The Versatile and Non-toxic Absorption Material – Sodium Polyacrylate

Sodium polyacrylate, known for its non-toxic, harmless, and non-polluting properties, is a polymer absorption material extensively used in various everyday products, ranging from diapers to artificial snow.

This remarkable material exhibits superior absorbency, capable of absorbing several hundred times its weight in water. Initially in powder form, sodium polyacrylate transforms into a gel upon contact with water, and unlike conventional absorbent materials, it retains moisture exceptionally well without being easily squeezed out. This characteristic makes it ideal for use in hygiene products such as diapers, where it ensures leak-proof performance even after prolonged use.

Applications and Advantages:

Agricultural Grade Applications

In agriculture, forestry, and gardening, sodium polyacrylate serves as a soil water retention agent, seed coating agent, and facilitates soil-less cultivation and artificial turf development. Its benefits include:

• Enhanced seed germination and healthy plant growth.
• Reduced irrigation needs, leading to increased crop and fruit yields.
• Slow release of fertilizers, optimizing their efficiency.

Hygienic Grade Applications

For hygiene products like diapers, sanitary napkins, nursing pads, and pet pads, sodium polyacrylate offers outstanding performance in terms of:

• Absorption rate: How quickly the polymer absorbs liquid.
• Absorption under pressure: Ability to absorb liquid even when subjected to pressure.
• Retention capacity after centrifugation: Maintaining water-locking capability post-centrifugation.

Industrial Grade Applications

In industrial settings, sodium polyacrylate is used in sandbags, concrete protection materials, waterproof tape, and ointments for optical fiber cables. Other diverse applications include:

• Air fresheners
• Cooling materials
• Expanding toys
• Additives in cosmetics
• Special functional coatings

Quality Assessment and Testing:

To judge the quality of sodium polyacrylate, several key parameters are evaluated:

• Absorbent rate: Measures how quickly the polymer absorbs liquid.
• Absorption capacity: Determines the amount of liquid the polymer can absorb.
• Absorption under pressure and retention capacity after centrifugation: Ensures effective water locking by the gel.
• Particle size distribution: Varied sizes cater to different applications.
• Liquid permeability: Crucial for manufacturing paper diapers and sanitary towels.
• Residual monomer content: Important for hygiene product manufacturing, ensuring safety and efficacy.

In conclusion, sodium polyacrylate’s versatility, superior absorbency, and non-toxic nature make it an indispensable material across various industries, from agriculture to hygiene and beyond.