======Superabsorbent Polymers in Diapers======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** Diaper Dissection, Nappy Dissection
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Begin with a group demonstration: place a diaper in a shallow tray and pour water into it a quarter cup at a time.  
  - Continue until the diaper reaches saturation and water no longer absorbs. Cut the diaper open to reveal the gel-like polymer inside.
  - Cut open a diaper along the seams and remove the cotton and polymer crystals into bowls.    
  - Add water gradually, spoonful by spoonful, to show how the sodium polyacrylate absorbs water. 
  - Optionally perform in paper cup and 'tip' it upside down on top of a person to show that the water has all been absorbed (practice this before attempting).



====Links==== 
Diaper Polymer - Cool Science Experiment - SpanglerScienceTV: 
{{youtube>oWfwDt5QRRY?}}\\


📄 DIGGING INTO DIAPERS - Morehead Planetarium & Science Center Afterschool: [[https://ncsciencefestival.org/sites/default/files/documents/Digging%20into%20Diapers.pdf]]\\


====Variations====
  * Compare absorbency of different diaper types (overnight, swim diapers, store brands).  
  * Use food coloring in the water to make absorption more visible.  
  * Time how quickly different polymers absorb water using a stopwatch.  
  * Compare diaper polymers with other superabsorbent polymers such as instant snow or water beads.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use only clean, unused disposable diapers.  
  * Supervise students when using scissors.  
  * Dispose of used diaper parts and polymer safely in trash (do not pour down sink).  
  * Avoid ingesting polymer or touching eyes after handling.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What material inside the diaper is responsible for absorbing water? (The superabsorbent polymer sodium polyacrylate.)  
  * Why is it important to compare equal amounts of polymer when testing absorbency? (To ensure a fair and accurate comparison between brands.)  
  * How do the cotton fibers in a diaper help the polymer work? (They spread out the polymer and distribute liquid for even absorption.)  
  * How much water can one teaspoon of sodium polyacrylate absorb? (Up to about 800 times its own weight in water.)  
  * If you were designing a new diaper, what features would you focus on to make it effective and comfortable? (Absorbency, leak protection, comfort, and cost efficiency.)