Sodium polyacrylate, Polyacrylic  Acid,  Acrysol,  Acumer,  Alcosperse,  Aquatreat,  Carbomer, Sokalan, 9003-04-7

Sodium polyacrylate, Polyacrylic  Acid,  Acrysol,  Acumer,  Alcosperse,  Aquatreat,  Carbomer, Sokalan, 9003-04-7

Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Formula: (C3H3NaO2)n(C_3H_3NaO_2)_n

• CAS Number: 9003-04-7

• Structure: It is a polymer of acrylic acid, where the sodium salt form is used. The polymer chains contain negatively charged ions, which enhance its ability to attract water molecules.

Sodium polyacrylate is known by various names. Here are some of them:

• Polyacrylic Acid

• PAA

• PAAc

• Acrysol

• Acumer

• Alcosperse

• Aquatreat

• Carbomer

• Sokalan

• Poly (2-propenoic acid)

• Polyacrylic Acid

• Prop-2-enoic Acid (Poly)

• 2-Propenoic Acid Homopolymer

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: White or cream-colored powder or granules.

• Water Absorption Capacity: It can absorb 300 to 1000 times its weight in water.

• Viscosity: When combined with water, its viscosity increases, forming a gel-like substance.

• Thermal Stability: It is stable at high temperatures but can degrade if exposed to extreme heat for prolonged periods.

Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer compound obtained by the polymerization reaction of sodium hydroxide and acrylic acid. This substance is known for its ability to absorb several thousand times its weight in pure water. It is usually found in the form of white powder or granules and swells into a gel when it comes into contact with moisture.

Sodium polyacrylate is widely used in products like diapers, sanitary pads, and other absorbent items. It is also used in agriculture to increase the water retention capacity of soil and in controlled release of medications.

The chemical formula of this polymer is (C3H3NaO2)n(C_3H_3NaO_2)_n, and in addition to its high water absorption capacity, it can function differently depending on environmental conditions.

Applications:

• Diapers and Sanitary Products: Sodium polyacrylate is widely used in disposable diapers and sanitary pads due to its high absorbency. It can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid, keeping the surface dry.

• Agriculture: It is used in agriculture to improve soil water retention. This helps in reducing the frequency of irrigation and enhances plant growth, especially in arid regions.

• Medical Applications: Sodium polyacrylate is used in wound dressings and other medical products to absorb exudates and maintain a moist environment for healing.

• Industrial Uses: It is used in various industrial applications, including water treatment, where it acts as a flocculant to remove impurities from water.

Safety and Environmental Impact:

• Biodegradability: Sodium polyacrylate is not biodegradable, which means it can persist in the environment for a long time. However, it is considered non-toxic and safe for use in consumer products.

• Safety: It is generally regarded as safe for use in products that come into contact with the skin. However, inhalation of the powder form should be avoided as it can cause respiratory irritation.

Fun Fact:

• Superabsorbent Polymers: Sodium polyacrylate is classified as a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). These polymers can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass. This property makes them invaluable in a variety of applications, from personal care products to agriculture.