We often see diapers torn by cats and dogs at the bottom of garbage containers or on the street. When we see these diapers, the thing that draws our attention the most is that gel-like substance that we cannot see in diapers under normal conditions. But where does this gel-like substance come from?
Today, we will take a look at the details of the gel-like substance that we are used to seeing in used diapers, if you are ready, let’s get started.
First of all, a few anecdotes on the brief history of diapers
The use of diapers, which many mothers use for their babies, which they see as their most precious asset, dates back to 1590, according to many sources. until it lasts. According to the data obtained so far, the first diapers started to be used in England.
It is mentioned that American Maria Allen started mass production in 1897 for more modern and useful diapers. After this brief historical information, let’s go back to that mysterious substance that is the main subject of our content.
Substance that many of us do not even know its name: Super absorbent polymer
as it is known around the world, superabsorbent polymer (handle) or superabsorbent polymer translated into our language, especially It is the gel-like substance that we are accustomed to seeing in used diapers. In fact, almost all of the miracle underlying diapers is made up of superabsorbent polymers.
Another when dry, another when it sees liquid
Super absorbent polymers are actually not just used in used diapers; It is a substance that is also present in unused diapers. Super absorbent polymers, which are cotton-like when diapers are dry, evolve from a cottony appearance to that famous image that we can describe as mush or gel, which we often see smashed around garbage containers, as soon as they meet liquid.
Why are super absorbent polymers used in baby diapers
Super absorbent polymers, which are a miracle of chemistry, vary according to the liquid they are exposed to, but they are a product weighing 200 to 800 times their own weight. strong enough to absorb liquid easily. So even with simple math, we can say that 5 grams of superabsorbent polymer would be enough for one kilo of urine. Normally, super-absorbent polymers are kept safely in diapers, but we can often see them on the street because stray animals are curious and break used diapers.
A note on diapers and environmental awareness
- Washable diapers
The first choice of many mothers today Although there are disposable diapers, it has been determined that the period of disappearance of diapers in nature is about 500 years. In addition, disposable diapers are in the third place in the list of household waste and constitute approximately 1/3 of the materials that cannot be dissolved in nature.
Also, although some high-end brands announce that they no longer use chlorine in their diapers, many brands continue to use chlorine in their products, which harms babies’ skin.
For this reason, it is recommended that people use longer-lasting, budget and eco-friendly washable diapers instead of disposable diapers. Using washable diapers; You can return 130 kilos of wood and 10 kilos of oil to nature per baby per year.
Uses other than diapers
Of course, diapers are not the only areas of use for super absorbent polymers, which have a miraculous power. Superabsorbent polymers are used in many different forms, such as soils and fertilizers in agriculture, biomedicine, wastewater treatment devices, ice packs, sanitary napkins, waterproof tapes, artificial snow in the cinema, candles, cement and plasters, among many others.
What do you guys think about super absorbent polymers and diapers? Do you prefer disposable diapers or washable diapers with super absorbent polymers for your baby? You can send us your comments and thoughts on this subject in the comments section.
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