Sodium polyacrylate

Sodium polyacrylate

Names
IUPAC name poly(sodium prop-2-enoate)
Identifiers
CAS Number	9003-04-7
3D model (Jmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	22446
ECHA InfoCard	100.118.171
PubChem	4068533
UNII	285CYO341L (8000 MW)
InChI InChI=1S/C3H4O2.Na/c1-2-3(4)5;/h2H,1H2,(H,4,5);/q;+1/p-1 Key: NNMHYFLPFNGQFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M InChI=1S/C3H4O2.Na/c1-2-3(4)5;/h2H,1H2,(H,4,5);/q;+1/p-1 Key: NNMHYFLPFNGQFZ-REWHXWOFAB Key: NNMHYFLPFNGQFZ-UHFFFAOYSA-M
SMILES [Na+].[O-]C(=O)C=C
Properties
Chemical formula	(C3H3NaO2)n
Molar mass	Variable
Density	1.22 g/cm^3
Hazards
Safety data sheet	MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Sodium polyacrylate, also known as waterlock, is a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid with the chemical formula [-CH₂-CH(CO₂Na)-]_n and broad application in consumer products. This superabsorbent polymer has the ability to absorb as much as 200 to 300 times its mass in water. Sodium polyacrylate is an anionic polyelectrolyte with negatively charged carboxylic groups in the main chain. While sodium neutralized polyacrylic acids are the most common form used in industry, there are also other salts available including potassium, lithium and ammonium.

The origins of superabsorbent polymer chemistry trace back to the early 1960s when the U.S. Department of Agriculture developed the first super absorbent polymer materials.^[1]

Applications

Sodium polyacrylate and other derivatives of polyacrylic acid have a wide variety of commercial and industrial uses. These include:

• Sequestering agents in detergent products, such as dish detergent and laundry detergent.^[2] By binding hard water elements such as calcium and magnesium, the surfactants in detergents work more efficiently.^[3]
• Thickening agent for products such as hair styling gel^[2]
• Coatings
• Artificial snow for motion picture and stage productions^[4]
• Disposable diapers,^[1][2][5] including the Maximum Absorbency Garment used by NASA astronauts
• Potting soil for containerized plants
• Refreezable gel packs^[6]
• Bath time recreational gel (such as Gellibaff or Squishybaff)
• Personal lubricant
• Copolymer versions are used in agriculture and other specialty absorbent applications.

See also

• Polyacrylamide can be co-polymerized with acrylic acid and other monomers. In cross-linked form, these blended co-polymers can yield specialty superabsorbent polymers.
• Polyacrylic acid

References

1. "History of Super Absorbent Polymer Chemistry". M² Polymer Technologies, Inc. Retrieved 29 April 2009.
2. "Chemical Name: Sodium Polyacrylate". Household Products Database. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. August 2015. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
3. King, Joe (May 20, 2015). "What Is Sodium Polyacrylate & How Is it Used?". LIVESTRONG.com. Demand Media, Inc. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
4. Artificial Snow, M² Polymer Technologies, Inc., retrieved August 29, 2016
5. "What are the components of a typical disposable diaper?". Retrieved January 8, 2015.
6. SAFETY DATA SHEET - Material Name: Refrigerant Gel Products (SAP) (PDF), LIFOAM Industries, LLC, February 6, 2012, retrieved August 29, 2016