CA2160682C - Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics - Google Patents
Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2160682C CA2160682C CA002160682A CA2160682A CA2160682C CA 2160682 C CA2160682 C CA 2160682C CA 002160682 A CA002160682 A CA 002160682A CA 2160682 A CA2160682 A CA 2160682A CA 2160682 C CA2160682 C CA 2160682C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fabric
- polyvinyl alcohol
- polymer
- fiber
- useful articles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 46
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 44
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 claims description 39
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 18
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 239000000049 pigment Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000002940 repellent Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 6
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000002981 blocking agent Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011118 polyvinyl acetate Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920002689 polyvinyl acetate Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000012239 silicon dioxide Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000000137 annealing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000006116 polymerization reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002202 Polyethylene glycol Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- PYKYMHQGRFAEBM-UHFFFAOYSA-N anthraquinone Natural products CCC(=O)c1c(O)c2C(=O)C3C(C=CC=C3O)C(=O)c2cc1CC(=O)OC PYKYMHQGRFAEBM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 150000004056 anthraquinones Chemical class 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001223 polyethylene glycol Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000454 talc Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052623 talc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004040 coloring Methods 0.000 claims 10
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims 4
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000002906 medical waste Substances 0.000 description 10
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 5
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 4
- 125000002777 acetyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C(*)=O 0.000 description 3
- 239000007864 aqueous solution Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000002458 infectious effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920002153 Hydroxypropyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004952 Polyamide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012736 aqueous medium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 210000001124 body fluid Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000036760 body temperature Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000001863 hydroxypropyl cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000010977 hydroxypropyl cellulose Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000010781 infectious medical waste Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004745 nonwoven fabric Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002647 polyamide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000728 polyester Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 210000002700 urine Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 208000030507 AIDS Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010011409 Cross infection Diseases 0.000 description 1
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Sodium Sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-]S([O-])(=O)=O PMZURENOXWZQFD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- VMHLLURERBWHNL-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium acetate Chemical compound [Na+].CC([O-])=O VMHLLURERBWHNL-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000007513 acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920006397 acrylic thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003905 agrochemical Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002421 anti-septic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000078885 bloodborne pathogen Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000009835 boiling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052681 coesite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052906 cristobalite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000000249 desinfective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000002672 hepatitis B Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920001519 homopolymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000002887 hydroxy group Chemical group [H]O* 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002917 insecticide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- GBMDVOWEEQVZKZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N methanol;hydrate Chemical compound O.OC GBMDVOWEEQVZKZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000704 physical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920005594 polymer fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920006254 polymer film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000007127 saponification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000028327 secretion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000017281 sodium acetate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001632 sodium acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052938 sodium sulfate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000011152 sodium sulphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000005063 solubilization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007928 solubilization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003381 solubilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052682 stishovite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004094 surface-active agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N tert-butyl prop-2-enoate Chemical compound CC(C)(C)OC(=O)C=C ISXSCDLOGDJUNJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910052905 tridymite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002759 woven fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D01—NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
