Chemistry:Water gel (plain)
From HandWiki
Water crystal gel or water beads or gel beads is any gel which absorbs and contains a large amount of water. Water gel is usually in spherical form and composed of a water-absorbing superabsorbent polymer (SAP, also known as slush powder in dry form) such as a polyacrylamide (frequently sodium polyacrylate).
Uses
Water gels are used for:
- Supplying water to small animals as an alternative to supplying water in a dish. Some small animals tend to fall into dishes of water and drown.[citation needed]
- Watering or potting plants.[1]
- In vases of cut flowers
- Use in gardens to save water.
- Used as ammunition for gel blaster toy guns. Usually came in 7-8mm when full size.
- Colorful decorations or artificial snow.[2]
- In a dry state as absorbent filler inside disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.
- Proposed for controlling or containing floods.[3]
See also
- Superabsorbent polymer (further uses, chemical and physical details)
- Polyacrylamide (more uses and details)
- Orbeez (a commercial toy utilizing this technology)
References
- ↑ "Water-retaining granules / RHS Gardening" (in en-gb). https://www.rhs.org.uk/soil-composts-mulches/water-retaining-granules.
- ↑ "Snow and ice: How do you make fake snow?" (in en). https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/snow-and-ice-how-do-you-make-fake-snow-30815193.html.
- ↑ "11-year-old designs a better sandbag, named 'America's Top Young Scientist'" (in en). http://www.nbcnews.com/sciencemain/11-year-old-designs-better-sandbag-named-americas-top-young-8C11371015.
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