SAPs absorb liquid through osmosis and are made from partially neutralized sodium polyacrylate. [1] X Research source
Keep a journal or spreadsheet with the dry weights of all diapers. Include a column for wet weights, which will be measured later, and for the difference between dry weight and wet weight.
Use a timer to ensure that the diapers are all exposed to the liquid for the same amount of time. This eliminates the possibility of one diaper absorbing more just because of extra time to absorb liquid.
Weighing diapers with excess liquid on them will make it look like the diaper absorbed more than it actually did.
For example, if your dry weight was 100 g and your wet weight was 250 g, you would simply subtract 100 from 250 (250g−100g=150g{\displaystyle 250g-100g=150g}).
Use identical pitchers and have 1 pitcher for each diaper you are testing.
Put the diapers in a bowl or pan to catch any runoff liquid. Pour the excess liquid back into the pitcher to improve the accuracy of your measurements.
Use a chart or table to keep track of your data. Create 1 column for the brand or type of diaper and 1 for the amount of liquid left in the pitcher. The more liquid left in the pitcher, the worse the diaper performed.
This experiment will be done over many hours or even days. Keep track of your diapers and how well they perform in a chart. Have a column for brand, dry weight, wet weight, difference between dry and wet weights, and amount of time that the diaper was on the baby.
Change diapers when they are wet. Do not leave wet diapers on your baby to try to absorb more, as this could lead to diaper rash and skin irritation for your baby.
Subtract the dry weight that you took before putting the diaper on from the wet weight. This will give you the weight of the urine absorbed.
