Nanoporous Superabsorbent Particles for Absorbent Articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable absorbent articles with hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent particles often experience leakage due to insufficient absorption rates and blocked channels as the particles swell, reducing their effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of superabsorbent particles with a porous network containing nanopores of 10 to 500 nanometers, which enhance absorption rates and maintain absorbent capacity by minimizing gel blocking through reversible pore structure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent particles are used to increase absorption capacity, then the total absorbent capacity is improved, but the absorption rate decreases and channels become blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating a porous hydrophilic matrix containing interconnected pores ranging from 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter. This porous structure provides open channels that allow rapid liquid transport throughout the absorbent member, preventing channel blocking while maintaining high absorption capacity. The pores facilitate quick liquid distribution to the superabsorbent particles without being obstructed by swollen particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions with different functions: the porous hydrophilic matrix provides rapid liquid transport pathways, while the superabsorbent particles provide high-capacity absorption. The interconnected pores ensure that liquid can reach particles throughout the entire absorbent member efficiently, addressing both absorption rate and capacity requirements in different locations simultaneously.
2Quantity of substance
If particles swell upon absorption, then absorption capacity increases, but open channels become blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the absorption function into two distinct components: the porous hydrophilic matrix handles liquid transport through its interconnected pore network, while the superabsorbent particles handle liquid retention. This segmentation ensures that the transport channels in the matrix remain open and are not blocked by swollen particles, as the particles are contained within the pore structure rather than obstructing it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the porous hydrophilic matrix as a mediator between the liquid source and the superabsorbent particles. The matrix's interconnected pores serve as permanent open channels that facilitate liquid transport to the particles without being blocked, as the pore structure itself remains intact and open throughout the absorption process.
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 particles exhibit improved absorption rates and retention capacity, maintaining high absorption performance without sacrificing total absorbent capacity, and reduce gel blocking by swelling into solid particles, minimizing leakage in absorbent articles.
Implementation Method 1
The particles contain a porous network that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
as the particles swell upon absorption of a liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article comprising an absorbent member positioned between a topsheet and a backsheet is provided. The absorbent member contains at least one layer that comprises superabsorbent particles containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers.