Biodegradable Multilayer Absorbent Article with Spunlace ADL
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles made from synthetic materials are not biodegradable and lack the desired performance in terms of acquisition under pressure and rewetting capacity, posing environmental pollution issues.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer absorbent article structure comprising a topsheet, an acquisition and distribution layer (ADL), an absorbent core, and a backsheet, all made from biodegradable and bio-sourced materials, particularly utilizing spunlace layers with a succession of hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic polymeric materials are used to make absorbent articles, then the structural integrity and absorbency performance are maintained, but the environmental pollution increases due to non-biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by using biodegradable and bio-sourced materials (cellulose, starch, proteins, lipids) instead of synthetic polymers, while maintaining the functional performance through optimized layer structure and material combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures with multiple layers having different functions (acquisition layer, distribution layer, absorbent core) made from various biodegradable materials to achieve both environmental compatibility and performance requirements
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable and bio-sourced materials are used to make absorbent articles, then the environmental pollution is reduced, but the acquisition under pressure and rewetting capacity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the absorbent article into multiple functional layers (acquisition layer, distribution layer, absorbent core) where each layer is optimized for its specific function, allowing biodegradable materials to achieve collective performance that meets technical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different layers: hydrophilic materials in the acquisition layer for rapid fluid uptake, hydrophobic materials in the distribution layer for controlled release, and high-absorbency materials in the core, optimizing local functionality throughout the structure
3Reliability
If multiple layers are involved in the absorbent article structure, then the acquisition distribution and rewetting capacity can be optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers into an integrated structure where the acquisition and distribution functions are merged in the top layers, and the absorbent core provides both storage and release functions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining 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 proposed structure achieves excellent acquisition distribution and rewetting capacity while being biodegradable and bio-sourced, outperforming comparative examples and addressing environmental concerns.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer directed towards said topsheet and having predominating hydrophilic properties
Implementation Method 2
a second layer directed towards said absorbent core and having predominating hydrophobic properties
Implementation Method 3
said first layer and said second layer being respectively made of spunlace nonwoven hydrophilic and hydrophobic fibres
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
It is disclosed an absorbent article comprising at least a topsheet, an acquisition and distribution layer and an absorbent core. The topsheet is made of hydrophobic fibres. The acquisition and distribution layer is perforated with through holes and is constituted by a top spunlace layer, made of hydrophobic fibres selected in the group constituted by cotton, bamboo, PLA, viscose and their mixtures and a bottom spunlace layer made of hydrophilic fibres selected in the group constituted by cotton, bamboo, viscose, cellulose and their mixtures. The absorbent core is made of hydrophilic fibres.