Make fluorescent hydrogel balls

Based on the experiment of making a fluorescent liquid, we are going to manufacture gel balls and fluorescent hydrogel. This is a very eye-catching experiment, where you can appreciate the principles of the superabsorbent polymers as well as the fluorescence.

A superabsorbent polymer is a material that has the ability to absorb a large amount of liquid, as the name "superabsorbent" indicates. In this photo you can see the hydrogel in its dry state and when it has absorbed the water.

Source of this images

Let's now see how to make this fluorescent hydrogel, which shines with ultraviolet light when it is illuminated.

MATERIALS:

Here we indicate the materials used. By making a link in each of them you can see in Alquera where to buy them.

- Hydrogel.

- Gel balls.

- Sodium Fluorescein.

- Ultraviolet light.

MAKE HIDROGEL POLYMER OR FLUORESCENT GEL BALLS

1) Grab 2 glasses.

2) Fill each of the glasses with water.

3) Put a few flecks of fluorescein (no need for grams, with a few specks will be enough) in each of the glasses.

4) Turn off the light and turn on the ultraviolet light to see the fluorescence generated.

5) Put 2 grams of hydrogel and 10 balls in each of the glasses respoectively.

6) Wait 15-30 minutes until the hydrogel and the balls absorb the liquid.