Toby’s Nappies - Scientific investigation

Nappies are quite incredible.
Their ability to absorb and retain moisture is very clever. Using synthetic polymers, today’s state of the art disposable diapers will absorb up to 15 times their weight in water. This phenomenal absorption capacity is due to the absorbent pad in the core of the nappy. This pad is composed of two essential elements, a hydrophilic, or water loving , polymer and a fibrous material such as wood pulp

After a bit of research on the history, technology and science as well as an explanation on what polymers are, we experimented with nappies looking closely at the chemical reactions that take place when water meets nappy.

• Vocabulary.
• Permeable
• Impermeable
• Moisture
• Soluble
• Absorbent
• Synthetic
• Polymer
• Sponge