
Sodium Polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and personal care products in part because of its ability to absorb as much as 200 to 300 times its mass in water, according to Wikipedia. It is seen as a white powder when dry, but turns into a gel-like substance when wet, and is primarily used as a thickening agent.
What is sodium polyacrylate?
Sodium polyacrylate is a chemical polymer made up of chains of acrylate compounds. It contains sodium, which gives it the ability to absorb large amounts of water. When dissolved in water, it forms a thick and transparent solution due to the ionic interactions of the molecules. Sodium polyacrylate has many favorable mechanical properties.
Does sodium polyacrylate decompose in the soil?
Decomposition product in soil. Sodium polyacrylate can be broken into urea, carbon dioxide, water, and sodium. And the problem is sodium. In general, small amounts of sodium won’t affect the soil and harm to the natural environment.
Is sodium polyacrylate safe for babies?
As a polymer, it sticks together in long chains that are way too large to be absorbed through the skin. But some kind of sodium polyacrylate is mixed up with small amounts of acrylic acid, a leftover from the manufacturing process. In theory, acrylic acid in large doses could be harmful to a baby’s skin.
Is sodium polyacrylate a good retaining agent for plants?
It’s not a good choice to use sodium polyacrylate retaining water in the soil for plants. As another superabsorbent polymer, potassium polyacrylate is mainly used as a water-retaining agent for plants in agriculture. Common sodium polyacrylate does not absorb oil.

Is sodium polyacrylate harmful?
Risks associated with sodium polyacrylate Small particles of sodium polyacrylate, if inhaled may irritate the airways, cause lung irritation with prolonged exposure [2]. The manufacturing process can create contaminants like acrylic acid, which is associated with skin burns, eye damage & skin corrosion [3].
Is sodium acrylate natural?
Sodium polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and skincare products. It is used to improve the sensory feel and stability of products. It functions as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, film-forming agent, and emulsion stabilizer.
What is sodium polyacrylate made from?
Sodium polyacrylate is produced by the reaction between acrylic acid (H2C=CHCOOH) and its sodium salt (H2C=CHCOONa). The product of this reaction is a long-chain copolymer consisting of alternate units of acrylic acid and sodium acrylate.
Is sodium polyacrylate eco friendly?
The safety margin is 37.5 (22. Y0. 6) and thus the estimated environmental concentration of sodium polyacrylate is considered acceptable to the soil environment.
Is sodium polyacrylate synthetic?
Sodium polyacrylate is a versatile, synthetic polymer used as a film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer, absorbent, thickening agent, and emollient. In its raw form it is a granular white powder. Sodium polyacrylate belongs to a class of polymers called super absorbent polymers (or SAPs).
Is sodium polyacrylate carcinogenic?
identified as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen by OSHA. Signs & Symptoms of Exposure Skin Irritation, redness. Eyes Irritation, redness, watering eyes. Respiratory Irritation, coughing.
Is polyacrylate a plastic?
Sodium polyacrylate is not considered to be a plastic. Not all polymers are plastics. The family of polymers is a large one and includes materials other than plastics and resins.
Is sodium polyacrylamide toxic?
Abstract. Superabsorbent sodium polyacrylate polymeric hydrogels that retain large amounts of liquids are used in disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, and other applications. These polymers are generally considered "nontoxic" with acute oral median lethal doses (LD50) >5 g/kg.
How much sodium polyacrylate is in a diaper?
The Pampers diaper is composed of an average of 3.97 g of sodium polyacrylate, linked on a thin thread, and an average of 0.71 g of cotton. Huggies has an average of 1.88 g of fine powdery sodium polyacrylate and an average of 6.97 g of cotton.
What can I use instead of sodium polyacrylate?
The company's BioGel polyglutamic acid (PGA) is a sustainable alternative to polyacrylates. According to Ecovia's Co-Founder and CEO Jeremy Minty, multifunctional PGA shares many functions with polyacrylates. Its natural, renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable properties make it a high-end material.
Is sodium polyacrylate a petrochemical?
Because diaper materials aren't biodegradable -- with plastic in the lining and a filling made with petrochemical-based polymer (sodium polyacrylate) -- throwaway diapers are toxic to the environment if left untreated.
How do you make sodium polyacrylate at home?
Add a small scoop (about a teaspoon) of SPA to the Erlenmeyer flask using the powder scoop.Add 25 ml of water to the SPA in the flask.Wait until all of the water is absorbed. This step won't take long.Turn over the flask in your hand and hold the "snow." It will be cool to the touch. Tip.
When was sodium polyacrylate invented?
Super-absorbent polymers, such as sodium poly(acrylate), were first developed in the late 1960s by the US Department of Agriculture. They were searching for ways to hold moisture in the soil more effectively.
How much sodium polyacrylate is in a diaper?
