As a subject matter expert in polymer chemistry and material science, I have a deep understanding of the properties and applications of various polymers, including sodium polyacrylate. Sodium polyacrylate is a type of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) known for its remarkable ability to absorb and retain large amounts of water, which is why it is often used in products like diapers, sanitary products, and horticultural applications.

However, when it comes to the absorption of oil, the properties of sodium polyacrylate are quite different. As indicated in the provided reference, sodium polyacrylate has no affinity for liquid hydrocarbons, which are the primary constituents of most oils. This lack of affinity means that sodium polyacrylate does not effectively absorb oil in the same way it absorbs water.

The mechanism behind the absorption capabilities of sodium polyacrylate involves its molecular structure. The polymer chains contain numerous carboxyl groups that can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, allowing the polymer to swell and absorb water. However, oil molecules do not form hydrogen bonds with the carboxyl groups of sodium polyacrylate, which is why the polymer does not absorb oil.

In an experiment, if you were to add sodium polyacrylate to a mixture of water and oil, you would observe that the polymer would absorb the water, leaving the oil untouched. This behavior is useful in applications where water needs to be separated from oil, such as in oil spill cleanup or in the water treatment industry.

Now, to address the part about adding an "oil absorbing polymer" to bond with the Marvel Mystery oil, it is important to clarify that Marvel Mystery oil is a type of cutting fluid used in machining processes. It is not a type of oil that would be absorbed by sodium polyacrylate. However, if an oil-absorbing polymer is added, it would be a different type of polymer that is specifically designed to interact with and absorb oils.

These oil-absorbing polymers often have a different chemical structure that allows them to form stronger interactions with the hydrocarbon chains in oil, leading to absorption. An example of such a polymer could be a polyurethane-based absorbent, which is known for its oil absorption capabilities.

In conclusion, while sodium polyacrylate is an excellent water-absorbing polymer, it is not effective for absorbing oil due to its molecular structure and lack of affinity for hydrocarbons. For oil absorption, specialized polymers are required that are designed to interact with and absorb hydrocarbons effectively.

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Sodium polyacrylate, a super absorbent water polymer that has no affinity for liquid hydrocarbons. ... Add 2 teaspoons of sodium polyacrylate and watch the polymer absorb the water, leaving the oil untouched. After the polyacrylate absorbs the water, add just enough oil absorbing polymer to bond to the Marvel Mystery oil.read more >>