How to Make Water Gel

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Gel is a state that is not quite solid or liquid, it is something in between. On its own, water has three states: solid, liquid, and vapor. With the addition of sodium polyacrylate or agar, it is possible to turn water into a fourth state: gel. The sodium polyacrylate method should be performed in a lab, but the edible method can be performed in the comforts of your kitchen.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Sodium Polyacrylate

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  1. Sodium polyacrylate is an absorbent polymer that can absorb up to 400 times its weight. It is found in many absorbent products, such as diapers, and you can buy it online. It is occasionally sold as "water gel powder," "slush powder," or "instant solid powder." [1]
  2. You will be working with chemicals, so putting on a pair of safety goggles is a must. [2] Polymers absorb water, so this is not something that you want to get in your eyes. [3]
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  3. This may seem like a tiny amount, but you don't need much to turn water into gel. The polymer will swell up once you add the water. [4]
  4. Try to pour the water quickly, and from about 12 inches (30 cm) or even higher; this will cause the water to mix into the polymer better. [5]
    • If you have access to it, use deionized water for best results.
  5. Sodium polyacrylate has both carboxylate anion protons and sodium cation protons. Since water is attracted to sodium ions, it enters the polymer through osmosis. This causes the sodium carboxylate to ionize and the polymer to swell. Meanwhile, the anionic carboxylates repel each other, causing further swelling, which traps the water, and results in a gel. [6]
  6. This is not a required part of the experiment, but it is an interesting follow-up. NaCL (sodium chloride, also known as table salt) increases the number of electrolytes (ions) in the water. This prevents the carboxylates from repelling each other and causes the polymer to contract and expel the water. [7]
    • Start with about 5 to 7 g (1 to 1.25 teaspoons) of salt, then add more as needed. Keep adding salt and stirring until the gel turns back to water.
    • Use a glass stirring rod or stick for this.
  7. If your lab has a waste bin for chemicals, you can pour the gel in there. You can also stir salt into it, as indicated in the previous step, to return it to a liquid state, then pour it down the drain. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making Edible Water Gel

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  1. Make sure that you are using agar powder and not agar flakes. Also, make sure that the saucepan is big enough to hold at least 2 liters (0.53 US gal) of water. [9]
  2. Do not add the water all at once. Instead, start with just enough water to turn the powder into a paste. Then add the rest of the water in about four increments, stirring between each one. [10]
  3. Set the saucepan on the stove, and turn the heat up to medium. Cook the agar water for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches 176°F (80°C).
  4. Fill a larger container (ie: a sink) with cold water, then add some ice. Set the saucepan into the water, then stir the agar water until it turns cold and clear. [11]
    • The water level in the ice bath needs to reach the agar water level in the saucepan.
  5. You can use silicone baking or ice cube trays, regular ice cube trays, or even candy making molds. You can even use regular jelly molds.
  6. As the agar water continues to cool down, it will solidify into a gel. It will be slightly foggy, but still clear enough to see through. [12]
  7. The gel won't taste like much, so it would be a good idea to pour some sugar water or simple syrup over it before digging in. You can even use honey or a flavored simple syrup instead. [13]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I add food coloring to the agar powder gel?
    Manadasa
    Community Answer
    Yes. To use food coloring in agar gel, mix 20 ml of agar powder with 880 ml of boiling water. Once cooled to 60°C, add 100 ml of 0.1M NaOH and your food coloring, then allow it to cool further.
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  • Question
    What can I use instead of water gel for marbling?
    Community Answer
    You can use cornstarch mixed with water to create a marbling bath. It's a readily available option, but the effects might not be as crisp as with water gel. Thickeners like methylcellulose and carrageenan can also be alternatives.
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  • Question
    Can I put flavored liquids and food coloring inside, like green Sprite?
    Tanyeah Barnes
    Community Answer
    You generally cannot due to the amount of sugar and other ingredients in drinks like Sprite.
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      Tips

      • The sodium polyacrylate method is meant for experimental and learning purposes. It is not meant to be eaten or played with.
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      • Try using flavored water in place of regular water when making edible water gel.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      Using Sodium Polyacrylate

      • Sodium polyacrylate
      • Water (preferably deionized)
      • NaCl (sodium chloride/table salt)
      • Glass container or beaker
      • Glass stir rod
      • Scale
      • Safety goggles

      Making Edible Water Gel

      • 3â…“ cups (80 grams) agar powder
      • 8 cups (2 liters) water
      • Large saucepan
      • Rubber spatula
      • Plastic or silicone molds

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqgq7dIeVsE
      2. ↑ https://www.cmu.edu/gelfand/lgc-educational-media/polymers/polymer-and-absorption/super-absorb-powder.html
      3. ↑ https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB9741267.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.cmu.edu/gelfand/lgc-educational-media/polymers/polymer-and-absorption/super-absorb-powder.html
      5. ↑ https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/chemdemos/2011/06/14/make-water-a-gel/
      6. ↑ https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/chemdemos/2011/06/14/make-water-a-gel/
      7. ↑ https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/chemdemos/2011/06/14/make-water-a-gel/
      8. ↑ https://sites.lib.jmu.edu/chemdemos/2011/06/14/make-water-a-gel/
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSDuWkMnT0Y
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSDuWkMnT0Y
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSDuWkMnT0Y
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSDuWkMnT0Y
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSDuWkMnT0Y
      5. ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/whats-inside-ice-packs-201
      6. ↑ https://www.poison.org/articles/whats-inside-ice-packs-201

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