AQUAKEEPER-
Hydrogel
DESCRIPTION
AQUAKEEPER is a superabsorbent anionic polyacrylamide polymer. It is a
cross-linked copolymer of acrylamide and potassium acrylate that are water
soluble.
AQUAKEEPER
has the property of absorbing up to 500 times its weight in distilled
water and it becomes gel.
The polymer of AQUAKEEPER consist of a set
of polymeric chains that are parallel to each other and regularly linked to
each other by cross-linking agents, thus forming a network. When water comes
into contact with one of these chains, it is drawn into the molecule by
osmosis. Water rapidly migrates into the interior of the polymer network where
it is stored. As the soil dries out, the polymer releases up to 95% of the
absorbed water into soil.
APPLICATION
OF AQUAKEEPER
AQUAKEEPER is recommended to be used in
several applications such as:
- ARBORICULTURE: AQUAKEEPER is effective
in the planting trees, bushes, and samplings. It makes it possible to
reduce the mortality rate due to transplanting shock and to enhance root
development and therefore bring about more rapid growth and production.
- LAWNS AND SOD: AQUAKEEPER is very
easily used throughout the growth cycle of lawns and sod. It ensures good
germination, faster root development, and regular and even growth of
lawns. The rooting sod is also faster.
- HYDROSEEDING: AQUAKEEPER is commonly used
in hydro-seeding to stabilize newly graded soils. Mixed with or without
cellulose mulch, it makes it possible to maintain a minimum of surface
water, which permits rapid sprouting of seedlings even in dry areas.
- SOIL MIXES: AQUAKEEPER provides a
reduction in water stress. It ensures that cuttings and transplants take
root better and that seedlings grow faster. Irrigation frequencies are
spread out. It is an ideal solution in substrates for containers, hanging
plants, and houseplants.
- MIXING WITH FERTILIZER: AQUAKEEPER can
reduce leaching of nutrient in the soil, by mixing it dry into fertilizer
preparations. The behavior of plants fertilized with this mixture makes it
possible to maintain or even increase yield while at the same time
protecting the environment from leaching.
- AGRICULTURE: AQUAKEEPER has also shown
its effectiveness in large scale farming, especially at the time of
germination and development of the root network due to good aeration of
the soil. The storage of rainwater or irrigation by AQUAKEEPER delays the
wilting point and thus makes it possible for certain plants to begin to be
well established while waiting for the water regime to become adequate.
- AQUAKEEPER ensures a good population
and an even growth of plants even in very permeable soils.
- TRANSPORTING CUT FLOWERS: AQUAKEEPER in the form of hydrogel may be placed in
sealed plastic pouches. Once frozen, the pouches are often used in the
transport of heat-sensitive plant products such as cut flowers. The
hydrogel has excellent resistance to heat shock and does not leak after thawing.
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
Dry matter |
85-90% |
Apparent density |
0.85 |
Specific weight |
1.10 g/cm³ |
pH |
8.10 |
Appearance |
Dry = white powder
Hydrated = transparent gel |
Particle size |
≤1.3 mm or ≤3.0 mm |
Shelf live of the dry product |
5 years |
Packaging |
25 kg plastic bag |
INFORMATION
ON PRODUCT USE
Application of dry or hydrated product:
· After hydration of the product, it becomes
a transparent gel that is greatly expanded.
· When the product is mixed dry into a
substrate, it is recommended that an empty space of a minimum of 15% be left in
containers. During hydration, the substrate could overflow its container.
· Dry product must be placed under plugs. The
plant could be destabilized after AQUAKEEPER hydration.
· It is preferable to mix dry product in an
irrigated soil or substrate.
· On the other hand, hydrating the product in
a non irrigated soil is recommended so that it becomes active immediately.
Additional information:
- The higher the water temperature, the
faster the absorption of water by AQUAKEEPER.
- All the products in AQUAKEEPER line
have high absorption capacity. If the product is spilled, be sure not
to rinse it with water. The ground would become extremely slippery.
Shovel or vacuum it up.
- To clean equipment, blow off the powder
traces with compress air.
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin (use
of gloves and goggles is recommended).