Zinc Treated Precipitated Calcium Carbonate in Hygienic Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hygienic products such as diapers and incontinence products often cause skin irritation due to prolonged wetness and pH imbalance, leading to conditions like diaper dermatitis, and existing treatments like zinc ointments have drawbacks such as reapplication needs and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating zinc treated precipitated calcium carbonate into hygienic products, obtained by slaking calcium oxide with water, carbonating the calcium hydroxide slurry, and adding Zn2+ ions during the carbonation process, to create a moisture-blocking and antiseptic barrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If zinc ointments are applied to treat skin irritation, then skin protection is improved, but frequent reapplication is required and contamination of clothes may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Zinc oxide is incorporated into the hygienic product during manufacturing, allowing the protective function to be pre-applied to the skin surface. This eliminates the need for separate reapplication steps by users, as the protection is automatically present whenever the product is worn.
Solution Approach 2:
The hygienic product itself provides the skin protection function through integrated zinc oxide, making the product self-sufficient. The product serves both its primary hygienic function and the secondary function of skin protection, eliminating the need for additional separate treatments.
2Reliability
If zinc ointments are applied to prevent skin irritation, then skin protection is improved, but excess ointment may contaminate clothes
Solution Approach 1:
Zinc oxide is applied locally at the skin interface through the hygienic product structure, specifically in the contact layers. This localized application ensures protection exactly where needed while preventing excess material from migrating to surrounding areas and contaminating clothes.
Solution Approach 2:
The zinc oxide is incorporated into thin film or coating structures within the hygienic product layers, creating a controlled barrier layer that provides protection while maintaining flexibility and preventing excessive material transfer to external surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If moisture-absorbing powders are used to reduce moisture, then skin irritation is reduced, but airborne powders can irritate lung tissue and starchy powders provide food for fungi
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from organic powders (starch, talcum) to inorganic zinc oxide particles with specific size and surface properties. This parameter change maintains the moisture-absorbing and skin-protective functions while eliminating the harmful effects of airborne organic powders and fungal food sources.
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 zinc treated precipitated calcium carbonate effectively prevents skin irritation by creating a barrier against moisture and reducing pH imbalance, providing long-lasting protection without the need for frequent reapplication and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The zinc treated precipitated calcium carbonate effectively prevents skin irritation by creating a barrier against moisture
Implementation Method 2
reducing pH imbalance, providing long-lasting protection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of zinc treated precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), which is obtained by slaking calcium oxide with water to obtain a calcium hydroxide slurry, carbonating the calcium hydroxide slurry, and adding a Zn2+ ion provider before and/or during the carbonation, in hygienic products, to the hygienic products comprising said zinc treated precipitated calcium carbonate as well as to a process for the preparation of such hygienic products.