Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are polymers that can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of a liquid relative to their own mass, as per Wikipedia. Water absorbing polymers, which are classified as hydrogels when cross-linked, absorb aqueous solutions through hydrogen bonding with water molecules. A SAP's ability to absorb water is a factor of the ionic concentration of the aqueous solution. In deionized and distilled water, a SAP may absorb 500 times its weight (from 30–60 times its own volume) and can become up to 99.9% liquid, but when put into a 0.9% saline solution, the absorbency drops to maybe 50 times its weight. The presence of valence cations in the solution will impede the polymer's ability to bond with the water molecule. The total absorbency and swelling capacity are controlled by the type and degree of cross-linkers used to make the gel. Low density cross-linked SAP generally have a higher absorbent capacity and swell to a larger degree. These types of SAPs also have a softer and more sticky gel formation. High cross-link density polymers exhibit lower absorbent capacity and swell, but the gel strength is firmer and can maintain particle shape even under modest pressure. The largest use of SAP is found in personal disposable hygiene products, such as baby diapers, adult protective underwear and sanitary napkins. SAP is also used for blocking water penetration in underground power or communications cable, horticultural water retention agents, control of spill and waste aqueous fluid, artificial snow for motion picture and stage production.

BASF has unveiled renewable feedstock-based HySorb® B7015MB superabsorbent polymer. The new range includes HySorb® new odor control and HySorb® Mass Balance approach, binders for fibrous materials and of additives for hygiene, filtration and medical applications. The pioneering odor control superabsorbent polymer HySorb® in addition to BASF's superabsorbent polymer product portfolio is an innovative product to improve the quality of life for people with incontinence. By blocking the formation of ammonia, it prevents the odor caused by urine for an extended period of time. Furthermore, its high absorption capacity helps to keep the skin dry. Superabsorbent polymers are used in a variety of applications for every day needs in our life. The adult incontinence market is second only to baby care for superabsorbents and experiences the highest global growth.
HySorb® B7015MB - the new superabsorbent polymer based on renewable feedstock: Working in cooperation with TÜV SÜD (a third-party certification body), BASF has developed an innovative mass balance approach for the use of renewable based feedstock in the BASF "Verbund". Based on this approach, biomass is fed into existing plants at the very beginning of the production chain of superabsorbents. This biomass share is then allocated to sales products according to their recipes using the new standard including 3rd party certification of the product. The quality of the superabsorbent polymers remains unchanged. Biomass equivalent can be allocated to superabsorbents up to 100% according to this standard driven by its customers' specifications and demand, which can be marketed accordingly. Existing plants and technologies along the value chain can continue to be used, and the customers' product designs and production process require no adjustments. The superabsorbent polymers based on renewables save fossil based raw materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to sustainable development. BASF continues with its expertise in the field of polymer dispersions for fiber bonding with tailor made solutions to customers in the construction, furniture and automobile industry. The dispersions are characterized by high functionality and customized processability. Innovative and intelligent solutions made by BASF in the field of non-wovens help to make the customers' products more efficient, competitive and eco-friendly. One focus in the field of dispersions for fiber bonding is the ecologically compatible reactive resins of the Acrodur® brand. Acrodur®, the water-based cross-linking acrylate resin is an environmentally friendly one-component system that boasts excellent binding properties. The underlying technology is based on the thermal cross-linking of polycarboxylic acids with a multi-functional alcohol. Unlike classical reactive resins, no organic substances such as phenol or formaldehyde are released during the cross-linking process. The only by-product caused by curing is water. Acrodur® is neither toxical nor explosive and consequently guarantees environmental friendliness, as well as safe and simple handling. The binding agent not only improves the properties of the finished product, but also ensures safe working conditions during production. In addition, the environmentally compatible technology helps processing companies to respect emission limits and to save costs.