superabsorbentpolymers.docVIP

Super Absorbent Polymers Polymer is a Greek word that means “many parts” (poly = many, meros = parts). The simplest definition of a polymer is something made of many units. Think of a polymer as a chain. This can be demonstrated using a long chain of paperclips. Super absorbent polymers encompass a number of polymers all having the basic ability to absorb massive quantities of water.?They soak up water using the process of osmosis (water molecules pass through a barrier from one side to the other). When water comes in contact with the polymer, it moves from outside the polymer to the inside and causes it to swell. The polymer chains have an elastic quality, but they can stretch only so far and hold just so much water. Four commonly used super absorbent polymers include sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylamide crystals, polyacrylamide plant spikes, and Gro-Creatures.? While each polymer may have a somewhat different mechanism used to achieve the super-absorbing phenomenon and the rates of absorption can differ, they all effectively absorb water. All are essentially hydrophilic (water loving) non-toxic cross-linked polymers that can absorb several hundred times their weight in water, but cannot dissolve because of their three-dimensional polymeric network structure.? They are fascinating materials and very versatile because of their unique solubility and transport properties.? The liquid-like properties result from the fact that the polymer is composed almost entirely of water.? However, the polymer also exhibits solid-like properties due to the network formed by the cross-linking reaction.? Composed of potassium, carbon, and nitrogen, these polymers are currently being used in many areas such as pharmaceuticals, food packaging, paper production, the horticultural industry, and oil drilling.? Everyday examples include gelatin, disposable diapers, contact lenses, and even gravy. Sodium PolyacrylateThe Super SlurperSodium polyacrylate is nicknamed the super slurper