Carolina ChemKits®: Super Water Absorbent Polymers

Explore how hydrogen bonding allows hydrophilic polymers to absorb several hundred times their own weight in water. Students investigate how a small change in chemical structure affects the water absorption rates of 3 polymers. Students also investigate the effects of solute concentration on osmosis into and out of these polymers and then extend that learning to design a diaper that meets real-world requirements. This kit includes enough materials for 30 students working in 10 groups of 3.