Renewable Synthetic Polymer Absorbent Article for Leakage Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles derived from petrochemicals face challenges such as lower performance and higher costs, with superabsorbent materials exhibiting low absorption capacity under load and susceptibility to leakage due to gel-blocking, which affects their environmental friendliness and consumer acceptance.
Innovation Solution
Development of absorbent articles using synthetic polymers derived from renewable resources, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, which are incorporated into the absorbent core, topsheet, backsheet, or barrier leg cuff, enhancing performance characteristics like Absorption Against Pressure, Saline Flow Conductivity, and Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If superabsorbent materials derived from petrochemicals are used, then absorption capacity under load is low and gel-blocking occurs, but manufacturing cost is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the superabsorbent material by using renewable resource-derived monomers (such as itaconic acid, fumaric acid, or maleic acid) instead of conventional petrochemical monomers. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving high absorption capacity and preventing gel-blocking while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of renewable feedstocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite superabsorbent materials that combine renewable resource-derived polymers with conventional superabsorbent materials or other functional materials. This composite approach allows the material to achieve superior absorption capacity and gel strength while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
2Reliability
If superabsorbent materials with low gel strength are used, then gel-blocking occurs and leakage susceptibility increases, but material performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the gel strength parameter by selecting specific renewable resource-derived monomers and optimizing their polymerization conditions. The resulting superabsorbent materials achieve high gel strength that prevents gel-blocking and leakage, while maintaining the desired absorption performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses crosslinking agents as intermediaries to enhance gel strength without compromising absorption capacity. The crosslinking agents create a three-dimensional network structure that prevents gel-blocking while maintaining the material's ability to absorb and retain fluids effectively.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable resource-based synthetic polymers are used, then environmental sustainability is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the feedstock source parameter from petrochemicals to renewable resources (such as corn, sugarcane, or other biomass). This parameter change enhances environmental sustainability while the patent maintains cost-effectiveness through efficient processing methods and the use of abundant renewable feedstocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs renewable resources that can be sustainably produced and processed, allowing the material to serve its environmental function while maintaining economic viability. The renewable feedstocks are processed through efficient conversion pathways that minimize manufacturing costs.
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 use of renewable resource-based synthetic polymers improves the absorbent article's performance by achieving higher absorption capacities, reduced leakage risks, and enhanced environmental sustainability, while communicating the eco-friendly benefits to consumers.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer has a saline flow conductivity of at least about 30×10−7 cm3·sec/g
Implementation Method 2
Absorption Against Pressure (AAP) value of at least about 15.0 g saline per gram polymer
Implementation Method 3
further liquid uptake or distribution takes place via a very slow diffusion process
Implementation Method 4
A superabsorbent material with low gel strength tends to deform upon swelling and reduce interstitial spaces between the superabsorbent particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a disposable absorbent article is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a first nonwoven comprising synthetic fibers comprising a 14C/C ratio of about 1.0×10−14 or greater, providing a second nonwoven comprising synthetic fibers comprising a comprising a 14C/C ratio of about 1.0×10−14 or greater, converting the second nonwoven into a topsheet so that the topsheet comprises a Liquid Strike Through value of less than 4 seconds, and combining the first nonwoven and the topsheet with other absorbent article components to form a disposable absorbent article.