Sodium polyacrylate, in the form of a 50% aqueous solution with average molecular weight of 3000-5000, is a versatile anionic polymer used primarily as a dispersant, scale inhibitor, and thickener in various industrial applications. Unlike high-molecular-weight crosslinked variants used as superabsorbents, this low-MW form excels in preventing scale formation and dispersing particles.

In water treatment, it acts as an effective scale inhibitor and dispersant to prevent mineral deposits and remove suspended impurities from wastewater.

In detergents and cleaning products, it functions as a builder and dispersant, enhancing cleaning efficiency by suspending dirt and preventing redeposition.

In cosmetics and personal care, it serves as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-former, improving texture and moisture retention in formulations like lotions and shampoos.

In construction, it is incorporated into cement and concrete mixtures as a superplasticizer or retarder to improve workability, control setting time, and enhance material strength.

Additional applications include use in paints and coatings as a dispersant for pigments, and in agriculture as a soil amendment to aid water retention and nutrient distribution, though not as a primary superabsorbent.

Its polyelectrolyte properties make it valuable for niche roles in stabilization and dispersion across industries.