Absorbent Core with Color-Changing Biodegradable SAP
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles using biodegradable superabsorbent polymers are perceived as less effective in absorbency and rewet capacity compared to petroleum-based alternatives, raising consumer concerns about their performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a blend of cellulose fibers and biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (bioSAP) with a distinct color change (ΔE > 2) between dry and wet states, allowing visual differentiation of absorbency and rewet capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable superabsorbent polymers are used in absorbent articles, then environmental sustainability is improved, but consumer perception of absorbency effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change technology to the biodegradable superabsorbent polymer particles, which change color when contacted by body fluids. This visual indicator allows consumers to directly observe and verify the absorbency effectiveness of the bioSAP, transforming an abstract performance claim into a visible, tangible demonstration that builds consumer trust while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional petroleum-based wetness indicators with biodegradable superabsorbent polymer particles that inherently change color upon absorbing body fluids. This substitution eliminates the need for separate indicator components and removes petroleum-based materials from the product, simultaneously achieving environmental sustainability and effective absorbency verification.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable superabsorbent polymers are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but perceived rewet capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The color-changing property of the biodegradable superabsorbent polymer provides visual feedback that helps consumers understand the rewet capacity status of the absorbent article. When the polymer particles change color after absorbing fluids, it indicates the article's ability to manage and redistribute moisture, making the rewet capacity perception more accurate and trustworthy.
3Reliability
If conventional petroleum-based SAP are used, then absorbency performance is maintained, but environmental sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of conventional petroleum-based SAP by replacing them with biodegradable alternatives that have comparable absorbency performance. The biodegradable superabsorbent polymers are formulated to achieve similar or superior absorption capacity while adding color-changing properties, thus maintaining performance while eliminating environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining biodegradable superabsorbent polymer particles with color-changing agents and absorbent article components. This composite material approach allows the integration of multiple functions (absorbency, visual indication, biodegradability) into a single material system that replaces conventional petroleum-based SAP while maintaining or enhancing overall performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The color change in the bioSAP indicates absorbency and rewet capacity, reassuring consumers of the article's effectiveness and reducing the need for petroleum-based wetness indicators, thus enhancing consumer trust and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
Superabsorbent materials in the form of granules, beads, fibers, buits of film, globules, etc., have been favoured for such purposes. Such superabsorbent materials generally (also referred to as superabsorbent polymer particles or SAP) are polymeric gelling materials that are capable of absorbing and retaining large quantities of liquid
Implementation Method 2
the particles or fibers may be described chemically as having a backbone of natural or synthetic polymers with hydrophilic groups or polymers containing hydrophilic groups being chemically bonded to the back bone or in intimate admixture therewith
Implementation Method 3
the superabsorbent material comprises biodegradable superabsorbent material (bioSAP) that has a first color in dry state and a second color in wet state, and in that first color and the second color has a CIELab color space difference (ΔE) of at least 2
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article (1) comprising:a liquid permeable topsheet (2),a liquid impermeable backsheet (3), andan absorbent core (4) positioned between said topsheet (2) and backsheet (3), wherein the absorbent core (4) comprises an absorbent material (5), said absorbent material comprising a mixture, or blend, of cellulose fibers (5a) and superabsorbent material (5b), characterized in that the superabsorbent material comprises biodegradable superabsorbent material (bioSAP) that has a first color in dry state and a second color in wet state, and in that first color and the second color has a CIELab color space difference (ΔE) of at least 2 as measured according to the test method herein.