ISO 17190-10:2020

Overview

ISO 17190-10:2020 specifies a laboratory test method for determining the mass fraction of soluble (extractable) polymers present in crosslinked polyacrylate superabsorbent powders used in urine‑absorbing aids for incontinence. The method quantifies polymeric acid and carboxylate species that extract into a 0.9 % saline solution, using potentiometric titration and defined sample preparation, conditioning and calculation procedures.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Measurement of extractable polymer content (soluble acid and salt groups of monomeric, oligomeric and polymeric carboxylates) from superabsorbent powders.
• Principle: Mix ~1 g sample with 200 ml 0.9 % saline, stir (250 ± 50 rpm) for 1 hour, allow gel to settle, filter (pore size < 12 µm), then titrate an aliquot potentiometrically.
• Titration procedure:
  • Titrate filtrate to pH 10.0 with standardized NaOH (0.10 mol·L−1) to determine free carboxylic acid groups.
  • Back‑titrate to pH 2.7 with standardized HCl (0.10 mol·L−1) to determine neutralized carboxylate groups.
  • Use blank titrations for correction.
• Apparatus & reagents: calibrated analytical balances, pH meter with suitable electrode (range pH 2.7–10.0), burette or automated titrator, 0.9 % NaCl solution (conductivity check), grade 3 water (ISO 3696).
• Sampling & conditioning: Samples conditioned at laboratory atmosphere (preferred 23 ± 2 °C, 45 ± 15 % RH per ISO 187); rotate containers to homogenize and avoid large lumps (>1 mm).
• Calculation & reporting: Convert titration volumes to moles of COOH/COO−, calculate corresponding masses and report extractables as a mass fraction. Precision and reporting requirements are defined in the standard.
• Safety note: Minimize inhalation of respirable dust; guidance referenced for exposure limits (e.g., 0.05 mg·m−3 for respirable particles).

Applications

• Quality control of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) raw materials and finished incontinence products.
• Supplier qualification and incoming inspection to verify soluble polymer levels that can affect absorption, gel integrity and product safety.
• R&D and formulation work to compare polymer crosslinking and post‑treatment effects on extractables.
• Regulatory and certification testing where trace soluble polymer content impacts product claims or biocompatibility.

Who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of incontinence products and SAP producers
• Analytical and QA/QC laboratories
• Product developers and materials scientists
• Regulatory bodies and conformity assessment organizations

Related standards

• ISO 17190 series (other parts covering test methods for urine‑absorbing aids)
• Normative references used in the method: ISO 187 (conditioning) and ISO 3696 (water for analytical use)

Keywords: ISO 17190-10:2020, polyacrylate superabsorbent powders, extractable polymer content, potentiometric titration, urine-absorbing aids, incontinence, test method, quality control.