A unique, intelligent system that adapts shoes to suit weather conditions has become possible, with processing of a special superabsorbing fleece by IQTEX into an innovative ventilation element known as Vayu Verd. Shoes made with Vayu Verde technology are not only breathable but, depending on the weather, can be as air-permeable as a cotton T-shirt or as watertight as rain boots. Vayu Verde functions like a flower that closes up in the rain and re-opens when it is dry. When the material gets wet, for example if the wearer steps in a puddle, the superabsorbing fleece in the ventilation element immediately expands and self-seals the system. It even stays watertight under high pressure. Then, as soon as the material integrated into the sole of the shoe dries, it regains its breathability within minutes and the wearer feels a cool and pleasant sensation. Whether rain or sunshine � feet will always stay dry.
The fleece in Vayu Verde® contains superabsorbent polymers and is marketed by BASF as Luquafleece®. This functional material can absorb large amounts of aqueous liquids and due to its reversible moisture binding system is capable of absorbing and releasing large amounts of moisture and humidity. It is already being used for increased climate comfort in office chairs and protective clothing. Superabsorbents are crosslinked polyacrylates that can absorb and bind huge amounts of liquid: up to 500 times their weight. Their main area of application is in the manufacture of hygiene products. They are also used in many industrial applications, such as for thickening or absorbing liquid waste or as waterblocking coatings for cables. Superabsorbents do not release absorbed liquids under pressure; plant roots, on the other hand, can absorb the water stored in superabsorbents slowly and evenly, which is why superabsorbents are increasingly being used for water storage purposes in the earth or in special plant soil.

The first shoes with Vayu Verde® technology are to be launched on the market in 2008. The Vayu Verde® technology is not only suitable for shoes but could also be used to manufacture jackets, gloves, tents, safety helmets, textiles and sports accessories to achieve optimum ventilation. This innovative technology could also be deployed in electronic devices or medical products. BASF superabsorbents Luquafleece® and Luquasorb® meet high standards. They are capable of holding several times their own weight in fluids and retaining it even under pressure. Besides liquid absorption, superabsorbent polymers are also known for their excellent thickening capacity, swelling capacity and moisture management features. Superabsorbent polymers are used as a moisture control agent in food packaging or as a sealing aid in cable wrap. Luquafleece® is a superabsorbent fleece material that is suitable for active moisture management, possessing the ability to absorb large amounts of aqueous solutions, furthermore, it is also capable of absorbing and desorbing aqueous-based vapors. It finds application in :

Agriculture and horticulture
 Water-retaining additive for potting soils
 Soil additive for the construction of golf courses
 Soil additive for professional tree nurseries
Cost-efficient water management is of particular importance for the agricultural and horticultural industry, e.g. for tree nurseries growing high-value trees and shrubs.  Superabsorbent polymers help to solve this problem as they have a high capacity to retain water in dry soils during prolonged periods of drought and make the water available to the plant roots. An optimal water supply lets the plants grow stronger and at the same time reduces the risk of drought stress. By adding Luquasorb ® to the potting mix plant irrigation can be managed very efficiently.

Waste treatment
 Solidification of medical waste
 Fluid and odour control in cat litter
 Efficient clean-up of aqueous fluids with spill kits
Superabsorbent polymers can be used to form a solid gel, a property that makes them ideally suited for solidifying medical and industrial waste. By applying superabsorbents potential spills of infectious fluids can be prevented and the handling risk can be reduced.

Packaging
 For moisture control in food packaging
 For cool packs
 For moisture control for transport packaging €
High-performance superabsorbent granules can be incorporated as a filler in the manufacture of soaker pads used in food packaging. Its ability to absorb large volumes of liquid means only small amounts of superabsorbent are necessary. This helps to make the packaging economical. Further, the food, some of which is very delicate, stays fresh longer and looks more attractive. Luquasorb® FP 800 has gained the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for indirect food contact. The approval covers packaging of poultry, meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.

Cable and electronics
  For cable wrapping
Cable wraps protect subterranean cables from mechanical and weather-related exposure. The cable insulation consists of several layers of materials to protect against damage from infiltrating water or moisture. When the outer plastic cover is harmed and liquid infiltrates, it can cause damage over some distance from the point of a breach due to the capillary effects in the cable. To prevent this, superabsorbents can be used alone or in combination with a non-woven as a sealing aid between the wires and the outer plastic cover. The superabsorbent swells instantly when it comes into contact with moisture. It absorbs the moisture and seals the damaged location.

Medical dressings
 For moisture control in wound dressings and plasters
In wound care superabsorbent polymers absorb wound secretions and help to maintain a moist wound environment which supports and improves the healing process.