Polyacrylate
Polyacrylate is the main water absorber in diapers. It is a polymer from the acrylic acid monomer.
It is hydrophilic meaning it's attracted to water. It's said that polyacylate can hold over 500 times its weight in water, apposed to the Shamwow! only able to hold 12 times its weight in water. It can be seen in gardening products for moister control. Also it can be seen in "Grow toys" where you place in water and it grows. Polyacrylate is similar to polyacrylamide in which they both absorb a lot of water.
"Typical cross-linkers for this polymer include di- and tri-acrylate esters. The swelling and elasticity of the polyacrylate polymer depends on the structure of this network and the number of cross-links. The swelling capacity of the polymer decreases with increased cross-link density." (Banks)
Read more: Disposable Diapers - Chemistry Encyclopedia - structure, reaction, water, uses, number, name, History, Polymer Chemistry http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Di-Fa/Disposable-Diapers.html#ixzz1HzXxZG87
It is hydrophilic meaning it's attracted to water. It's said that polyacylate can hold over 500 times its weight in water, apposed to the Shamwow! only able to hold 12 times its weight in water. It can be seen in gardening products for moister control. Also it can be seen in "Grow toys" where you place in water and it grows. Polyacrylate is similar to polyacrylamide in which they both absorb a lot of water.
"Typical cross-linkers for this polymer include di- and tri-acrylate esters. The swelling and elasticity of the polyacrylate polymer depends on the structure of this network and the number of cross-links. The swelling capacity of the polymer decreases with increased cross-link density." (Banks)
Read more: Disposable Diapers - Chemistry Encyclopedia - structure, reaction, water, uses, number, name, History, Polymer Chemistry http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Di-Fa/Disposable-Diapers.html#ixzz1HzXxZG87