Absorbent Structure Liquid Diffusion and Gel Blocking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current absorbent structures in sanitary materials face issues with liquid diffusion and storage, leading to gel blocking and reduced absorption capacity due to high concentrations of water-absorbent resins, which hinder efficient liquid transfer and storage, and result in leakage and inadequate thinning of the materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of an absorbent structure comprising a liquid-diffusing member and a water-absorbent resin, where the capillary absorption index of the liquid-diffusing member is optimized to ensure efficient liquid transfer to the water-absorbent resin, using a water-absorbent resin with specific particle diameter and surface treatment to enhance absorption capacity, and a production process that includes granulating the resin to increase particle size and space ratio for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the amount of water-absorbent resin is increased to enhance water absorption quantity, then the absorption capacity is improved, but gel blocking occurs which hinders liquid diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent structure is divided into multiple functional layers: a water-absorbent resin layer for absorption, a liquid-diffusing member for distribution, and a hydrophilic fiber layer for capillary action. This segmentation prevents gel blocking by distributing the absorption function across different materials rather than relying solely on high concentrations of water-absorbent resin.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid-diffusing member is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid source and the water-absorbent resin. This intermediary component facilitates liquid distribution through its porous structure and capillary properties, preventing direct contact between excessive resin and liquid that would cause gel blocking.
2Length of stationary object
If the ratio of hydrophilic fiber is lowered to thin the sanitary material, then the thickness is reduced, but liquid diffusion and distribution are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the absorbent structure are assigned different functions and material compositions. The liquid-diffusing member is positioned in specific regions to facilitate distribution, while water-absorbent resin is concentrated in absorption zones. This local differentiation maintains thinning while ensuring adequate liquid diffusion where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining water-absorbent resin, hydrophilic fibers, and liquid-diffusing members with porous polymers. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its unique properties: resin for absorption, fibers for capillary action, and porous polymers for diffusion, achieving thinning without compromising liquid distribution.
3Length of stationary object
If the concentration of water-absorbent resin is increased to achieve thinning, then the material thickness is reduced, but absorption efficiency decreases due to gel blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: the concentration of water-absorbent resin is controlled within specific ranges, the pore size and distribution of the liquid-diffusing member are adjusted, and the fiber arrangement is modified. These parameter changes work together to maintain thinning while preserving absorption efficiency by preventing gel blocking through proper liquid distribution.
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
This approach enables effective liquid diffusion and storage, preventing gel blocking, enhancing absorption capacity, and achieving a thinner, lighter absorbent article with improved dry feeling and reduced wet back, while maintaining high absorption efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the capillary absorption index of the liquid-diffusing member is optimized to ensure efficient liquid transfer to the water-absorbent resin
Implementation Method 2
the capillary absorption capacity D of the water-absorbent resin at a height of 40 cm satisfies the following equation: D/C≥0.7
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides: an absorbent structure and an absorbent article, which are excellent in both liquid diffusion ability and liquid storage ability, and which are excellent in the dry feeling and the amount of wet back of the aqueous liquid, and which can realize the thinning and lightening more; and a water-absorbent resin fitly usable for the above absorbent structure and absorbent article. The absorbent structure, according to the present invention, comprises a liquid-diffusing member and a water-absorbent resin, with the absorbent structure being characterized in that when the capillary absorption index of the liquid-diffusing member at a height of 40 cm is referred to as A (A≧0.10), the capillary absorption index B of the water-absorbent resin at a height of 40 cm satisfies the following equation: B/A≧0.7 (equation 1).