Decisions, decisions, decisions….  Premium Superabsorbent Products versus All-Purpose Superabsorbent Products

Many times our technical staff is asked, “What is the best product for a given application?” In particular, what is the value of our Premium grade of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) versus our All-Purpose products?  When should a customer choose a Premium product instead of an All-Purpose product? 

Take a look at the graph below.  It shows the absorption and retention characteristics of our Premium Superabsorbents versus our All-Purpose products in different types of solutions. 

In solutions such as pure water and tap water, the absorption capacity of our Premium SAPs is typically almost twice as much as the All-Purpose products.  In a body fluid, such as 0.9% saline, the absorption capacities become more comparable. 

So, one of the first questions to be asked when thinking about product choice is “What fluid is being absorbed?”  If a customer is using pure or tap water, we will probably suggest trying one of our Premium products because of their exceptional absorption capacity.  However, if the application is for absorption of urine or 0.9% saline, then we would certainly suggest trying one our All-Purpose products as well.  For applications where total absorption capacity is the critical factor, many customers will find that while they pay more per pound for a Premium product, they can use significantly less superabsorbent. They save money overall because the of the cost performance value of the Premium product versus the All-Purpose product. Customers have seen their SAP usage drop by well over 10% when switching from an All-Purpose product to a Premium product. 

The graph also shows absorption speeds.  Our Premium Products are described as “extremely fast.”  Typically, these superabsorbents have finished absorbing liquid within 1 minute.  The All-Purpose products take a bit longer – usually in the 1 - 2 minute range.  This is important in some applications, such as medical waste solidification.  In this situation, dry polymer is poured into a suction canister used in the surgical theater.  The blood/saline contained in the canister must be solidified within 3 – 5 minutes.  A Premium SAP is definitely the answer to this technical issue.  Other applications, such as ice replacement packs can utilize All-Purpose products with great success as the manufacturing of gel packs generally allows time for the SAP to set up over an extended time period. 

These are just a few of the many factors that play into appropriate product choice and the use of a Premium or All-Purpose superabsorbent.  Please call us at 336.851.9097 or e-mail to info@creativechemistry.com to discuss your particular application.  We will use our expertise to ensure that you have the right product for the job! 

For more information on this topic, make sure to read our Differences in Polymers page on our web site.