The Structure of Sodium polyacrylate

Sodium polyacrylate, also known as waterlock, is a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid with the chemical formula [-CH2-CH(COONa)-]n and broad application in consumer products. It has the ability to absorb as much as 200 to 300 times its mass in water. Sodium polyacrylate is anionic polyelectrolytes with negatively charged carboxylic groups in the main chain. While sodium neutralized polyacrylic acids are the most common form used in industry, there are also other salts available including potassium, lithium and ammonium.

Sodium polyacrylate(CAS.NO:9003-04-7) is a polymer that has many chemical structures that naturally attract water molecules. These structures are called "hydrogen bonding" - they are attractive sites for both the oxygen and the hydrogen part of water. 

More than that, the hydrogen bonds can be found in pores or holes within the polymer structure such that whole water droplets can be held inside the polymer. 

Sodium polyacrylate is formed by polymerizing acrylic acid to make polyacrylate and then treating the polymer with sodium hydroxide to change the neutral polymer into the ionic polymer sodium polyacrylate.

Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer (a long chain molecule) with ionic groups (negative charges with accompanying positively charged sodium ions) all along its length. It is these ionic groups that allow it to absorb a huge amount of water. The water molecules cluster around the negative and positive charges and become attached to the polymer chain. 

Sodium polyacrylate is commonly used as a sequestering agent, or chelating agent, in many detergents. It has the ability to bind hard-water elements, such as magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc, to make the detergents work more effectively. Chelating agents neutralize the presence of heavy metals that may be found in water, dirt and other substances that can be found in your laundry, making the detergent more effective in cleaning and neutralizing odors in your clothes.

Sodium polyacrylate is difficult to prepare outside the lab since it involves many chemical reaction steps. However, it is the main adsorbent material for diapers. It is reasonably safe to handle, as long as you are careful not to inhale the fibers when you break open the diaper lining. 

Sodium polyacrylate is a chemical polymer that is widely used in a variety of consumer products for its ability to absorb several hundred times its mass in water. Sodium polyacrylate is made up of multiple chains of acrylate compounds that possess a positive anionic charge, which attracts water-based molecules to combine with it, making sodium polyacrylate a suber-absorbent compound. This polymer is highly toxic when inhaled or ingested, causing damage to your eyes, skin and lungs. If you have accidentally inhaled or ingested sodium polyacrylate, seek medical attention immediately.