Multistrata Nonwoven Wipe Structure for Wet Strength and Flushability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable wipes are either non-dispersible, causing blockages in wastewater systems, or they lose strength in aqueous environments, failing to effectively disintegrate and maintain integrity during use and disposal.
Innovation Solution
A multistrata nonwoven wipe material composed of cellulosic fibers with bicomponent fibers and a water-soluble binder, designed to maintain strength in wet conditions while easily dispersing through wastewater systems, using a specific layer structure and binder application to ensure stability and flushability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If non-dispersible wipes are used to maintain strength during use, then dry and wet strength is improved, but they accumulate in wastewater systems causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The wipe is constructed as a multi-layer nonwoven structure where the outer layers provide strength during use, while the inner core layer is designed to disintegrate in wastewater. This segmentation allows different parts of the wipe to serve different functions: maintaining integrity during use but breaking apart during disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The binder used to hold the nonwoven layers together is selected with specific solubility parameters that allow it to remain effective in aqueous solutions during use but dissolve in the wastewater environment. This parameter change enables the transition from a strong, intact structure during use to a dispersible structure during disposal.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water-soluble binders are used to enable dispersibility, then flushability is improved, but the wipes lose strength in aqueous environments
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the wipe have different binder concentrations and types. The outer layers use binders optimized for strength and moisture resistance during use, while the inner core layer uses binders optimized for water solubility and dispersibility. This local differentiation allows the wipe to exhibit both high strength during use and good dispersibility during disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The wipe combines multiple material types with complementary properties: cellulosic fibers for absorbency and softness, synthetic fibers for strength, and different types of binders with varying solubility characteristics. This composite structure enables the wipe to simultaneously achieve wet strength during use and dispersibility during disposal.
3Strength
If multi-layered structures are used to maintain strength, then dry and wet tensile strength is improved, but they do not disintegrate in aqueous systems
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer structure is segmented into functional zones: outer layers with strong interlayer bonding for tensile strength, and an inner core layer with weak bonding that allows easy separation in water. This segmentation enables the wipe to maintain structural integrity during use but disintegrate efficiently during disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlayer bonding strength is made dynamic rather than static. The binder is selected to maintain strong bonding in aqueous environments during use but to dissolve or weaken under the conditions of wastewater disposal. This dynamic behavior allows the wipe to adapt its structural properties based on the environment.
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 material achieves high dry and wet strength while ensuring easy dispersibility, passing industry tests for flushability and dispersibility, effectively addressing the challenges of blockages and strength loss in existing wipe technologies.
Implementation Method 1
incorporation of water-soluble or redispersible polymeric binders
Implementation Method 2
A trigger can be an additive that interacts with water soluble binders to increase wet tensile strength of the nonwoven web
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention involves a dispersible, nonwoven multistrata wipe material that is stable in a wetting liquid and flushable in use. More particularly, the current invention involves multilayered structures including, but not limited to, two, three, or four layers to form the dispersible nonwoven wipe material. The layers contain combinations of cellulosic and noncellulosic fibers, and optionally a binder or additive.