A series of superabsorbent composites(MS-g-PAA/PGS) based on maize straw,acrylic acid, and palygorskite clays from different zones as the inorganic additives were synthesized through a solution polymerization. The structure and morphologies of palygorskite clays were characterized by FTIR spectra, XRD, SEM and thermogravimetry analysis techniques. The structure and morphologies of the superabsorbent composites were characterized by FTIR and SEM. The composition, structure and morphologies of palygorskite clays and their effects on the water absorbency and water retention of the composites were investigated. The results indicated that the superabsorbent composite based on palygorskite clay from jingyuan shows the best water absorbency and water retention ability.