Sodium Polyacrylate referred to as a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid with the chemical formula CH2CH CO2Na n It is also known as water lock Sodium Polyacrylate serves as an anionic polyelectrolyte with a negatively charged carboxylic group in the main chain While sodium neutralized polyacrylic acids are the most common form used in industry there are also other salts available including potassium lithium and ammonium
Sodium Polyacrylate finds its use as a sequestering agent in detergents that is it has the ability to bind hardwater elements such as magnesium calcium iron and zinc to make the detergents work more effectively Chelating agents neutralize the presence of heavy metals that may be found in water dirt and other substances that can be found in the laundry making the detergent more effective in cleaning and neutralizing odours in clothes It also functions as thickening agents or as superabsorbent polymers Sodium Polyacrylate also serves as the main ingredient in highabsorbency diapers