Polymer crystals otherwise known as water beads are one of those special items that are almost magical.
What are water beads and how do they work.
They sometimes come pre soaked and also come dry waiting to be soaked in water.
Water beads come in a dehydrated state.
When water bead is placed in contact with water there is a tendency for the sodium to distribute itself equally between the water bead and the water.
Water beads are composed of a water absorbing polymer sodium polyacrylate which is a super absorbing polymer sap and absorbs water by a process called osmosis.
The beads are being used in beautiful style by homeowners interior designers and large companies alike.
They look like very tint balls not much bigger than the head of a pin.
Water beads are non toxic child pet safe.
Water beads also called orbeez water pearls water crystals gel beads etc are polymer crystals that look like little beads.
A water gel crystals is a polymer gel powder and is non toxic ecologically neutral it breaks down after its useful working life to water carbon dioxide co2 and nitrogen.
Keep reading to find out how to use water beads and some ideas for incorporating them in decorations in plants and with kids.
One of their major uses is by the disposable diaper manufacturers where they are referred to as super absorbent polymers.
On top of giving an additional decorative element to a vase of flowers they also control water absorption.
It has the ability to absorb as much as 200 to 300 times its mass in water.
A single 10 gram packet of water crystals expands to over 2 cups of beads.
Then allow them to sit for a few hours as they absorb the water around them and grow.
When exposed to water they absorb tore and then release water needed for growing plants.
Water beads are a revolutionary new and unique water conserving product for plants and cut flowers.
Q is it safe for kids to use.
Although water beads are non toxic and environmentally safe they can be a choking hazard for younger kids or children who still mouth items.
To grow them simply place your water beads in a bowl and add water.
A polymer is made of of tiny particles that stick together and form long chains.
Water beads are tiny water absorbent polymer.
When they are placed in water they absorb the water and grow to about the size of a marble.
Sodium polyacrylate is the absorbent material found in baby diapers.
These polymer gel balls change water into colorful shining beads that resemble crystal balls in a clear glass container.
Polymer water beads gel in a way very similar to a gelatin dessert.
The polymers allow for thinner and lighter disposable diapers.
Water beads are made from a polyacrylamide such as sodium polyacrylate which is commonly known as a superabsorbent polymer.
Water beads a non edible bead about the size of a blueberry made of a combination of water and a water absorbing polymer.