Sodium polyacrylate is a widely used polymer with many different applications. It is used in laundry detergents as a sequestering agent to bind elements in hard water such as Calcium & Magnesium so that the surfactants work better and clothes get cleaner. At the right molecular weight, it makes sticky solutions that can be sprayed on dirt roads for dust control. With special treatment and at very low concentrations (1/4 – 1/2 %), it becomes a “carbomer” that makes a clear, sodium polyacrylate gel for hair care and personal care products.
Applications:
- Controlled release of insecticides in agricultural applications
- Blocking water in underground wires and cables
- Wastewater stabilization and environmental remediation
- Bonding of metal ions in detergents and ion exchange resins
- Rapid response “sandless” sandbags during floods
- Micro-encapsulation for drug delivery systems
- Hygienic absorbent in baby diapers and sanitary napkins
- Lowering body temperature with ice gel packs and cooling wear
- Instant fake snow for stage & film productions and for special events
Sodium Polyacrylate SAP:
With the right selection of cross-linking agents, sodium polyacrylate becomes water insoluble, making it a Super Absorbent Polymer or SAP. SAP is used in many different applications, with the ability to absorb up to 600 times its weight in water by forming (in this case) a polyacrylate hydrogel. When Sodium Polyacrylate SAP is combined with liquid water, it draws water molecules into the matrix of polymer chains through a diffusion gradient. It absorbs and retains the water due to strong hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Once absorbed, sodium polyacrylate SAP will not release water like conventional adsorbents. The SAP retains water in particles at a molecular level!
Cross Linked Sodium Polyacrylate Benefits:
- Nontoxic and environmentally safe
- Highly absorbent disposable hygienic items such as baby diapers and feminine hygiene products
- Maintenance of healthy crops with water conservation
- Safely bind liquid medical waste for disposal
- Bind hazardous waste liquids from industrial waste or environmental remediation with minimal increase in the waste volume. Fewer Loads = Lower Disposal Fees = LOWER PROJECT COSTS !
As an absorbent polymer supplier, M² Polymer Technologies has over 25 years of experience in super absorbent technologies and over 35 years of chemical industry experience. We have SAP offerings for nearly every application and budget. Call today (847-836-1393) and speak to a chemical expert.