Superabsorbant Polymers

Superabsorbant polymers are a special class of polymers called polyelectrolytes that have a charge on the polymer chain that increases the solubility in water. They are generally used in the form of small particles that are crosslinked so they will form gel rather than completely dissolving. The polymer gel absorbs water and the charges along the chain repel each other, stretching out the chain and enhancing the swelling of the gel. Superabsorbant polymers can readily absorb 100 times their volume in water!

Super absorbent polymers are used in products like disposable diapers, for cleaning up water based environmental spills, and for preventing rain water runoff in agricultural areas.

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Science & Technology

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• polymers
• superabsorbent
• superabsorbant
• absorbent
• absorbant
• materials science
• demonstration
• education
• maryland