Nappy, baby

In relation to consumer uses of possible concern for this CICAD, data from the Women s Environmental Network indicate that butyltin stabilizers have been detected in the non-woven polypropylene topsheet of babies nappies (diapers). It is possible that this could relate to the last of the three key uses described above, in that the topsheet could be of silicone-grafted polypropylene (or, as discussed below, the butyltin may be present because of its use as a catalyst in the production of an antioxidant in polyolefin films). 

Clear petroleum gel is a common product, comprising a mixture of simple hydrocarbons, principally n-octadecane (III). It is not quite a solid at room temperature neither is it really a liquid, because it is very viscous. We call it a gel. Its principal applications are to lubricate (in a car) or to act as a water-impermeable barrier (e.g. between a baby and its nappy, or on chapped hands). 

A similar process occurs when we spread a thick paste of zinc and castor oil on a baby s bottom each time we change its nappy. The zinc is in fact zinc oxide, ZnO, which, being amphoteric, reacts with the uric acid in the baby s urine, thereby neutralizing it. 

For each application envisaged in this chapter, tests were performed to evaluate the behaviour of the sensor system in its performance for sweat and urine detection. For this purpose, stainless-steel yarns were incorporated in baby nappies for detection of urine. Figure 10.6 shows the results of some of these tests. It can be seen clearly that the detection of urine is marked by a large change in resistance between the electrodes of the sensor system. In addition, the value of R after urine detection is an indication of how much urine has been formed. However, the latter is not really of scientific relevance, and is therefore not considered further here. 

Resistance measured between two yarn electrodes implemented in a baby s nappy as a function of time, with f=0 the moment that urine formation occurs. 

In the research results from Kamat and Malkani [74], it says that disposable diapers have almost become an indispensable item in the list of baby care products. Apart from providing convenience benefits, disposable diapers also offer health benefits. Furthermore, over the last couple of decades, the technology of diapers has also advanced with introduction of a super absorbent material [SAM] and better designs to ensure leakage protection. Compared to cloth nappy, disposable diapers offer benefits that help reduce the possibility of potential infections. 

Polypropylene (PP) fibre is one of the most widely used synthetic fibres in the textile industry. PP has some advantages it is cheaper and stronger than many other synthetic fibres and it has been applied widely in various fields, e.g., carpets, automotive interior trim, films, packaging, protective cover, and cables. In particular, it is used for healthcare applications such as surgical masks, babies nappies, and filters, which need to display antibacterial effects. 

A novel superabsorbent polyacrylic acid/montmorillonite nanocomposite with an absorbency of about 1100 times its own weight has been made by Chinese scientists interested in the development of materials for use in babies nappies and feminine hygiene products. 

A welded seam is formed where two pieces of material are fused together by heat and pressure alone, creating an adequate bond on thermoplastic coatings such as polyvinylchloride, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. Welded seams are also being used increasingly for women s bras and babies pants and nappies, as they are comfortable. The finished seams mb the skin less, as they are flatter and lighter than the conventional seams. Chemical protective clothing is another area where welded seams provide improved penetration resistance, as there are no stitch holes for the chemicals to penetrate. 

Children and particularly babies have a large relative body surface area. Premature babies also have a thinner skin than adults, and lack the outer skin layer known as the homy layer or stratum comeum. In a young child with eczema, the skin may also be more damaged than in an adult with eczema. Therefore, the skin functions less well as barrier. Furthermore, application of any creams or ointments under a nappy or diaper prevents trans-epidermal water loss and leads to an increased absorption of the active substance. 

Photosensitivity and phototoxicity occur with some allergens such as musk ambrette and 6 methyl coumarin that are now removed from skin care products. Children were often found to be sensitive to Peru balsam, probably due to the use of baby-care products containing this (e.g., talcum powder used on nappy rasl. ... 

Hygiene products baby nappies, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons, incontinence products, cleaning waddings, cleaning wipes ... 

Polyelectrolytes are used to modify the interaction (i.e., to increase electrostatic repulsion) between particles when absorbed on a surface. They are used in hair conditioners to coat hairs and reduce static (conditioners also contain silicones to provide a smooth coating on the hair surface). Polyelectrolytes also modify the viscosity of aqueous solutions and are extensively used as emulsifiers and thickeners. Polyelectrolyte gels based on polyacrylates are used as super-absorbent gels (termed hydrogels) in baby nappies (diapers, US). The materials are able to swell up to many... 

These articles can be applied on a very large area, from disposable baby nappies to feminine hygiene products, from medical pads and dressings to gowns and drapes. 

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