Reusable hygiene products such as baby nappies and
continence products are now a growing market as
an increasingly viable alternative to single-use dispos
ables.
Technical Absorbents, based in Grimsby, UK, is playing an
active role in their development with many companies
following the development of its washable
superabsorbent fibre (SAF)-containing fabrics.
The company’s SAF is based on acrylic acid and
manufactured from a proprietary blend of polymers in
an environmentally-friendly water based process to
create an aqueous solution. This solution is then extruded
in a hot air stream to dry and cure it in filament form
before being crosslinked in order to control the required
degree of absorbency.
SAFs performance in terms of absorbency is unrivalled,
capable of absorbing 200 grams of water per gram of
fibre, although such high absorbency is seldom called for
and there is a trade off between the level of absorbency
and gel integrity.
It’s also incredibly fast to absorb compared to SAP
powders due to its high surface area and cylindrical
shape. It forms a magnetic bond with the water it’s
absorbing that is difficult to break, making it ideal for
absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) such as diapers.
SAF is also truly integrated into the nonwoven
constructions with no danger of shedding, whereas
constructions containing SAP in powder form usually
need heat sealing. Its polyacrylate structure also makes it
safe to use, and it is FDA approved for food applications.
“Normally, washing them, is the last thing you’d want to do with such nonwovens because in regular structures
the SAF becomes gel like and the product will fall apart,”
explained Technical Absorbents product development
director John Rose. “Nevertheless, our R&D team has
succeeded in achieving this specifically for the reusable
hygiene market.
“After feedback from manufacturers, our latest range
has been tested in-house to withstand up to more than
250 washes at 60°C. At this point, they still retain 90% of
their original absorbency. They have also been validated
for up to 100 washes at an external test house.”
The latest washable SAF fabric range, which has been
engineered to provide enhanced softness and
conformability while improving drying times consists of
three specific grades –7144, which is aimed at period/
light incontinence hybrid products and provides a great
starting point for companies looking to enter the market
with a high performing absorbent core, 7171, a 120gsm
fabric suitable for period products and 7170, which at a
weight of 300gsm, has been designed with heavier
incontinence and bed mat developments in mind.
“We can work with customers to adapt the fabrics as
required and look at adding additional laminate layers if
needed,” Hope added.
In addition to hygiene products and food pads, other
major end-use markets for regular SAF include wound
healing, with SAF dressings meeting the need for high
absorbency for exudated would healing, providing a
controlled environment without wearing. These dressings
can be worn for an extended period of time which cuts
down the number of changes required.