Physicochemical Properties of Absorbent Hydrogel Polymers in Disposable Baby Diapers

Abstract Diapers are reusable waste. This research presents physicochemical properties of sodium polyacrylate in new (ND) and used (UD) diapers, via wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), pH, turbidity and colour. Additional constituents detected in ND, while others were slightly higher in UD. Slight decrease (2000-2500 cm-1, UD) and bulk peaks (3287-3333 cm−1, UD) were observed and functional group at 2897 cm-1 (ND) disappeared showing their role as absorption sites. The pH (6.83-8.50), turbidity (16.3-36.6 NTU) and colour (153-432 Pt.Co) values were obtained. Thus, this provides a baseline reference for diapers application in concrete technology.