Sodium Polyacrylate (Super Absorbent Polymer)

Sodium Polyacrylate also known as Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), is a high-performance, highly versatile polymer designed for water and fluid absorption in industrial, agricultural, hygiene, environmental and moisture-control applications designed to absorb and retain aqueous liquids.

Available as either a Fine SAP or a Grain SAP, these products are suitable for a wide variety of applications where moisture absorption, retention and control are required.

Fine SAP

Our Fine SAP, of hygiene grade, is a clean, white, fine homogeneous powder designed to rapidly absorb and retain large volumes of aqueous liquids. It has a free swell capacity of approximately 32 g/g, with a Centrifuge Retention Capacity (CRC) of approximately 29 g/g.

The Fine SAP is particularly suited to applications requiring a fine, easily dispersed powder, including industrial absorbents, spill containment, moisture control, wastewater treatment, sludge solidification, hygiene applications and other environmental uses.

The Fine SAP produces a smooth gel rather than a slush. For applications requiring a slush, please see our Grain SAP.

Grain SAP

Our Grain SAP, of cosmetic grade, provides exceptional water and body-fluid absorption and can absorb approximately 200–500 times its own weight, depending on the liquid and conditions.

When mixed with water or other aqueous solutions, the polymer absorbs liquid through interaction with water molecules, forming a swollen hydrogel/slush. The Grain SAP produces a slush rather than a smooth gel. Please see additional image for an example. For applications requiring a smooth gel, please see our Fine SAP.

Both types of SAP are easily dissolved using Sodium Chloride (salt) and offer excellent versatility across numerous applications.

Applications

Agriculture & Horticulture

SAP can hold onto absorbed water for extended periods, making it useful for potted plants, flowers and moisture retention. It can act as a water reservoir around plant roots, while florists can use SAP to help retain moisture and keep flowers fresh.

Industrial Applications

Sodium Polyacrylate can be used as a thickening, dispersing and sequestering agent in industrial processes. It can increase the viscosity of water-based systems, helping to improve stability and provide body without significantly modifying other properties.

It can also be used in detergent applications, where its sequestering properties can assist with the management of dissolved substances, as well as a dispersing agent to promote miscibility and even dispersion.

Spill Control & Environmental Applications

The high absorption capacity of SAP makes it suitable for spill containment, industrial absorbents, desludging, moisture control and waste management. It can absorb and retain liquids, helping to stabilise and control wet materials.

Wastewater & Sludge Treatment

SAP can be used in wastewater treatment and sludge solidification, helping to absorb and stabilise liquid within wet waste streams.

Building & Construction

Sodium Polyacrylate can be used in applications including concrete protection and anti-fogging.

Medical & Hygiene

Super Absorbent Polymer is widely associated with applications where liquid absorption is required, including surgical sponges, nappies/diapers and feminine hygiene products.

Packaging & Moisture Protection

SAP can be used for moisture management and protection, helping to control unwanted moisture in packaging and other environments.

Other Applications

Its versatility also makes SAP suitable for applications involving:

• Drilling fluids
• Mining operations
• Industrial moisture management
• Environmental applications
• Medical ice packs
• Desludging and waste stabilisation

CAS Number: 9003-04-7

Choose the SAP that suits your application

Whether you require the fine powder or the grain form SAP, Sodium Polyacrylate offers a versatile solution for absorbing, retaining and managing aqueous liquids across a huge range of applications.

Please note: Fine and Grain SAP are different physical forms, and their absorption characteristics should not be assumed to be identical.