How does the chemical structure of aquasorb determine its water absorption and water retention mechanism?
Publish Time: 2024-12-03
The chemical structure of aquasorb plays a decisive role in its water absorption and water retention mechanism.
First, the presence of strong hydrophilic groups is the basis for water absorption. Hydrophilic groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. When the resin comes into contact with water, these groups will quickly attract water molecules, causing the resin molecular chain to be swollen by water, thereby starting the water absorption process.
Secondly, the cross-linked structure is crucial. Aquasorb is made of linear water-soluble polymers that are moderately cross-linked. This structure prevents the resin from being dissolved when interacting with water, but can only swell. Water is wrapped inside the gel-like molecular network, and it is not easy to lose and evaporate under the action of the surface tension of the liquid, thereby achieving water retention. The degree of cross-linking needs to be balanced. Too high a cross-linking degree will limit the degree of swelling and reduce the amount of water absorption; too low a cross-linking degree may cause the resin to dissolve after absorbing water and cannot effectively retain water.
Furthermore, a higher concentration of ionic groups inside the polymer can improve the water absorption capacity. The presence of a large number of ionic groups makes the system have a higher ion concentration, forming an osmotic pressure pointing to the inside of the system inside and outside the system, which promotes the diffusion of water in the environment into the system. At the same time, the electrostatic attraction of the ionic groups on the polymer chain to the mobile counterions maintains the osmotic pressure, further ensuring the water absorption capacity.
In addition, a higher molecular weight is also conducive to water absorption and water retention. The increase in molecular weight increases the mechanical strength after water absorption, which can better maintain the structural stability of the resin and prevent structural damage during water absorption or pressure, thereby ensuring water absorption and water retention performance.
In summary, the chemical structural characteristics of aquasorb, such as hydrophilic groups, cross-linked structures, ionic groups and high molecular weight, work together to determine its excellent water absorption and water retention mechanism, enabling it to absorb and retain a large amount of water, and is widely used in many fields.
