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Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), also known as super absorbent material, is a type of polymer that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Its unique water-absorbing and retaining properties make it widely used in agriculture, medical, environmental protection, and other fields. With continuous technological advancements, the market demand for super absorbent polymers is increasing annually, especially in emerging fields such as the application of agricultural SAP, which is bringing more innovation and opportunities.
Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) is a class of hydrophilic polymer compounds with a loosely cross-linked network structure. Its significant feature is the ability to absorb hundreds or even thousands of times its own weight in water and retain this water for extended periods. The high absorbency of these resins makes them widely used in many industries.
Super absorbent polymers can be categorized into different types according to various methods:
Based on raw material sources, SAP can be divided into starch series, cellulose series, synthetic polymer series, protein series, and other natural materials and their derivatives series. Among them, the synthetic polymer series can be further subdivided based on raw materials into polyacrylate series (accounting for over 80%), polyvinyl alcohol series, vinyl acetate copolymer series, polyurethane series, and polyethylene oxide series, etc.;
Based on the method of hydrophilic gene introduction, SAP can be divided into hydrophilic monomer direct polymerization SAP, hydrophobic monomer hydroxymethylation SAP, hydrophobic polymer grafted with hydrophilic monomer SAP, and nitrile or ester hydrolysis SAP;
Based on product form, SAP can be divided into powder, fiber, film, and microsphere;
Based on degradation performance, SAP can be divided into non-degradable SAP (including sodium acrylate, methyl methacrylate and other polymer products) and degradable SAP (including starch, cellulose and other natural polymer graft copolymer products);
Based on application, SAP can be divided into agricultural grade SAP, industrial grade SAP, sanitary grade SAP, construction material grade SAP, and food grade SAP.
In terms of the industry chain, the upstream raw materials for SAP include high-purity acrylic acid, sodium hydroxide solution, desalinated water, etc., while the downstream is mainly used for the production of sanitary products, including baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and female sanitary products. Due to its high absorption capacity, it also finds wide application in agriculture, medical, and petrochemical industries. The proportion used in the production of baby diapers alone accounts for about 70%.
Agricultural SAP: Super absorbent polymers in agriculture have been widely used, especially in areas with water scarcity. They can store excess water and release it during drought, providing a continuous water source for plants, thereby improving agricultural productivity. Agricultural SAP not only helps improve soil moisture retention capacity but also reduces irrigation frequency and increases crop yields.
Sanitary Products: One of the largest application fields for super absorbent polymers is the production of baby diapers, adult incontinence products, and female sanitary products. The use of SAP in these products ensures high water absorbency and prolonged dryness.
Medical and Environmental Protection: In the medical field, SAP is used in the production of various medical dressings and absorbent materials, helping to quickly absorb exudates from wounds and accelerate the healing process. In environmental protection, SAP is used in wastewater treatment and soil remediation.
Industrial Field: In the industrial field, super absorbent polymers (SAP) play a key role. As a waterproof material for cables, it can expand by more than 150% upon encountering water. Used as an internal curing agent for concrete, it can reduce shrinkage cracks by 80% and improve strength. As the core material for ice packs, it can maintain low temperatures for 48 hours. It is also used in the oil industry in drilling fluid control, etc.
With the intensification of global population aging and consumers' pursuit of quality of life, the market demand for SAP is continuously growing. It is predicted that by 2028, the global SAP market size is expected to reach 18 billion USD, with China’s market growth being equally strong. However, fluctuations in raw material prices, rising energy costs, and the strengthening of environmental regulations also bring pressure to SAP manufacturers, prompting enterprises to seek technological innovations and process optimization to reduce production costs and enhance product competitiveness. New SAP products such as bio-based SAP, inorganic/organic composite SAP, and biodegradable SAP are becoming research hotspots.
Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP), with its excellent water absorbency and retention properties, has become an indispensable key material in many industries. With technological progress and the continuous expansion of application fields, the market prospects of SAP are broad. In the agricultural field, the application of agricultural SAP will play an increasingly important role in the future global agricultural development. SOCO is committed to providing high-quality SAP products for the agricultural industry, helping farmers increase yields, optimize water resource use, and promote sustainable agricultural development.
