Biocompostable Superabsorbent Polymer for Sanitary Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sanitary absorbent articles, such as diapers and menstrual pads, rely on non-biodegradable and non-biocompostable superabsorbent polymers that are difficult to synthesize and expensive, failing to meet consumer demands for biodegradability and biocompostability.

Innovation Solution

Development of modified biopolymers with high bioderived content, specifically charge-modified and crosslinked starch-based superabsorbent polymers that are biocompostable, replacing traditional synthetic polymers like polyacrylates, and integrating them into absorbent cores for sanitary articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional synthetic superabsorbent polymers (polyacrylates) are used, then absorbency performance is achieved, but biodegradability and biocompostability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorbency performanceVSAvoidnon-biodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of biopolymers through charge-modification and crosslinking. These parameter changes transform natural polymers into superabsorbent materials with enhanced absorbency while preserving their biodegradable nature, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining modified biopolymers with crosslinking agents and charge-modifying agents. This composite approach enables the material to exhibit both the high absorbency of synthetic polymers and the biodegradability of natural polymers, simultaneously addressing both requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biopolymers are used to achieve biodegradability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but absorption properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidabsorption properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the parameters of biopolymers through chemical modification processes. Charge-modification introduces ionizable groups that enhance water interaction, while crosslinking creates a three-dimensional network structure that prevents polymer dissolution and maintains structural integrity during absorption, thereby achieving superabsorbent properties in biodegradable materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The crosslinked biopolymer structure creates a porous network that facilitates liquid penetration and absorption. The interconnected pores formed by crosslinking allow rapid fluid uptake while the biopolymer matrix maintains biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between absorption capability and environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biopolymers are synthesized to replace synthetic polymers, then biocompostability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiocompostabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable modified biopolymers that are designed for single use and then biodegrade. By using renewable biopolymer feedstocks and simple modification processes, the patent creates a cost-effective alternative to expensive synthetic polymers, making biocompostable products economically viable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The biopolymers are designed to self-degrade through natural biological processes after use, eliminating the need for complex recycling infrastructure or specialized disposal systems. This self-service biodegradation reduces long-term manufacturing and disposal costs associated with non-biodegradable materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 exhibit enhanced absorbency, biodegradability, and biocompostability, meeting consumer demands for environmentally friendly sanitary products while maintaining performance comparable to traditional materials.

Implementation Method 1

the SAP includes a modified starch-based biopolymer... the SAP exhibits enhanced absorbency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11154436B2Absorbent articles with biocompostable properties

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 TETHIS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an absorbent article with biocompostable properties, such as a feminine hygiene pad. Particularly, the present invention is directed to an absorbent sanitary article 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. The absorbent article exhibits improved biocompostable properties and performance comparable to non-biodegradable absorbent articles which include non-biodegradable superabsorbent polymers.