Superabsorbent Polymers: From long-established, microplastics generating systems, to sustainable, biodegradable and future proof alternatives

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) play important roles in our daily life, as they are applied in products for hygiene, agriculture, construction, etc. The most successful commercially used types of SAPs are acrylate-based, which include poly(acrylic acid)s, poly(acrylamide)s, poly(acrylonitrile)s and their salts. The acrylate-based SAPs have superior water-absorbent properties, but they have high molecular weight and in addition an entirely carbon...