What is Sodium Polyacrylate?
Sodium polyacrylate (ACR, ASAP, or PAAS), also referred to as waterlock, is a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid, having the chemical formula [−CH2−CH(CO2Na)−]n. Its primary chain contains negatively charged carboxylic groups, making it an anionic polyelectrolyte. It is a polymer composed of chains of compounds related to acrylate. It contains sodium, which allows it to absorb large amounts of water. This super-absorbent polymer (SAP) has the ability to absorb 100 to 1000 times its mass in water.
Macsen Laboratories is the leading supplier of Sodium Polyacrylate with ISO certification.
| PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| Name of Product | Sodium polyacrylate |
| IUPAC Name | Poly(sodium prop-2-enoate) |
| Synonyms | Waterlock; Acrylic sodium salt polymer; Superabsorbent polymer (SAP); ACR; ASAP; PAAS |
| CAS No | 9003-04-7 |
| Molecular Formula | (C3H3NaO2)n |
Chemical Properties
| SR. No | Criteria | Limit/Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appearance (Form) | Granular free flowing solid powder |
| 2 | Appearance (Color) | White |
| 3 | Moisture Content | NMT 7.0% |
| 4 | Bulk Density | 580 - 700 g/cc |
| 5 | Water Retention Capacity (DM water) | 500 min |
| 6 | pH | 5.6 - 6.5 |
Uses
Sodium polyacrylate is used in many industries, some of the common uses are as follows-
- Sodium polyacrylate can be employed as a thickening agent in cosmetic formulations, such as lotions, creams, and gels. It helps improve the viscosity and consistency of the product.
- Its water-absorbing capabilities make it suitable for use in certain moisturizers, hydrating masks and other skincare formulations.
- It may be used as a gelling agent to create a gel-like texture in products like hair gels or styling products.
- It is employed as a thickening agent, flocculating agent, dispersant, and drag reducing agent.
- Sodium polyacrylate is commonly used in the production of diapers and sanitary napkins as a superabsorbent material.
- Moreover, it’s utilized in ice packs to turn the water that serves as a cooling agent into a gel, preventing spills in the unlikely event that the ice pack leaks.
- In agriculture, sodium polyacrylate is utilized as a soil conditioner and water retention agent. It improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and reduces the need for frequent irrigation.
- It is commonly used in detergents as a chelating agent.
FAQs
Q. Is sodium polyacrylate toxic?
Sodium polyacrylate is considered to be non-toxic and safe from any major risks.
Q. Does sodium polyacrylate stain clothes?
Sodium polyacrylate itself is generally considered non-staining. However, when it is used in a product and comes into contact with colored liquids or dyes, there is a potential for staining. The colorants or dyes in the liquids may transfer onto fabric, if the sodium polyacrylate-containing product leaks or bursts.
Q. Is sodium polyacrylate biodegradable?
Sodium polyacrylate, in its typical form, is not considered readily biodegradable.
Q. How does sodium polyacrylate absorb water?
Sodium polyacrylate has the ability to absorb water through a process called osmosis and gel formation.
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