I would like to know if anyone knows what the most absorbant materials are, that will absorb many times their weight when used in water. Material or chemical- thanks!
2006-10-27 07:55:30 · 5 answers · asked by Damon 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Sodium polyacrylate (used in diapers among others) can absorb 10000 times its weight in distilled water. Until someone comes with a more effective product, this one can be considered the record holder.
2006-10-27 08:13:12 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sodium polyacrylate, crosslinked (monomer: -CH2-CH(CO2Na)- ) is a most absorbant material on earth (crosslinked acrylic acid polymersodium salt), invented by Robert Niles Bashaw, Bobby Leroy Atkins and Billy Gene Harper in the Basic Research Laboratory of the Dow Chemical Company.
Polymers were produced which absorbed up to 10,000 times their weight in distilled water (gel capacity) and are called polyelectrolytes.
These polymers are referred to as "Super Absorbents".
When dry, the polymer appears as a white powder and when in gel form it is a transparent slush/gel.
It is used in diapers, tampons, bed pads, fire control, spray drift control, seed germination, soil conditioning, and hydroponics.
It is hard water and salt sensitive in that dissolved minerals greatly reduce the absorption capacity of the gel.
Other high-gelling capacity crosslinked salts of polyacrylic acid include potassium, lithium, and ammonium salts.
2006-10-27 15:49:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd have to say Tom Cruise's brain is the least absorbant.
2006-10-27 14:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
a sponge
2006-10-27 14:58:00 · answer #4 · answered by Me 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tissue
2006-10-27 15:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by megen152003 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