Sodium polyacrylate in diapers

Sodium Polyacrylate Polymer

Sodium polyacrylate (water-absorbent polymer) is a new type of functional polymer material widely developed and researched at home and abroad in recent years. It is a kind of strong hydrophilic polymer compound with a loose network structure and low cross-linking degree. Water absorption and water retention performance, non-toxic and odorless, widely used in medical and health, petrochemical and soil water retention.

Super-absorbent technology is in high demand in the disposable hygiene industry for products like diapers and sanitary napkins. SAPs used in hygiene products are typically sodium neutralized whereas SAPs used in agricultural applications are potassium neutralized.

Since sodium polyacrylate can absorb and retain water molecules, it is used often in diapers, hair gels, and soaps. Sodium polyacrylate is considered a thickening agent because it increases the viscosity of water-based compounds. In diapers, sodium polyacrylate absorbs water found in urine in order to increase the capacity to store liquid and to reduce rashes.

Below is a table containing categories and lists of some products and applications that Polyacrylic acid uses in daily life:

Health Care 
Paper/disposable diaper (baby, child, and adult)
Sanitary napkin
Nursing mat
Medical bandage
Wound dressings

Animals 
Pet pad
Horse urine odor absorbing
Drown-free water source for feeder insects

Industry 
Waste liquid control
Drilling fluid
Concrete protection

Environment 
Anti-flood Bag
Excreta collection

Other Products
Wire and cable water blocking
Artificial snow
hot/cold gel pack
Urine bag
Growing toys
Thickening agent
Fragrance carrier
Fire-retardant gel
Anti-fogging packing material
Waterbed

Above is not comprehensive and does not contain all of the possible or potential applications for using sodium polyacrylate.

All in all, using a water absorbent polymer is a good thing. They’re non toxic and safe, and they help to keep our environment clean and less landfill.