Most disposable diapers contain a crystalline, absorbent substance called sodium polyacrylate. Learn how this polymer helps contain messes -- and some of the controversy surrounding this substance -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.
Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode Transcript
Welcome to brain Stuff from house stuff works dot com
where smart happens. Hi Am Marshall Brain with today's question,
what is the crystalline substance found in disposable diapers? The
crystals come from the super absorbent layer found in most
disposable diapers. This layer consists of paper, fluff and a
(00:21):
chemical absorbent called sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyaccrylate is an amazing
water absorber. It can absorb two hundred to three hundred
times it's weight, and tap water even more if the
water is distilled and it holds it as a gooey gel.
Sodium polyaccrylate is a polymer, meaning that it consists of
chains of identical units called monomers. The monomer for sodium
(00:46):
polyaccrylate is a little carbon chain with a couple of
oxygen and sodium adams hanging off of it. It's a
pretty cool polymer. Shake the crystals out of a new diaper,
or buy the crystals at a garden center and add
water or to them to see just how amazing they are.
There's concern in certain circles about the use of sodium
polyacculate next to a child's skin. The concern is often
(01:10):
used as an argument against disposable diapers. Obviously, most people
considered a minor issue. Just about every disposable diaper contains
the crystals. Do you have any ideas or suggestions for
this podcast? If so, please send me an email at
podcast at how stuff works dot com. For more on
this and thousands of other topics, go to how stuff
(01:31):
works dot com
BrainStuff News
Host
Lauren Vogelbaum
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!