Until recently, the core of a Pampers nappy resembled those of some other brands: a mixture of cellulose and particles of super absorbent polymer capable of soaking up huge amounts of liquid relative to its own weight. (newscientist.com)
There are also super absorbent polymers (SAP), sometimes called absorbent gelling material, that keep the diaper from leaking. (unconventionalparents.com)
And, of course, there was always the uncomfortable awareness that my daughter's privates were wrapped in super absorbent polymers (that's the ingredient that was taken out of tampons because of a possible link with toxic shock syndrome, but it's still used in all disposable diapers). (organicbabyatlanta.com)