SAPs, short for super absorbent polymers, are a type of polymer material that have the ability to absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to their own mass.
They are commonly used in products such as diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and agricultural applications.
SAPs are typically made from cross-linked polymers, which give them their unique absorbent properties.
When they come into contact with liquid, the polymer chains swell and form a gel-like substance that traps the liquid within its structure.
This allows SAPs to absorb and retain many times their own weight in water or other aqueous solutions.
The ability of SAPs to absorb and retain liquid makes them valuable in various applications.
In diapers, for example, SAPs help to keep the baby’s skin dry by absorbing and locking away urine.
In agriculture, SAPs can be used in soil to improve water retention and reduce irrigation needs.
SAP water absorption principle: Using the internal ion concentration is higher than the external.
The internal ion concentration is higher than the external ion concentration, creating an osmotic pressure that allows water molecules to enter the SAP.
SAP water retention principle: SAP has three-dimensional cross-linked bridging, which can inhibit the expansion phenomenon after water absorption and retain water inside SAP
Overall, super absorbent polymers have revolutionized many industries by providing efficient and effective solutions for liquid absorption and retention.