Better Living Through Chemistry
Polymers called hydrogels play major roles in the lives of people all around the world, ranging from diapers to milkshakes. The most common polymers used are sodium polyacrylate and polysaccharide. Sodium polyacrylate is used as a liquid holder, whereas polysaccharide is used to create a gelatin type of substance. Sodium polyacrylate is the polymer used in diapers and polysaccharide is used in milkshakes to help keep the consistency.
Sodium polyacrylate is mainly used in the form of hydrogel beads which can hold over three-hundred times their own weight in water. This is the main reason why using these beads in diapers is so effective. Although the absorbent range is directly affected by the amount of salt present in the water, the salt present in urine is so diluted that the beads are still effective.
Hydrogel beads are also used in farming in regions that are very dry. The absorbent property isn’t the only property that makes the beads effective for this use. Osmosis plays a huge part in the farming process. The beads are scattered throughout the soil so when it rains, the beads can absorb more water than the soil would normally hold by itself. The polymer holds the water until the soil around the bead becomes dry and then releases the water slowly back into the soil. This is when the process of osmosis becomes important. The community can save water for drinking and bathing instead of using it to water the crops.
The polysaccharide polymers act as geling agents for milkshakes and even artificial snow. This polymer is called carrageenan and it has the ability to form complexes with calcium and milk proteins to create a gelatin substance. This helps keep the milkshake from thawing in high temperatures. Carrageenan, which comes from a red seaweed that grows off the coast of Ireland, is also used as a substitute for people who want to refrain from eating gelatin because of the animal products used.
In conclusion, polymers are a good example of how chemistry enhances life because of the reasons mentioned above. Polymers used in farming can help communities save drinking water and help crops grow with less water. The polymers used in diapers help the purchaser save money by buying less diapers in the long run. Polysaccharide polymers are helpful in the food industry the most. Their ability to create a gelatinous substance without the use of animal products is beneficial in both the expense aspect and the consumer choice aspect. These are just some of the ways polymers have contributed to the enhancement of human life.
Kadeem C.
Grade 11