Water crystal gel
Introduction Hydrated water gel, or water beads'''Water crystal gel''' or '''water beads''' or '''gel beads''' is any gel which absorbs and contains a large amount of water. Water gel is usually in spherical form and composed of a water-absorbing superabsorbent polymer (SAP, also known as slush powder in dry form) such as a polyacrylamide (frequently sodium polyacrylate).
Uses Water gels are used for:* Supplying water to small animals as an alternative to supplying water in a dish. Some small animals tend to fall into dishes of water and drown. * Watering or potting plants. * In vases of cut flowers * Use in gardens to save water. * Used as ammunition for gel blaster toy guns. Usually came in 7– when full size. * Colorful decorations or artificial snow. * In a dry state as absorbent filler inside disposable diapers and sanitary napkins. * Proposed for controlling or containing floods.
See also * Superabsorbent polymer (further uses, chemical and physical details)* Sodium polyacrylate (more uses and details)* Potassium polyacrylate (more uses and details)* Polyacrylamide (more uses and details)* Orbeez (a commercial toy utilizing this technology)
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