![Sodium Polyacrylate (Superabsorbent Polymer) (Sodium Polyacrylate [-CH2-CH(COONa)-]n) — mineral (synthetic)](https://media.rockidentification.com/a46dcbe3-18d1-4da3-80d1-0f6acc85b048-compressed.jpg)
mineral (synthetic)
Sodium Polyacrylate (Superabsorbent Polymer)
Sodium Polyacrylate [-CH2-CH(COONa)-]n
Hardness: variable (solid) to gel-like (liquid-state); Color: White powder/granules or clear gel; Luster: Dull/Matte (dry) to Vitreous (saturated); Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: ~1.22
- Hardness
- variable (solid) to gel-like (liquid-state)
- Color
- White powder/granules or clear gel
- Luster
- Dull/Matte (dry) to Vitreous (saturated)
Identified More mineral (synthetic) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: variable (solid) to gel-like (liquid-state); Color: White powder/granules or clear gel; Luster: Dull/Matte (dry) to Vitreous (saturated); Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: ~1.22
Formation & geological history
Produced via free-radical polymerization of acrylic acid partially neutralized with caustic soda. While synthetically manufactured today using petroleum-based feedstocks, it mimics the extreme water-retention properties of certain natural hydrogels.
Uses & applications
Primary use in hygiene products (infant diapers), hydrogel for medical dressings, and as a soil conditioner in agriculture to retain moisture in arid environments.
Geological facts
Known as the 'super slurper,' it can absorb between 400 to 800 times its mass in distilled water. It was originally patented for use in agricultural soil moisture control.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the 'field' (household context) by the presence of a grainy, sand-like substance when dry that becomes a clear, slippery gel when wet. Found globally in consumer packaged goods.
More like this
Other mineral (synthetic) specimens
Man-made Synthetic Material (Costume Faux Fur)
Synthetic Polymer (Polyester/Acrylic)
not a rock
Lava Stone and Chakra Beads
Basalt (with various mineral/synthetic beads)
igneous
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
mineral (synthetic)
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
mineral (synthetic)
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
mineral (synthetic)
Pink Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
mineral (synthetic)