The Pampers diaper is composed of an average of 3.97 g of sodium polyacrylate, linked on a thin thread, and an average of 0.71 g of cotton. Huggies has an average of 1.88 g of fine powdery sodium polyacrylate and an average of 6.97 g of cotton.
What's sodium polyacrylate?
Sodium polyacrylate is a chemical polymer made up of chains of acrylate compounds. It contains sodium, which gives it the ability to absorb large amounts of water. When dissolved in water, it forms a thick and transparent solution due to the ionic interactions of the molecules.
What happens when you add salt to sodium polyacrylate?
Salt causes water to leak out of the sodium polyacrylate because it disrupts the attraction between water and the polymer chain. When salt is added, it breaks up into negative and positive ions, which are also attracted to the water molecules.
What is mixed with acrylic acid?
But some kind of sodium polyacrylate is mixed up with small amounts of acrylic acid, a leftover from the manufacturing process.
What is the best absorbent material?
Sodium polyacrylate – the superior absorbency material. Sodium polyacrylate is a functional polymer used in a variety of common products such as paper diapers, pets pads, water-retaining material (to help the soil retain water), instant snow, and so on. It is known for its superior absorbency:
What are water beads made of?
Water beads are made of SAP. It can absorb a large amount of water and turn into a bigger ball.
Is sodium polyacrylate safe?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration that list potential hazards of chemicals in great detail), sodium polyacrylate is totally safe.
Can SOCO polymer be used as a controlled release agent?
-It with fibrous shapes potentially can be used to make high.#N#-Can be used as an internal sealant in cement-based materials.#N#-A special use of SOCO Polymer in concrete could be as a controlled release agent.
Does sodium polyacrylate absorb water?
It is known for its superior absorbency: Sodium polyacrylate can absorb hundreds times its own weight in water. It starts out as a powder and as it comes into contact with moisture, it swells into its gel form. Unlike other absorbent materials, it’s not easy to squeeze the moisture out of this gel.
What is the purpose of sodium polyacrylate in a wire?
When sodium polyacrylate is infused in the protective rubber coating around a wire, it protects the wire from exposure to moisture, ensuring the safe transmission of electrical signals.
Why is sodium polyacrylate used in diapers?
Sodium polyacrylate is primarily used as a thickening agent because of its unique ability to absorb and hold onto water molecules, making it ideal for use in diapers and hair gels. It is also used in industrial processes to dissolve soaps by absorbing water molecules. Thickening agents, like sodium polyacrylate, increase the viscosity of water-based compounds, which increases their stability. In diapers, sodium polyacrylate will absorb the water molecules found in urine, increasing the amount of liquid the diaper can hold while at the same time reducing the risk of diaper rash by promoting a dry environment.
What is the name of the polymer that King uses to absorb water?
King holds a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from California State University, Hayward, and a Master of Science in exercise physiology from California State University, East Bay. Sodium polyacrylate is a chemical polymer that is widely used in a variety of consumer products for its ability to absorb several hundred times its mass in water.
Is sodium polyacrylate a suber-absorbent compound?
Sodium polyacrylate is made up of multiple chains of acrylate compounds that possess a positive anionic charge, which attracts water-based molecules to combine with it, making sodium polyacrylate a suber-absorbent compound.
What Does Sodium polyacrylate Do in Our products?
[4] It can also be used as a food-grade thickener. [5] Sodium polyacrylate is absorbent, increases the viscosity of products, helps form a protective film, and stabilizes the mixtures of other ingredients. [6,7] We use it in our dishwasher detergent. It dissolves well in water. [8]
Why does Puracy use sodium polyacrylate?
Why Puracy Uses Sodium polyacrylate. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review has deemed the ingredient safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to avoid skin irritation , and studies show that the ingredient is not a skin or eye irritant. [10,11]
What is a white powder called?
Sodium polyacrylate, also called polyacrylic acid or acryalate copolymer, is a dry white or light gray powder or liquid that is a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid. [1,2,3]
What Is Sodium Polyacrylate?
Sodium polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and skincare products. It is used to improve the sensory feel and stability of products. It functions as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, film-forming agent, and emulsion stabilizer.
Why is sodium polyacrylate free to move?
In water-based solutions, the sodium ions in sodium polyacrylate are free to move since they are replaced by positively charged hydrogen ions. This means that instead of an organized polymer chain, a gel forms. As the gel absorbs water it helps to thicken the formulation. The thickness of a product is an important part of ...
What is the name of the salt in waterlock?
Sodium polyacrylate, also known as waterlock, is the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid, a high molecular weight polymer. A polymer is a substance which has a molecular structure built up from a large number of similar units, called monomers, bonded together. With sodium polyacrylate, the monomers are acrylic acid.
When was super absorbent polymer invented?
