Evonik Industries (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) in late April 2015 inaugurated its new EUR 1m application technology centre for superabsorbent polymers. Located in Krefeld / Germany, the laboratory will not only test procedures for hygiene and technical superabsorbent applications, it also offers an improved technical service for customers. The enlarged lab space includes the newest test methods, Evonik said, such as the Edana mannequin test for incontinence articles.

The cross-linked, water-insoluble polymers are capable of absorbing and storing up to 500 times their own weight in aqueous liquids, while offering a range of other characteristics such as skin dryness. A leading superabsorbent polymers producer, Evonik operates plants in the US, Germany and Saudi Arabia – including its 80,000 t/y Saudi Acrylic Polymer Company joint venture with Saudi Acrylic Acid Company (see Plasteurope.com of 18.10.2013).