Супервпитывающий полимер (SAP) is a polymer with the remarkable ability to absorb water up to several hundred times its own weight and transform it into a water gel. This gel exhibits the unique property of blocking water even under pressure. SAP is widely recognized for its non-toxic, harmless, and non-polluting nature, making it a preferred choice for use in hygiene products such as paper diapers as an absorbent material.
How SAP Works: SAP is composed of polymeric chains that are arranged parallel to each other and interconnected by cross-linking agents, forming a network structure. When water contacts one of these chains, it is drawn into the molecule through osmosis. The water then rapidly moves into the interior of the polymer network, where it is securely stored.
Applications of SAP:
- Agricultural Grade Applications: SAP is extensively used in agriculture, forestry, and gardening for various purposes such as soil water retention, seed coating, soil-less cultivation, and artificial turf. Its advantages in agricultural applications include:
- Enhancing seed germination and providing plants with a healthy start.
- Conserving water by reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Increasing crop and fruit yield.
- Slowly releasing fertilizer efficiency, leading to better nutrient uptake by plants.
- Hygienic Grade Applications: SAP finds predominant usage in hygiene products like diapers, sanitary napkins, nursing pads, and pet pads due to its excellent performance in terms of:
- Absorption rate, ensuring quick and efficient absorption of fluids.
- Absorption under pressure, maintaining absorbency even under compressive forces.
- Retention capacity after centrifugation, indicating the ability to retain absorbed fluids even during mechanical stress.
- Industrial Grade Applications: In industrial settings, SAP is utilized for applications such as manufacturing sandbags, protection materials for concrete, waterproof tape, and waterproof ointments for optical fiber cables. Additionally, SAP is employed in various other applications including:
- Освежители воздуха.
- Охлаждающие материалы.
- Расширяющиеся игрушки.
- Добавки в косметике.
- Специальные функциональные покрытия.
For more information on SAP and its diverse applications, please refer to the respective links provided.