Hesperaloe Fiber Tissue Blends for Flushability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flushable moist wipes take too long to break down in sanitation systems, posing a risk of blockages, while attempts to speed up breakdown reduce in-use strength below acceptable levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating hesperaloe fibers into tissue products to achieve a balance of in-use strength and rapid dispersibility, with at least 5% hesperaloe fibers by weight, resulting in improved dry durability and slosh box break-up times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional papermaking fibers are used, then in-use strength is maintained, but dispersibility is poor and breakdown time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the fiber composition parameters - specifically using a blend of wood pulp fibers (30-70% by weight) and hesperaloe fibers (30-70% by weight). This compositional parameter change enables the tissue product to achieve both adequate in-use strength and improved dispersibility, resolving the contradiction between strength maintenance and breakdown speed.
2Loss of time
If hesperaloe fibers are used to improve dispersibility, then breakdown time is reduced, but in-use strength and stiffness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a heterogeneous fiber blend where different fiber types perform different functions. Wood pulp fibers provide strength and stiffness in the dry state for in-use durability, while hesperaloe fibers contribute to rapid water penetration and dispersibility. This local functional differentiation within the fiber blend resolves the contradiction between strength and dispersibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies composite materials by combining two different fiber types - wood pulp fibers and hesperaloe fibers - into a blended tissue product. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both the strength characteristics of wood pulp and the dispersibility advantages of hesperaloe fibers, simultaneously addressing both requirements.
3Loss of time
If hesperaloe fibers are used to improve dispersibility, then stiffness increases, but overall tissue flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles to different fiber components. Wood pulp fibers provide flexibility and softness, while hesperaloe fibers contribute to stiffness and structural integrity. This localized functional distribution allows the tissue to achieve both rapid dispersibility and appropriate stiffness without excessive rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides tissue products comprising hesperaloe fibers and having satisfactory strength in-use and good dispersibility. To produce the instant tissue products the inventors have successfully moderated the changes in strength and stiffness typically associated with substituting conventional wood papermaking fibers, such as NSWK, with hesperaloe fibers. Not only have the inventors succeeded in moderating changes to strength and stiffness they have improved dispersibility. As such, the tissue products of the present invention have properties comparable to, or better than, those produced using conventional papermaking fibers, such as wood pulp fibers.