Super
Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Personal Hygiene
Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) are primarily used as an absorbent
for water and aqueous solutions for diapers, adult incontinence
products, feminine hygiene products, and similar applications.
The most common form of super absorbents is a dry, white/off-white
powder that looks like table salt or sugar. Absorbent polymers can
vary in their absorption capacity, and even in their speed of
absorption - some are fast and some are slow. In de-ionized water,
most super absorbents will absorb at 200-800 times their weight.
The largest use of SAP is found in personal disposable hygiene
products, such as baby diapers, adult protective underwear and
sanitary napkins.
The use of super absorbent polymers revolutionized the diaper
industry. Diaper manufacturers began to design diapers to take
advantage of the amazing liquid retention ability of the polymer.
Super absorbent polymers absorb, and retain under a slight
mechanical pressure, about 30 times their weight in urine. The
swollen gel holds the liquid in a solid, rubbery state and prevents
the liquid from leaking onto the baby’s skin and clothing.
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