Disclosed is an absorbent composition comprising each of an acidic and
a basic material, wherein the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent
properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent composition
comprising either an acidic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKa
between about 2 to about 12 or a basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer
having a pKb between about 2 to about 12 and either a basic or an acidic
second material. The absorbent composition has the ability to slowly absorb a large
quantity of liquid, particularly while under an external pressure. The absorbent
composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable
absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids.