Instructor's Notes
Things Teachers Should Know
Water Lock (sodium polyacrylate) is a super absorbent synthetic polymer. This
product is capable of holding 800 times its weight in water. Water lock works
by bonding to water molecules and absorbing them, similar to the way a sponge
absorbs water. If you do not have distilled water, tap water will work fine,
but note that the Water Lock will not hold as much tap water due to the
dissolved minerals in tap water.
Adding salt to Water Lock releases the water from the polymer, allowing you to
pour the solution just as you would any other liquid.
Links for Additional Study
In Class Activity
Use Water Lock to Absorb Water
Materials Needed:
- Water Lock. (Sodium polyacrylate)
- Distilled water
- A non see through container (Styrofoam cup, Clorox bottle)
- Table salt
Directions:
- Place a tablespoon of Water Lock into your container.
- Pour the distilled water into the container,
- then invert the container.
- The water will not pour out! Water Lock has absorbed the water and bonded
to it. To release the water, dump salt into the container, this will release
the water molecules from the Water Lock
Safety Precautions: Water Lock is safe to use and handle under common
sense conditions. Do not eat or inhale it, and avoid getting
it in your eyes.
Clumps of Water Lock (your students will probably refer to them as "snowballs")
are safe to handle and play with. When done, dispose of the substance in the
trash. If left on the counter the water will eventually evaporate and leave
behind the Water Lock as a little pile of white powder, which may be used again.
