Superabsorbent polymer: fake snow
Introduction
This is a very simple experiment that shows how much water some polymers can absorb.
Description of the Experiment
The experiment is in two parts:
In the first one, fake snow powder (a few grams) is mixed with water (0.5 L) in a freezer bag. It makes instant snow, with a huge increase of the volume. The texture of fake the fake snow is dry although it is mainly made of water.
Adding table salt on fake snow makes it release its water and it becomes liquid again.
Equipment and materials
Fake snow powder (it is crosslinked sodium polyacrylate). It can be found in Christmas shops, or on Amazon…
Freezer bag. Making the fake snow in the freezer bag is very impressive as the audience see the snow forming and growing in a few seconds.
Table salt
References