solution polymerization using microwave irradiation in the presence of Potassium persulfate (KPS) as a initiator and N, N-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent. The chemical structure of APT-g-PAMPS superabsorbent resin was determined by FT-IR and XRD. The influence of the content of APT, microwave power and time on water absorbency was investigated. The swelling behaviors, the water retention and reswelling capability of superabsorbent resin with different APT content were also examined. FITR and XRD characterization indicated that APT and AMPS happened the grafting copolymerization reaction, the reaction occurs only in the APT surface, and AMPS was not inserted into the APT interlayer. Microwave power was 195W, microwave time was 2.5min and APT amount was 5% (mass fraction), the water absorbency of superabsorbent resin in deionized water and normal saline were 987g /g and 102g/g, respectively. The superabsorbent resin has a faster absorption rate, stronger water retention and better reswelling capability. The water absorbency, salt-water performance, water retention and absorption rate of the superabsorbent resin could be remarkably enhanced by introducing a proper amount of APT.