Water crystal gel explained

Water crystal gel or water beads or gel beads is any gel which absorbs and contains a large amount of water. Water gel is usually in spherical form and composed of a water-absorbing superabsorbent polymer (SAP, also known as slush powder in dry form) such as a polyacrylamide (frequently sodium polyacrylate).

Uses

Water gels are used for:

• Supplying water to small animals as an alternative to supplying water in a dish. Some small animals tend to fall into dishes of water and drown.
• Watering or potting plants.^[1]
• In vases of cut flowers
• Use in gardens to save water.
• Used as ammunition for gel blaster toy guns. Usually came in 7– when full size.
• Colorful decorations or artificial snow.^[2]
• In a dry state as absorbent filler inside disposable diapers and sanitary napkins.
• Proposed for controlling or containing floods.^[3]

See also

• Superabsorbent polymer (further uses, chemical and physical details)
• Sodium polyacrylate (more uses and details)
• Potassium polyacrylate (more uses and details)
• Polyacrylamide (more uses and details)
• Orbeez (a commercial toy utilizing this technology)

Notes and References

1. Web site: Water-retaining granules / RHS Gardening . 2022-09-25 . www.rhs.org.uk . en-gb.
2. Web site: Snow and ice: How do you make fake snow? . 2022-09-25 . independent . en.
3. Web site: 11-year-old designs a better sandbag, named 'America's Top Young Scientist' . 2022-09-25 . NBC News . en.