What is the crystalline substance found in disposable diapers?

Disposable diapers can contain absorbent chemicals.

Key Takeaways

  • The crystalline substance found in most disposable diapers is sodium polyacrylate, a chemical absorbent used in the super absorbent layer.
  • Sodium polyacrylate can absorb 200 to 300 times its weight in tap water, transforming it into a gooey gel to keep the diaper surface dry.
  • While sodium polyacrylate is effective at absorbing moisture, there are concerns about its safety and the potential risks of placing it next to a child's skin, sparking debates about the use of disposable diapers.

The crystals are probably coming from the "super absorbent layer" found in most disposable diapers. This layer consists of paper fluff and a chemical absorbent called sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyacrylate is an amazing water absorber -- it can absorb 200 to 300 times its weight in tap water (even more if the water is distilled) and hold it in a gooey gel.

Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer, meaning that it consists of chains of identical units (monomers). The monomer for sodium polyacrylate is:

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--CH2--CH(CO2Na)--

It is a pretty cool polymer -- shake the crystals out of a new diaper (or buy the crystals at a garden center) and add water to them. Pretty amazing!

There is concern in certain circles about the use of sodium polyacrylate next to a child's skin. The concern is often used as an argument against disposable diapers. This diaper page talks about the issue briefly and will give you a sense of what people are concerned about.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the crystals from disposable diapers harmful if touched by skin?
Sodium polyacrylate, the polymer found in disposable diapers, is generally considered safe for contact with skin, but concerns exist about its long-term exposure.
Can sodium polyacrylate be found in other products besides diapers?
Yes, sodium polyacrylate is also used in various applications such as agricultural products, water-absorbing gels and even some personal care items, due to its high absorbency.

Lots More Information

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