Using 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid(AMPS) as organic monomer, attapulgite(APT) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as composite components, novel eco-friendly carboxymethyl cellulose-g-poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid)/attapulgite (CMC-g-PAMPS/APT) superabsorbent composites were synthesized by means of microwave irradiation. The effects of APT content on swelling rate, water retention and reswelling capability were systematically investigated. The chemical structure and thermal stability of superabsorbent composites were characterized by XRD and TG. The results showed that CMC and APT participated in grafting copolymerization reaction. The reaction occurs only in the APT surface,and monomer is not inserted into the APT interlayer.The swelling rate, water retention and thermal stability and reswelling capability of the superabsorbent composites could be remarkably enhanced by introducing a proper amount of APT.