Welcome to brain Stuff from house stuff works dot com where smart happens. Hi Am Marshall Brain with today's question, what is the crystalline substance found in disposable diapers? The crystals come from the super absorbent layer found in most disposable diapers. This layer consists of paper, fluff and a chemical absorbent called sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyaccrylate is an amazing
water absorber. It can absorb two hundred to three hundred times it's weight, and tap water even more if the water is distilled and it holds it as a gooey gel. Sodium polyaccrylate is a polymer, meaning that it consists of chains of identical units called monomers. The monomer for sodium polyaccrylate is a little carbon chain with a couple of oxygen and sodium adams hanging off of it. It's a
pretty cool polymer. Shake the crystals out of a new diaper, or buy the crystals at a garden center and add water or to them to see just how amazing they are. There's concern in certain circles about the use of sodium polyacculate next to a child's skin. The concern is often used as an argument against disposable diapers. Obviously, most people considered a minor issue. Just about every disposable diaper contains the crystals. Do you have any ideas or suggestions for
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