The links below illustrate uses of super-absorbent polymers.  

A Plastic that “Grows”, Experiment of the Month, National Plastics Center & Museum, May 1997, available online at http://npcm.plastics.com/slimystuff4.html

What is Sodium Polyacrylate Good For, Besides Toys?, Experiment of the Month, National Plastics Center & Museum, June 1997, available online at http://npcm.plastics.com/slimystuff5.html

More About Those Diapers!, Experiment of the Month
, National Plastics Center & Museum, July 1997, available online at http://npcm.plastics.com/slimystuff6.html

Yet Another Super Absorbent Plastic!, Experiment of the Month, National Plastics Center & Museum, August 1997, available online at http://npcm.plastics.com/slimystuff7.html