Superabsorbent polymers, commonly known as SAPs, are sodium polyacrylate-based polymers that are engineered with high absorption and gelling properties when they come in contact with liquids. Absorbent polymers are excellent for use in various consumer and industrial applications and can retain extremely large amounts of water relative to their own mass. Super absorbent polymers are made by the polymerization of acrylic acids and neutralized with sodium or potassium salts depending on the application needs.
Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can retain up to 1,000 times their weight in liquids and are widely used in applications where high water absorption, rapid solidification, and extended fluid retention are required. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are commonly utilized in a variety of everyday products such as diapers, hot and cool packs, absorbent and incontinence pads, baby diapers, and feminine hygiene products. SAP super absorbent polymers are also used in industrial applications such as concrete, aqueous waste disposal, and agriculture applications.
Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are classified as hydrogels due to their fluid-absorbing abilities through osmotic pressure and the formation of hydrogen bonds with water molecules. SAPs are typically effective in water and polar systems but are not useful in the absorption of fuels and hydrocarbons.
The SAP's sodium ions bind within the crosslinked structure of the acrylic acid polymer resulting in osmotic pressure build-up that draws the surrounding liquids into its particle core. The liquid continues to flow into the cross-linked polymeric structure until an equilibrium is reached between the polymer ions and the surrounding liquid.
BASF Arctic Gel™ 1010 for Gel and Cool Packs?
Arctic Gel™ 1010 is a high-performance sodium acrylate-based superabsorbent polymer from BASF. It is an ideal solution for use in a wide range of consumer products when a small particle size, clear appearance, and high-gelling performance are required.
Features and Benefits of Arctic Gel™ 1010 Super Absorbent Polymers:
Bio-based, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic superabsorbents
Easy to incorporate into any process and requires minimal to no agitation
Well-proved performance with advanced technology and R&D capabilities
Narrow particle size distribution for optimal gelling and absorption performance
Excellent liquid absorption and retention capacity up to 1,000 times their weight in fluid
Superior thickening capacity with fast aqueous absorption, turning it into a solid gel
Improved swelling and superabsorbing capacity when in contact with water and liquids
Advanced moisture control that allows to absorb and store the absorbed fluids inside the polymer matrix for as long as needed and releases them when required
Arctic Gel™ 1010 Absorbent Polymer Applications:
Polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers are mostly known for their application in diapers and hygiene products. However, BASF 1010 polymer absorbents are tailored towards consumer and industrial hydrogel applications for their high performance in cooling, absorbing moisture, and solidification of fluids. BASF superabsorbents are available in different package sizes and short lead times.