The origins of super absorbent polymer chemistry trace back to the early 1960s when the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed the first super absorbent polymer materials. In addition to use in cosmetics, super absorbent polymers have a wide array of applications, including candles, wound dressings, hot and cold therapy packs, diapers, potting soil, and many more.
Does sodium polyacrylate stabilize emulsions?
Stabilizer. Sodium polyacrylate has a stabilizing effect on emulsions. Emulsions are the name we give to formulations that have both water and oil-based ingredients. Often these kinds of products can be hard to keep from separating or splitting, where the oil and water-based ingredients repel eachother.
Does sodium polyacrylate cause irritation?
the not so good: Sodium polyacrylate doesn’t cause any irritation or sensitivity.
Is sodium polyacrylate a super absorbent?
When it is added to water, however, it turns into a gel-like substance, absorbing many times its weight in water. This is why sodium polyacrylate is considered a “super absorbent polymer”. The origins of super absorbent polymer chemistry trace back to the early 1960s when ...
What is sodium polyacrylate?
Sodium polyacrylate is an absorbent polymer that is used as an emulsion stabilizer, a hair fixative, a film former, skin conditioner, and a viscosity agent [1]. You will see them as the gel like crystals in baby diapers, which are makes them absorbent. In detergents it works as a c helating agent, which neutralizes the heavy metals in water & dirt so that the detergent can be more effective at cleaning. It is also used as a thickening agent because it can absorb and hold onto water molecules.
Is sodium polyacrylate toxic?
The Environment Canada Domestic Substance List classifies sodium polyacrylate as “expected to be toxic or harmful” [1]. Small particles of sodium polyacrylate, if inhaled may irritate the airways, cause lung irritation with prolonged exposure [2]. The manufacturing process can create contaminants like acrylic acid, which is associated with skin burns, eye damage & skin corrosion [3].
What is sodium polyacrylate?
What’s sodium polyacrylate? Sodium polyacrylate is a white granular or powder polymer which looks like sugar. As a kind of super absorbent polymer (SAP), it has strong absorbency for hundreds of times its own weight in water. After absorbing water, it turns to a water gel form which locks water firmly.
What is potassium polyacrylate used for?
As we know, potassium polyacrylate, another kind of super absorbent polymers, can be used as the water-retaining agent for plants.#N#And it can be broken into urea, carbon dioxide, water, and potassium.
How much acrylic acid is safe?
The key is how much is acrylic acid left. As a leftover from the manufacturing process, the acrylic acid value should be less than 300 PPM for safe, especially for paper diapers, nursing pads, sanitary towels, etc. For your reference, here’s a material safety data sheet (documents created by SGS), sodium polyacrylate is totally safe.
Does sodium polyacrylate powder irritate the lungs?
It may irritate the lungs when you inhale tiny sodium polyacrylate powder;
Does sodium polyacrylate harm the soil?
And the problem is sodium. In general, small amounts of sodium won’t affect the soil and harm the natural environment.
Is sodium polyacrylate a water retaining agent?
It’s unwise to use Sodium polyacrylate as the water-retaining agent. It’s no working and would cause salinization of soil.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Sodium Polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer used in cosmetics and personal care products in part because of its ability to absorb as much as 200 to 300 times its mass in water, according to Wikipedia. It is seen as a white powder when dry, but turns into a gel-like substance when wet, and is primarily used as a thickening agent.
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How much weight can sodium polyacrylate absorb?
Sodium polyacrylate can absorb about 300-800 times its weight. This is the most difference between this kind of polyacrylate and other traditional absorption materials.
What is the best material to absorb water?
As we see, Sodium polyacrylate is an amazing material. It can be applied to all aspects of life to absorb & hold water.
What are some water absorbent materials?
Mention about the water-absorbing material, you may think of many absorbing materials such as cotton, napkins, sponge, anhydrous calcium chloride, soda lime, allochroic silica gel, or activated carbon. But these materials can absorb only several or dozens of times its weight.
What are water beads made of?
Water beads are made of SAP. It can absorb a large amount of water and turn into a bigger ball.
Is absorbent rate a material?
Actually, the absorbent rate is a very important item for absorption material. | Strong liquid-locking ability. As we mentioned earlier, it has a strong liquid-locking ability — that why it’s more and more popular used in diapers as the absorbing material. | Non-toxic. This material is totally non-toxic and harmless.
Can SOCO polymer be used as a controlled release agent?
-It with fibrous shapes potentially can be used to make high.#N#-Can be used as an internal sealant in cement-based materials.#N#-A special use of SOCO Polymer in concrete could be as a controlled release agent.
Is sodium polyacrylate toxic?
This material is totally non-toxic and harmless. Actually, this new function material is already used in artificial vitreous and artificial skin. | Nonpolluting. Sodium polyacrylate is eco-friendly and can be decomposed into water, carbon dioxide, and ammonia. As we see, Sodium polyacrylate is an amazing material.
