Particle-Scale and Macro-Scale Computations on the Swelling Process of Superabsorbent Polymer Particles

Abstract

In this study, an experiment where Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) particles are dropped into water was conducted. As the particles accumulated on the bottom area, swelling starts. The height change of the particle layer is measured. The swelling behavior of SAP particles are also tracked using OpenPIV. In addition, the swelling process was numerically predicted with a three-dimensional computation method which deals with fluid-solid and solid-solid interactions (MICS) to confirm its applicability. On the macro-scale, MICS is used to simulate a seepage flow through SAP particles layer. As water flow through the layer, it is absorbed by the SAP layer and the particles swell upward. The applicability and improvability of the computations are then discussed.