Fibrous Structures for Sanitary Tissue Wet Burst Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for fibrous structures that exhibit a Wet Burst of greater than 30 g as measured according to the Wet Burst Test Method while maintaining a Geometric Mean Modulus of less than 1320 at 15 g/cm and/or a CD Modulus of less than 1320 at 15 g/cm, as per the Modulus Test Method, to meet consumer preferences for both strength and flexibility in sanitary tissue products.
Innovation Solution
The development of fibrous structures that balance Wet Burst and Modulus values by incorporating specific combinations of fibers and filaments, such as wood pulp fibers and polypropylene filaments, in co-formed structures, which are processed using methods like wet-laid or air-laid papermaking to achieve desired properties like high Wet Burst and controlled Modulus within specified ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fibrous structures are designed to exhibit high Wet Burst strength, then the Wet Burst value increases, but the Geometric Mean Modulus and CD Modulus increase (becoming less flexible)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the composition ratios of different fibers (wood pulp, cotton, synthetic) and filaments, adjusting basis weight, caliper, and bonding parameters to achieve the optimal balance where Wet Burst exceeds 95 g while Geometric Mean Modulus remains below 1320 at 15 g/cm, transforming the physical and mechanical properties of the fibrous structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple fiber types (cellulosic fibers like wood pulp and cotton with synthetic fibers) and filaments (thermoplastic, elastomeric, or non-thermoplastic) in specific ratios, creating a multi-component fibrous structure that simultaneously achieves high Wet Burst strength and acceptable flexibility through the synergistic interaction of different material properties
2Strength
If fibrous structures incorporate more strength-enhancing components, then Wet Burst increases, but the product complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fibrous structure into distinct functional layers or zones with different fiber and filament compositions, where each segment is optimized for specific performance characteristics, allowing complex multi-component structures to be manufactured through standardized modular processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a multi-functional fibrous structure where the same composite material system simultaneously provides Wet Burst strength, flexibility, absorbency, and softness through the integrated combination of different fiber and filament types, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function
3Ease of operation
If fibrous structures are designed to exhibit low Modulus for flexibility, then flexibility improves, but Wet Burst strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the caliper (thickness) of the fibrous structure and the ratio of bonding agents to fibers, controlling the degree of compression and drying parameters to achieve the optimal balance where Geometric Mean Modulus remains below 1320 at 15 g/cm for flexibility while Wet Burst exceeds 95 g for strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediary elements such as thermoplastic filaments and elastomeric components that act as mediators between the cellulosic fibers, providing both structural support for Wet Burst strength and flexible bonding that maintains low Modulus, thereby reconciling the conflicting requirements of strength and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures that exhibit a Wet Burst of greater than 30 g as measured according to the Wet Burst Test Method and that may also exhibit a Geometric Mean (“GM”) Modulus and/or CD Modulus of less than 1320 at 15 g/cm and/or less than 875 at 15 g/cm as measured according to the Modulus Test Method are provided.