Botzees
Keyestudio
Fischertechnik
Super Water Absorbent Polymers
Super Water Absorbent Polymers
Water absorbent polymers are essential in uses ranging from agriculture to personal hygiene. Explore how hydrogen bonding allows hydrophilic polymers to absorb several hundred times their own weight in water. Students investigate how a small change in chemical structure has a dramatic effect on the rates of water absorption for sodium polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, and polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer. Students also investigate the effects of solute concentration on the osmosis of water into and out of these polymers and then extend that learning to design a diaper that meets real-world requirements. This kit includes sufficient materials for 30 students working in 10 groups of 3.
| Components | Qty | Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Polyacrylate, 100 g | Included | |
| Polyacrylamide, 100 g | Included | |
| Polyacrylate/Polyacrylamide Copolymer, 50 g | Included | |
| 9-oz Plastic Cups | 20 | Included |
| Teacher’s Manual | Included | |
| Paper Towels | Needed, Not Included | |
| Safety Goggles | Needed, Not Included | |
| Lab Aprons and Gloves | Needed, Not Included | |
| 100-mL Graduated Cylinders | 20 | Needed, Not Included |
| Wash Bottles (filled with distilled water) | 10 | Needed, Not Included |
| 250-mL Beakers | 20 | Needed, Not Included |
| Funnels | 10 | Needed, Not Included |
| Filter Papers | 30 | Needed, Not Included |
| Stopwatches or Timers | 10 | Needed, Not Included |
| 0.9% NaCl Solution | Needed, Not Included | |
| Tap Water | Needed, Not Included | |
| Spatulas | 3 | Needed, Not Included |
| Balance(s) (sensitive to 0.1 g or greater) | Needed, Not Included | |
| Sheets of Paper (with logos or printed words) | 10 | Needed, Not Included |
