Superabsorbent Polymers (Superabsorbents)

Agriculture and horticulture

• Superabsorbent polymers as a water-retaining additive for potting soils
• Superabsorbents as a soil additive for the construction of golf courses
• Superabsorbent polymers as a soil additive for professional tree nurseries

Cost-efficient water management is of particular importance for the agricultural and horticultural industry, e.g. for tree nurseries growing high-value trees and shrubs.  Superabsorbent polymers help to solve this problem as they have a high capacity to retain water in dry soils during prolonged periods of drought and make the water available to the plant roots. An optimal water supply lets the plants grow stronger and at the same time reduces the risk of drought stress. By adding Luquasorb® to the potting mix plant irrigation can be managed very efficiently.

Waste treatment

• Superabsorbents for solidification of medical waste
• Superabsorbent polymers for fluid and odour control in cat litter
• Superabsorbents for efficient clean-up of aqueous fluids with spill kits

Superabsorbent polymers can be used to form a solid gel, a property that makes them ideally suited for solidifying medical and industrial waste. By applying superabsorbents potential spills of infectious fluids can be prevented and the handling risk can be reduced.

Packaging

• Superabsorbents for moisture control in food packaging
• Superabsorbent polymers for cool packs
• Luquafleece® for moisture control for transport packaging

High-performance superabsorbent granules can be incorporated as a filler in the manufacture of soaker pads used in food packaging. Its ability to absorb large volumes of liquid means only small amounts of superabsorbent are necessary. This helps to make the packaging economical. Further, the food, some of which is very delicate, stays fresh longer and looks more attractive. Luquasorb® FP 800 has gained the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for indirect food contact. The approval covers packaging of poultry, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.

Cable and electronics

• Superabsorbent polymers for cable wrapping

Cable wraps protect subterranean cables from mechanical and weather-related exposure. The cable insulation consists of several layers of materials to protect against damage from infiltrating water or moisture. When the outer plastic cover is harmed and liquid infiltrates, it can cause damage over some distance from the point of a breach due to the capillary effects in the cable. To prevent this, superabsorbents can be used alone or in combination with a non-woven as a sealing aid between the wires and the outer plastic cover. The superabsorbent swells instantly when it comes into contact with moisture. It absorbs the moisture and seals the damaged location.

Medical dressings

• Superabsorbent materials for moisture control in wound dressings and plasters

In wound care superabsorbent polymers absorb wound secretions and help to maintain a moist wound environment which supports and improves the healing process.

Luquafleece® - the fabric superabsorbent

Luquafleece® is a superabsorbent fleece material that is suitable for active moisture management. Luquafleece® possesses the ability to absorb large amounts of aqueous solutions, furthermore, it is also capable of absorbing and desorbing aqueous-based vapors. These unique product features enable Luquafleece® to be applied in a broad range of applications where fluid management or climatic comfort is important. Luquafleece® combines high fluid uptake with the handling advantages of a non-woven.

List of products:
» To see the complete list of superabsorbent polymers for this application