Versatile hydrogels thanks to their large spectra of chemical structures allowing to obtain outstanding absorption rates and capacities are predominantly used in superabsorbent materials for mass production disposable goods such as diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products accounting for 94% of the superabsorbent polymer consumption. The other 6% are applied in technical and sophisticated uses as diversified as construction and civil engineering, agricultural and horticultural markets, packaging, wire & cable, fire fighting, medical and care uses, land water management... The connection between those applications being the high absorption capacity.
Most of the superabsorbent polymers are derived from the polyacrylic acid that accounts for nearly 1% of the total plastic market with a consumption in the order of those of polyamides or phenolic resins. They can be proposed in various forms such as powders or granules, fibres, foams, solutions. and as the other plastics can be combined with other materials to fabricate composites or hybrids.