| Super absorbent polymer (SAP) was first used in | | | | prevents it from leaking onto skin and clothing. Of |
| disposable baby diapers by Japan in 1983. Since that | | | | course, the outer layer is nonpermeable to hold the |
| time, manufacturers of baby diapers and personal | | | | moisture in and away from clothing. |
| incontinence products have improved the process so | | | | Manufacturers of baby and adult diapers have |
| that nowadays most manufacturers, and especially the | | | | developed their own ways for the liquid to be quickly |
| makers of better quality adults diapers and briefs, put | | | | absorbed, which is an important consideration; and then |
| polymer in their products. We see in the descriptions of | | | | for the liquid to be distributed along the core equally |
| these products the terms polymer, super absorbent | | | | instead of gelling up only in one place. They have |
| polymer, absorbent polymer, absorbent beads, etc. Just | | | | special names for their processes: "3-part core", |
| what does that mean? | | | | "target acquisition zone", "peach mat design", |
| Super absorbent polymer is a material that has the | | | | "advanced technological design", and others. Look for |
| ability to absorb and retain large volumes of liquid, up to | | | | this in the product descriptions when you are looking |
| 400-500 times its own weight. The polymer is a | | | | for a personal product. |
| granular material that looks a bit like granulated sugar. | | | | Disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products are |
| The little granules each soak up liquid and hold it, sort of | | | | the largest user of super absorbent polymer, but there |
| like a little balloon filled with air, but these are filled with | | | | are other uses too. It is used as a waste solidifier for |
| liquid, turning the mass of liquid into a gel. A poplar | | | | medical and industrial waste. The material is solidified |
| nickname for absorbent polymer is "super slurper". | | | | so that it can be handled easily and hauled away for |
| A disposable diaper is made in layers. The top layer is | | | | disposal. |
| permeable so the fluid can quickly pass through. It is a | | | | There are other interesting places where it is used that |
| material that does not absorb, so it stays dry next to | | | | may surprise you. You will find it in fragrance sticks, hot |
| the skin. The middle layer is made of fluff material to | | | | packs and cold packs, wound dressings, artificial snow |
| catch the fluid, with SAP (super absorbent polymer) | | | | in movies and on stage, grow-in-water toys, motionless |
| either layered in or blended in with the fluff. This | | | | waterbeds, potting soil, fire retardant. |
| causes the liquid to gel into a more solid state and | | | | |