What Is SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity)?
Direct Answer
SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity) measures how easily liquid flows through swollen SAP gel layers — higher SFC means better liquid distribution and less gel blocking.
Key Takeaways
- SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity) measures how easily liquid flows through swollen SAP gel layers — higher SFC means better liquid distribution and less gel blocking.
- How it works: After SAP swells, SFC tests how quickly saline can flow through the gel network under a standard head.
- High-SFC SAP keeps ultra-thin cores functional by maintaining liquid pathways
- Myth: Absorbency capacity is all that matters. SFC and AAP (under pressure) are equally critical for real-world performance
How SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity) Works
After SAP swells, SFC tests how quickly saline can flow through the gel network under a standard head. High SFC means open channels between gel particles, letting liquid reach the whole core. Low SFC SAP gels block and pool liquid. It is a key quality metric for modern ultra-thin cores that rely heavily on SAP.
Examples and Applications
- High-SFC SAP keeps ultra-thin cores functional by maintaining liquid pathways
- Manufacturers specify SFC alongside AAP and CRC for core performance
SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity) vs. Related Terms
| Term | What it is | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| AAP (absorbency under pressure) | SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity) | AAP measures retention under pressure; SFC measures liquid flow through the gel |
Limitations and Common Misconceptions
- Myth: Absorbency capacity is all that matters. SFC and AAP (under pressure) are equally critical for real-world performance
- Myth: Higher capacity always means better flow. Some high-capacity SAP has poor SFC and gel-blocks
What does SFC measure?
How easily saline flows through swollen SAP gel — higher means better liquid distribution.
Why does SFC matter?
Low SFC causes gel blocking and pooling; high SFC keeps ultra-thin cores absorbing evenly.
References
- BASF - Superabsorbents (HySorb / SAVIVA), how SAP works — BASF (accessed 2026-08-02)
- Family Cares - The Science of Absorbency: Superabsorbent Polymer in Diapers — 行业媒体 (accessed 2026-08-02)