Superabsorbent polymers: Eco-friendliness and the gap between basic research and industrial applications

• Published in: Reactive & functional polymers Vol. 214; p. 106278
• Main Authors: Denagbe, Wilfried, Mazet, Etienne, Desbrières, Jacques, Michaud, Philippe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biodegradation; Chemical Sciences; Eco-friendly; Legislation; Polymers; Polysaccharides; Superabsorbent; Biodegradation; INDA; NWSP; Legislation; Eco-friendly; SAP or SAPs; AUC; Polysaccharides; CRC; FSC; EDANA; Polymers; Superabsorbent
• ISSN: 1381-5148; 1873-166X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2025.106278

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are versatile materials, indispensable in the design of various products (98 % of SAPs in the hygiene sector, and 2 % of SAPs in agriculture, biomedical, water treatment and civil engineering) due to their ability to absorb massive quantities of fluids. SAPs are mainly made from polyacrylate derivatives despite their high ecological footprint, because of their high absorption capacities and their low cost. This reality forces some players in the field to envisage a more sustainable future through the development of eco-friendly SAPs. However, the notion of SAPs is often generalized independently of their field of application, and the procedures used to evaluate their performance are sometimes far removed from the standardized procedures essential to their industrial applications. This review attempts to give readers clear definitions of SAPs depending on their applications. It aims also to take stock of existing standardized and normalized procedures for qualifying them. It highlights the cruel reality in this field, distinguishing eco-friendly “SAP” materials from those that are not. Finally, it recontextualizes the subject proposing a clear approach to adopt and showing that the industrial application potential of “eco-friendly and biodegradable SAP” is poorly understood when it is not evaluated according to industrial requirements. [Display omitted] •The study defines what an SAP is in terms of its field of application•The history, characteristics, formulation and post-use fate of SAP are reported.•Analytical procedures for characterizing SAP in the hygiene field are presented.•Study reveals the reality of eco-friendly SAP.