Absorbency: Definition and Applications

Professor Gu's English Class

Overview Definition Measurement Applications Practice

absorbency

/əbˈsɔːrbənsi/
noun material science

Basic Definition:The capacity of a material to soak up liquids

Etymology:From Latin "absorbere" (to swallow up) + English suffix "-ency"

📚 Core Meanings

Material Property

A material's ability to take in and retain liquids

The absorbency of this paper is excellent.
This paper has high liquid retention capacity.
Material Science

Measurement

The rate at which a material absorbs liquid

We tested the absorbency of different fabrics.
Measured how quickly fabrics soak up liquids.
Testing

Practical Value

Usefulness in products requiring liquid absorption

Diapers require high absorbency.
Baby products need excellent liquid retention.
Applications

"Absorbency" is a key property in materials science, particularly for paper, textiles, and hygiene products. It's measured in grams of liquid per gram of material.

🔄 Usage Comparison

English Examples

The absorbency of this towel is remarkable.

We need to improve the absorbency of our paper products.

This test measures the absorbency rate.

Chinese Translation

This towel has exceptional liquid absorption capacity.

Our paper products need better liquid retention.

This test evaluates absorption speed.

🔬 Measurement Methods

Gravimetric Method

Weight Measurement

Measures weight gain after absorption

Drop Test

Liquid Penetration

Times liquid penetration into material

Key Measurement Factors:

Testing Standards

  • ISO 12625-8 for tissue paper
  • ASTM D824 for paperboard
  • EDANA ERT 10.3 for nonwovens

🏭 Practical Applications

Hygiene Products

Essential for diapers and sanitary items

High absorbency core in diapers
Critical feature for baby care products
Consumer Goods

Medical Supplies

Important for wound dressings

Surgical dressings require controlled absorbency
Medical textiles need specific absorption properties
Healthcare

Industrial Uses

Oil spill cleanup materials

absorbency of oil-only materials
Specialized absorption for environmental cleanup
Industry

Technical Notes

Related Term: absorption capacity
Opposite: repellency

⚠️ Common Misconceptions

Clarifications:

Absorbency and adsorption are the same. (Incorrect)

Correct:Absorbency involves bulk penetration, adsorption is surface attachment.

All absorbent materials work the same way. (Incorrect)

Correct:Different materials have varying absorption mechanisms (capillary, swelling, etc.).

✍️ Practice Exercises

Translation Practice

1. The absorbency of this sponge is impressive.
2. We need to test the absorbency of these new fabrics.
3. Super-absorbent polymers can hold much more liquid.

1. This sponge has remarkable liquid absorption capacity.

2. These new fabrics require absorption testing.

3. Special polymers have exceptional liquid retention.

Application Questions

Discuss these scenarios:

• Why is absorbency important for paper towels?
• How would you test the absorbency of a new fabric?
• What factors affect a material's absorbency?

Correction Exercise

Identify and correct errors:

1. Absorbency means repelling liquids.
2. All materials have the same absorbency rate.
3. Absorbency isn't measurable.

1. Absorbency means taking in liquids.

2. Different materials have varying absorbency rates.

3. Absorbency is precisely measurable.