Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) Sheets: Raw Material for Disposable Hygiene Products

Core Composition

An SAP sheet is a specialized hygienic material engineered for high-performance liquid absorption and retention. Its core composition is a carefully balanced blend of wood pulp and cellulose fibers which provide the structural matrix, and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) particles (most commonly sodium polyacrylate) known for absorbing large volumes of liquid.

Form: Nonwoven or Specialty Paper

SAP sheets are typically categorized as nonwoven fabric or specialized paper. The nonwoven structure creates a porous, web-like structure ideal for absorbing liquids. The air-laid paper process is often used, resulting in a thin, flexible material.

Primary Function

The primary function is exceptional absorbency and efficient liquid retention. SAP particles absorb liquids many times their weight and form a gel-like substance that prevents release even under pressure.

Key Component of Absorbent Core

SAP sheets serve as a fundamental element of the absorbent core in modern disposable hygiene products. They integrate SAP directly into a fibrous matrix, combining benefits of both materials.

Absorption Mechanism

The mechanism involves rapid liquid absorption followed by formation of a stable gel. Cellulose fibers wick and distribute liquid, while SAP particles swell to form a hydrogel that locks in moisture.

Benefits

Benefits include enhanced product performance and user comfort, allowing for thinner products, better leak protection, reduced skin irritation, and odor control.

Sanitary Napkins & Panty Liners

SAP sheets are core absorbent material in feminine hygiene products, providing rapid absorption of menstrual fluid and enabling thinner product designs.

Baby Diapers & Incontinence Products

A critical component that absorbs large volumes of urine, prevents leaks, and keeps skin dry in both baby diapers and adult incontinence products.

Medical & Healthcare Uses

Used in underpads, nursing pads, wound dressings, and surgical sponges for superior liquid absorption and retention.

High Absorbency

Can absorb 30-1000x their weight in liquid with fast absorption rates

Thin & Flexible

Enables thinner, more discreet products without compromising performance

Manufacturing Efficiency

Reduces dust compared to SAP powder and improves production efficiency

Odor Control

Locks away fluids to minimize bacterial growth and unpleasant odors

Customizability

SAP content (35-70%), size, thickness, and GSM can be tailored to requirements

vs. Cellulose Materials

• Superior leak protection under pressure

• Higher liquid retention capacity

• Enables thinner, more streamlined products

• Better combination of distribution and retention

vs. SAP Powder

• Reduced dust generation during manufacturing

• Cleaner work environment

• Easier integration into automated production

• More consistent SAP distribution

Composite Structure

• Pre-formed structure ensures consistent SAP distribution

• Homogeneous dispersion within fibrous matrix

• Simplifies core construction process

• More reliable product performance

Common SAP Types

Sodium polyacrylate (most common) Potassium polyacrylat    Polyacrylamide
Cellulose-based SAPs

SAP Content Ranges

Light products: 30-50%
           Heavy-flow products: 50-70%+
  Customizable based on requirements
     Base weight: 130-145 GSM

Raw Materials

Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
Cellulose fibers
              Virgin wood pulp (preferred)
               Tissue paper/Air-laid paper