Superabsorbent polymers are polymers that can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of water and aqueous solution relative to its own mass. They are prepared from acrylic acid and a crosslinker by solution or suspension polymerization.
Until the 1980's water absorbing materials were cellulosic or fibre-based products. In the early 1960’s some work was conducted in the USA on materials to improve water conservation in soil and they developed a resin that came into the form of a gel. These acrylic-based products were further developed into granular polymer and super absorbent fibers. Commercial production of superabsorbent began in Japan in 1978, but it is in 1980 that European countries developed the superabsorbent polymer for use in baby diapers. It revolutionized the diaper industry and diapers were designed to take advantage of the amazing liquid retention ability of the polymer.
Today superabsorbent material is widely used in personal care products to absorb fluids in 100 times their weight in water. Consumer applications include baby diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products and external feminine hygiene products. It is also used in medical applications such as therapy packs, surgical pads, medical waste solidification.
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