SAP
Improve efficiency, consistency and quality in polymer powder production with Hosokawa Micron’s advanced processing equipment. We support manufacturers of specialty polymers and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with tailor-made solutions for drying, mixing, agglomeration and coating—engineered for low moisture, high purity and precise control over product properties.
From moisture-sensitive intermediates to high-value final compounds, Hosokawa’s systems enable low-temperature processing, solvent recovery and contamination-free handling. Whether for polymer synthesis, compounding, recycling or SAP modification, our flexible technologies ensure safe, scalable and energy-efficient production across both batch and continuous operations.
Vacuum Drying for Polymers
The Nauta vacuum dryer is ideal for drying polymers after synthesis. It applies vacuum and heat to evaporate all liquid components and cure the product. If the fluid's boiling point is higher than the polymer's melting point, the valuable fluid (monomer) can be recovered in a controlled manner during the condensing step.
Its ability to handle multiple process steps in one vessel reduces handling, prevents cross-contamination, and maintains consistent product quality. The Nauta dryer is widely used to dry base polymers, pre-extrusion intermediates or moisture-sensitive formulations.
Extrusion-Ready Drying
For pelletising or direct extrusion, polymers must be dry and uniformly conditioned. The Nauta vacuum dryer prepares virgin or recycled polymers by achieving ultra-low residual moisture and homogeneous product feed—both critical for extrusion performance.
Mixing & Coating of Polymers
Nauta conical screw mixers offer low-shear, homogeneous blending of polymers with functional additives, improving flow, static discharge or mechanical properties. They also support recycling of trims and scrap, either offline for pre-mixing or online using semi-continuous production.
The Nauta mixer is also suitable for coating polymers with pigments prior to extrusion.
Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs)
Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are advanced materials capable of absorbing and retaining exceptionally large volumes of liquid. These water-absorbing polymers, or hydrogels, can hold up to 500 times their own weight in water. Absorbency depends on the type and ratio of cross-linking agents used in the polymer network: low-density cross-linked SAPs absorb more liquid, while high-density cross-linked SAPs have a lower absorbency but form firmer gels.
The Flexomix mixer/agglomerator is commonly used to add surface cross-linking agents to SAPs. It precisely doses powder and liquid components to form a homogeneous mixture, and its self-cleaning design prevents product build-up—an issue often encountered in superabsorbent polymer processing.
experimental verification
Before investing in new equipment, please conduct tests on the materials to be used at the Hosokawa Test and Process Development Center based on actual production conditions. Our experienced experts will assist you in determining the most effective mixing, granulation, or drying processes, helping you transition from laboratory trials to a comprehensive production testing phase. Whether you need to test the performance of a single machine or evaluate the entire production line, we can provide tailored testing services and process optimization solutions to ensure reliable system operation and excellent performance.
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