Hydroxyl Polymer Fiber Structure That Resists Liquid-Induced Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures tend to collapse when exposed to liquids, such as water, due to a decrease in caliper in the z-direction, which is a limitation in their application and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The development of hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures that incorporate non-naturally occurring polysaccharide fibers and solid additives, with a specific pore volume range, which either prevent or allow for growth when subjected to a liquid, enhancing their stability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures are used, then they provide good absorbency and softness, but they collapse when exposed to liquids due to decrease in caliper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines hydroxyl polymer fibers with cellulose fibers to create a composite fibrous structure. The cellulose fibers provide structural support and dimensional stability while the hydroxyl polymer fibers provide absorbency. This composite approach allows the structure to maintain its shape and resist collapse when exposed to liquids while still providing the desired absorbent properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates regions with different fiber compositions and properties within the fibrous structure. By locally distributing cellulose fibers among the hydroxyl polymer fibers, the structure achieves different functional zones: some areas provide structural support while others provide absorbency. This local differentiation allows the material to simultaneously maintain shape and provide absorbency.
2Ease of operation
If the fibrous structure absorbs liquid, then it improves usability and softness, but it causes collapse and loss of tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The composite of hydroxyl polymer fibers and cellulose fibers creates a structure where cellulose provides tensile strength framework that remains stable during liquid absorption. The hydroxyl polymer fibers absorb the liquid and provide softness, while the cellulose framework prevents overall structure collapse and maintains tensile strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibrous structure utilizes a controlled porous network that allows liquid penetration and absorption while maintaining structural integrity. The pore structure enables capillary action for liquid uptake without causing the fibers to mat together or collapse, thereby maintaining tensile strength while enabling absorbency and softness.
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 resulting fibrous structures maintain structural integrity and can even expand when exposed to liquids, improving their usability in applications like sanitary tissue products and other materials, while maintaining high tensile strength and low lint scores.
Implementation Method 1
the fibrous structure exhibits a total pore volume of pores in the range of greater than 20 μm to 500 μm of greater than 3.75 mm 3
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures and processes for making same are provided. More particularly, hydroxyl polymer fiber fibrous structures comprising a non- naturally occurring hydroxyl polymer fiber wherein the fibrous structure exhibits a total pore volume of pores in the range of greater than 20 μm to 500 μm of greater than 3.75 mmVg of dry fibrous structure mass, and/or fibrous structures comprising a hydroxyl polymer fiber and a solid additive are provided.