Physics of Polymer Solutions

Question:

How do different solutes affect the absorbency of the polymer in diapers?

Materials:

• Huggies OverNites Diapers
• Water
• Salt
• Sugar
• Food coloring

Instructions:

1. Prepare solutions of pure water, salt water, sugar water, and water with food coloring.
2. Pour pure water into a diaper until it is fully soaked. Carefully record the amount of water it takes to saturate the diaper.
3. Repeat step 1 with the salt water, sugar water, and dyed water solutions.
4. Did the diaper absorb more or less water when salt, sugar, or food coloring was added? Does the amount of solute affect the absorbency?