Go Back   Cigar Weekly Community Forums and Discussion Groups > Smoking Post > The Cedar Room

The Cedar Room A place for cigar storage and cigar accessories discussions.

 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 01-25-2003, 09:11 AM   #1
HMS Richard
Member
 
HMS Richard's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 358
How to mix superabsorbent polymer crystals

Inroduction: Superabsorbent polymers, otherwise known as SAPs are materials that swel in water to form a clear gel made up of separate, individual particles. They are used in a vast array of applications from baby diapers to fiber optic cable, fire protection, etc. They have excellent potential as a cigar humidifying agent.

A copy and paste from CF - hope you find it useful, HMS

Subject: Mixing superabsorbent polymers - again
From: HMS Richard
Date: 01/25/03 12:51 PM

By popular demand since searching the archives is a pain . . .

Where to buy: http://www.watersorb.com/mainstore.html

What size crystals do I buy: Medium for travel humidifiers, Large for the CigarOasis cartridge

Cost: $12 for 2 pounds - will last you forever

How do I mix: Add 1/2 cup of distilled water to 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoons of dry polymer nuggets.

Then what: Let sit in an open tupperware container overnight to achieve maximum absorbtion. 1- 2 hrs to reach functional state.

What about adding PG: Optional. May help retard mold but it also inhibits water absorbtion (me think). Recommend you try first with distilled water.

Tap Water: Recommend distilled for max absorbtion but tap can be used in a pinch

How to store surplus wetted polymes: Sealed tupperware or comparable container. Check once every few weeks for any signs of discoloration. Discard and replace if necessary with a new batch. I have not had this problem so far. Wash your hands before handling polymers to avoid possible contamination.

Best application: travel humidifiers, e.g. Humiditubes in lieu of sponges, silica gel, and florist foam. And as a replacement for the factory-supplied florist foam in your CigarOasis cartridge. You will never have to buy a replacement CO cartridge again. Best, polymers really do shine in the CO cartridge.

Fill the cartridge only half way with wetted polymers. Check every few weeks to see if they have shrunk in size appreciably. If so, re-wet with an ample supply of distilled H2O. Squirt bottle works best. Check for any discoloration.

Not to do: Wetter polymers should not come in contact with certain metals such as brass. They will discolor.

A further word on polymer use with Humiditubes: After the overnight hydrating, discard the excess run-off. The fully hydrated polymers should fill the entire length of the Humiditube. Discard any overflow (and there will be). Avoid over-packing.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Mixing superabsorbent polymers - again
From: HMS Richard
Date: 01/25/03 12:59 PM


One thing I forgot to mention, if using a plastic Humiditube (sold by www.thesherman.com and others with sponges inside), I recommend you insert a cut-to-fit piece of perforated plastic inside the tube to prevent excess polymers from oozing out. I use the Darice 14 mesh perforated plastic canvas sold in craft stores.
__________________
HMS Richard - Cigar Consultant to the Stars
HMS Richard is offline   Reply With Quote
 

Bookmarks
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:23 AM.