The first disposable diaper was invented in 1942 in Sweden. Due to advancements, the disposable diaper has been enhanced. Nowadays, a disposable diaper contains an absorbent pad between two nonwoven fabrics. It is designed to absorb the fluid. The nonwoven fabric contributes a comfortable feeling and helps to avoid leakage. A series makes the disposable diaper of processes. Every piece is sealed together by the application of heat. In this article, we will be discussing what are the properties of disposable diapers and their uses are.
What are the Properties of Disposable Diapers?
Curious about what are the properties of disposable diapers and their use? A diaper is absorbent apparel and is being worn by individuals who are incapable of going to the toilet when needed, most especially infants, elderlies, and with some physical disabilities.
Some of us are thinking of, “What are the properties of disposable diapers?” Below is a list:
Polyethylene Film
It is a hydrophobic nonwoven film. This part is resistant to liquid and may also be used for preventing the fluid from escaping through the disposable diapers. It is mostly seen at the bottom-most sheet of the diapers.
Breathable Back Sheet
It is a thin polypropylene nonwoven cloth-like back sheet of the disposable diapers. The process is done using a pressure method with straight extrusion to the nonwoven material.
Polypropylene Nonwoven
There are two types of nonwoven polypropylene the hydrophobic and hydrophilic. The hydrophobic are resistant to liquid and is used in the crotch area to prevent leakage to the leg area of the diaper. Hydrophilic polypropylene nonwoven is a top absorbent layer of the diaper that, in contact with the skin it allows the liquid to pass and reach the absorbent core.
Absorbent Core
A wood pulp fluff serves as the cellulose, which is used to absorb the liquid. It also gives an excellent absorbing capacity of the diaper. The pulp has abilities such as a big ration of fibers to weight and shorter length. This wood pulp is made from pines trees. The reason for its usage is because of its fast absorption.
Super Absorbent Polymer
The super absorbent polymer is also known as superabsorbent material like a salt used in fine particles. It increases the retention capacity of the diaper. It helps the diaper to look thinner with good quality and less usage of the pulp. When the superabsorbent polymer absorbs water, the sodium separates itself, leaving the carboxyl ions. Carboxyl is a negative charge that repels to each other. The polymer becomes gel as it absorbs water.
Elastic
It is a synthetic rubber that is used for disposable diapers. They are used for leg cuff and waist area to fit the one’s hip and thighs. The elastic may be used on the side panels of the diaper.
Quick Wicking Layer
It is a layer used between the top polypropylene nonwoven sheet and in the absorbent core. It is also used as a cover near the liquid deposit. The layer gives a dry feeling because it provides separation between the liquid deposits.
Hot Melts Adhesive
The disposable diaper is consists of two adhesives. The hot melt is applied in molten form to create a bonding force to connect the part of the diaper. There are two types of adhesives. The construction adhesive is used to glue the back sheet nonwovens, and the elastomeric adhesive is used to connect the leg and waist foam elastics.
Fastening Tapes
It is either Velcro tape or a stick tape type fasteners that gives a mechanical grip to the disposable diapers. The Velcro provides a lock with loops and brush loops and provides a firm but soft closure while sticker tape is usually made of sticky lateral tape and closed to the polypropylene frontal tape. The sticker tape is more economical than Velcro tape.
Moisturizing and Fragrant Lotion
Some products have their scent; some have aloe vera, vitamin D&E, almond oil, etc. Some products use antibacterial lotions such as tertiary ammonia or silver salt compounds. In this, we need to verify the chemicals if it is good for the skin.
Now, you know what the properties of disposable diapers are.
Conclusion
In the article, we briefly discussed what the properties of disposable diapers and their functions are. Diapers are commercially available all over the world. They are convenient and easy to use, especially for all parents who are working.
Some of the properties are strictly selected to give comfort to those who will use it. Just remember, we need to know the diapers’ components that we are buying because the wrong one may cause skin damage, especially for babies who have sensitive skin. Find out more about diapers.