The crystals are probably coming from the "super absorbent layer" found in most disposable diapers. This layer consists of paper fluff and a chemical absorbent called sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyacrylate is an amazing water absorber -- it can absorb 200 to 300 times its weight in tap water (even more if the water is distilled) and hold it in a gooey gel.

Sodium polyacrylate is a polymer, meaning that it consists of chains of identical units (monomers). The monomer for sodium polyacrylate is:

--CH2--CH(CO2Na)--

It is a pretty cool polymer -- shake the crystals out of a new diaper (or buy the crystals at a garden center) and add water to them. Pretty amazing!

There is concern in certain circles about the use of sodium polyacrylate next to a child's skin. The concern is often used as an argument against disposable diapers. This diaper page talks about the issue briefly and will give you a sense of what people are concerned about.

These links will help you learn more:

• Diaper Polymer
• AP Chemistry Polymer Project - polymer experiments
• Plant Gel - The other common use for sodium polyacrylate is as a water-retaining gel in houseplants.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tampons - The diaper page mentioned above talks about TSS and hints at a relation between TSS and sodium polyacrylate. This page offers a much clearer explanation of TSS.