Polymer Lab

Sodium polyacrylate is a nontoxic superabsorbent polymer found in high absorbancy diapers and marketed under the tradename Waterlock. It is produced by polymerizing sodium acrylate and acrylic acid. Osmotic presure causes the superabsorbbent polymer to absorb water in an effort to equilibriate the sodium ion concentration inside and outside the polymer. The concentration of electrolyte in the water being absorbed affects the amount of water the polymer can absorb.

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