Superabsorbent Polymer in Hygiene Application

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. 

Disposable diapers have an absorbent core with SAM. SAM is a revolutionary material that can absorb water up to 100 times its weight i.e., 1 gm of SAM can absorb up to 100 gm of water. SAM is added to the inner core of the diaper and it absorbs urine and converts it into a gel. It wicks away the urine and prevents the mixing of urine and feces, further contributing to better containment of feces within the diaper. Disposable diapers have been significantly more effective in prevention of leakage of urine and feces as compared to cloth nappies (with or without overlying plastic/vinyl pants). 

---