Sodium polyacrylate – High-performance hydrogel for garden, industry & more
Sodium polyacrylate is a fascinating superabsorbent polymer used in a variety of applications – from agriculture to industry. In this blog post, you will learn everything important about this powerful hydrogel, its diverse uses, and how you can order it at ChemMarkt.de.
What is sodium polyacrylate?
Sodium polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide. It is characterized by its exceptional ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water and aqueous solutions. This absorption capacity makes sodium polyacrylate an extremely useful and versatile material in a variety of applications.
Structure and properties
The key to the performance of sodium polyacrylate lies in its molecular structure. The polymer consists of long chains of acrylic acid units crosslinked with sodium ions. This crosslinking allows the polymer to form a three-dimensional network that can absorb and retain water like a sponge.
Some of the key properties of sodium polyacrylate are:
- Excellent water absorption capacity: One gram of sodium polyacrylate can absorb and retain up to 500 grams of water.
- High swelling capacity: The polymer can increase its volume by 50 to 100 times when it absorbs water.
- Good biocompatibility: Sodium polyacrylate is non-toxic and skin-friendly, making it suitable for many applications.
- High stability: The polymer is chemically and thermally stable and can be used over long periods.
These unique properties make sodium polyacrylate an extremely useful and versatile material in a variety of applications.
Applications of sodium polyacrylate
Thanks to its excellent water absorption and swelling capacity, sodium polyacrylate is used in numerous industries. Here are some of the main areas of application:
Agriculture and horticulture
In agriculture and horticulture, sodium polyacrylate is used as a soil conditioner. The polymer can be incorporated into the soil to increase water retention capacity and maintain soil moisture for longer. This is especially valuable in dry regions or during drought periods, as it supplies moisture to plants and reduces water demand.
Additionally, sodium polyacrylate can be used as an additive in potting soil or seed coatings to promote germination and plant growth.
Hygiene and care products
In hygiene and care products such as diapers, pads, or incontinence liners, sodium polyacrylate is used as a superabsorbent. The polymer can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid, making these products drier and more comfortable for the wearer.
Industrial applications
In industry, sodium polyacrylate has diverse uses. It can be used as a thickening agent in paints, varnishes, and adhesives to increase viscosity. It is also used in oil and gas drilling to thicken and stabilize drilling mud.
Furthermore, sodium polyacrylate is used in water treatment to remove heavy metals and other pollutants from water. It is also used in the food industry, for example as a thickening agent in puddings or sauces.
Further applications
In addition to the mentioned applications, sodium polyacrylate is also used in medical products, cosmetics, textiles, and even in the construction industry. Its versatility and excellent properties make it an extremely useful and versatile material.
Safety and environmental compatibility
Sodium polyacrylate is a safe and environmentally compatible polymer. It is non-toxic, skin-friendly, and biodegradable. Nevertheless, some safety aspects must be observed during handling and storage:
- Avoid dust formation: Handling sodium polyacrylate powder can generate dust. This should be avoided as inhaling dust can cause irritation.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin: The polymer can cause mild irritation upon direct contact with eyes or skin. Protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses is therefore recommended.
- Store dry and cool: Sodium polyacrylate should be stored dry and at room temperature to avoid clumping and quality loss.
Overall, sodium polyacrylate is a safe and environmentally friendly material that can be used in many applications.
Order sodium polyacrylate at ChemMarkt.de
If you need sodium polyacrylate for your applications, ChemMarkt.de is the right contact. Our online shop offers a wide range of high-quality chemical products, including sodium polyacrylate in various qualities and packaging sizes.
Our experts are happy to advise you on the optimal products for your application and assist you with your order. Benefit from our fast delivery times, secure packaging, and excellent customer service.
Visit our online shop today at ChemMarkt.de and discover the diverse applications of sodium polyacrylate!