Biocompostable Superabsorbent Polymer Absorbent Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sanitary absorbent articles, such as diapers and incontinence products, rely on non-biodegradable and non-biocompostable superabsorbent polymers, which pose environmental concerns and do not meet consumer demands for biodegradability and biocompatibility.
Innovation Solution
Development of modified biopolymers, including charge-modified and crosslinked biopolymers, that are used as superabsorbent polymers in sanitary articles, offering high bioderived content and biocompostability, replacing traditional synthetic polymers like polyacrylates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional synthetic superabsorbent polymers (polyacrylates) are used, then absorption properties are superior, but biodegradability and biocompostability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the superabsorbent polymer from synthetic polyacrylates to biopolymers such as starch, cellulose, and polysaccharides. This parameter change maintains absorption functionality while improving biodegradability and biocompostability to meet environmental standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite absorbent cores combining biopolymer particles with cellulose fluff pulp. This composite structure leverages the high absorption capacity of biopolymers while utilizing the biodegradable and breathable properties of cellulose, achieving both performance and environmental sustainability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biopolymers (starches, celluloses, polysaccharides) are used, then biodegradability improves, but absorption properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating an absorbent core with heterogeneous composition where biopolymer particles are distributed within a cellulose fluff pulp matrix. The biopolymers provide localized high-absorption zones while the cellulose provides structural support and breathability, achieving overall performance balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining biopolymer particles (starch, cellulose, polysaccharides) with cellulose fluff pulp. This composite structure compensates for the lower absorption capacity of individual biopolymers by utilizing the synergistic effects of multiple materials, achieving absorption properties comparable to synthetic polymers while maintaining biodegradability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If biopolymers are used, then environmental sustainability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material source parameters from petroleum-based synthetic polymers to renewable biomass-based biopolymers. This parameter change improves environmental sustainability while the use of common biopolymers like starch and cellulose helps control manufacturing costs through established supply chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes agricultural byproducts and renewable biomass resources as feedstocks for biopolymer production. This approach recovers value from previously discarded organic materials, reducing raw material costs while improving environmental sustainability through circular economy principles.
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 modified biopolymers demonstrate enhanced absorbency and biodegradability, meeting environmental sustainability standards by achieving at least 90% degradation within 180 days, thus addressing the need for eco-friendly absorbent solutions.
Implementation Method 1
absorbent cores with superabsorbent properties
Implementation Method 2
achieving at least 90% degradation within 180 days
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an absorbent article with biocompostable properties, such as a baby diaper or adult incontinence product. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a biocompostable absorbent sanitary article including a blend of synthetic and bio-based superabsorbent polymers with a high degree of biocompostability. The sanitary article comprises, in one embodiment, at least a top layer, a back layer, and absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core includes a superabsorbent polymer, and wherein at least the superabsorbent polymer is biocompostable.