- D01F—CHEMICAL FEATURES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS, THREADS, FIBRES, BRISTLES OR RIBBONS; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CARBON FILAMENTS
- D01F6/00—Monocomponent artificial filaments or the like of synthetic polymers; Manufacture thereof
- D01F6/02—Monocomponent artificial filaments or the like of synthetic polymers; Manufacture thereof from homopolymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
- D01F6/14—Monocomponent artificial filaments or the like of synthetic polymers; Manufacture thereof from homopolymers obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds from polymers of unsaturated alcohols, e.g. polyvinyl alcohol, or of their acetals or ketals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F13/15211—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency soluble or disintegratable in liquid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/22—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons containing macromolecular materials
- A61L15/24—Macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Derivatives thereof
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L15/00—Chemical aspects of, or use of materials for, bandages, dressings or absorbent pads
- A61L15/16—Bandages, dressings or absorbent pads for physiological fluids such as urine or blood, e.g. sanitary towels, tampons
- A61L15/42—Use of materials characterised by their function or physical properties
- A61L15/62—Compostable, hydrosoluble or hydrodegradable materials
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B09—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE; RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED SOIL
- B09B—DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B09B3/00—Destroying solid waste or transforming solid waste into something useful or harmless
- B09B3/0075—Disposal of medical waste
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
- D04H—MAKING TEXTILE FABRICS, e.g. FROM FIBRES OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; FABRICS MADE BY SUCH PROCESSES OR APPARATUS, e.g. FELTS, NON-WOVEN FABRICS; COTTON-WOOL; WADDING ; NON-WOVEN FABRICS FROM STAPLE FIBRES, FILAMENTS OR YARNS, BONDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEB-LIKE MATERIAL DURING THEIR CONSOLIDATION
- D04H1/00—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres
- D04H1/40—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties
- D04H1/42—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres from fleeces or layers composed of fibres without existing or potential cohesive properties characterised by the use of certain kinds of fibres insofar as this use has no preponderant influence on the consolidation of the fleece
- D04H1/4282—Addition polymers
- D04H1/4309—Polyvinyl alcohol
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
- A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
- A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
- A61F13/15211—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency soluble or disintegratable in liquid
- A61F2013/15235—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency soluble or disintegratable in liquid by its solubility in water
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
- Treatments For Attaching Organic Compounds To Fibrous Goods (AREA)
- Manufacture Of Macromolecular Shaped Articles (AREA)
- Artificial Filaments (AREA)
- Woven Fabrics (AREA)
- Processing Of Solid Wastes (AREA)
- Separation, Recovery Or Treatment Of Waste Materials Containing Plastics (AREA)
Abstract
A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37 °C and preferably above 50 °C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.
Description
~ WO94125189 2i 6~68~ PCT~Sg4/04761 METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF
HOT WATER SOLUBLE GARMENTS AND LIKE FABRICS
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE I~v~ ON
The present invention involves a method of disposing S of garments after use. Specifically, the garments are composed of non-woven, woven, knitted or otherwise formed film or fabric of thermoplastic polymer or fiber which are water soluble at temperatures only above approximately normal human body temperature (37C).
BACKGROUND OF THE lN V ~ N~l~loN
Hospital patient care generates considerable ~uantities of infectious medical waste in primary and acute care facilities. There has been a general conversion from reusable, cleanable items, to disposable items over the last three decades. These conversions were made to promote antiseptic t~chniques in patient care and to decrease the potential for cross-infections between patients, staff and the general public. Recent federal and state government regulations such as the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 and OSHA Medical Facility rules have resulted in a substantial increase in medical waste that must be classified as "infectious."
When a patient is admitted to a hospital, the patient produces approximately 55 pounds of medical waste per day.
Approximately 20~ of this waste is infectious. The current stated objective of the American Hospital Association and the Centers for Disease Control is to treat medical waste as soon as it is generated. Both organizations recognize that medical waste is primarily an occupational hazard for health care workers and not an environmental problem. The best way to deal with infectious medical waste is to disinfect it at the point of generation and dispose of the treated medical waste with minimum handling and storage on premises.
The need for an effective way to dispose of medical waste has been highlighted by the amendment made to 29 C.F.R.
1910.1030 which provides for the federal regulation under the Occupational Safety And Health Act, 29 U.S.C. 655, 657 to WO94/25189 21~ ~ ~ 8 2 PCT~S94/04761 control bloodborne pathogens. Specifically, the Act calls for the establishment of an exposure control plan, the containment of specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials and the general tightening of precautionary measures to minimize the spread of disease. A safe and effective way to dispose of hospital waste in the form of soiled garments and apparel would greatly facilitate ~compliance with the above-referenced Act. -~
As a result, consumption of me~ical disposable woven lo or non-woven products has been growing at a rate of approximately~10% a year. In 1988, sales totaled approximately 1.155 Billion Dollars. It is projected that by 1992, sales of medical disposable non-woven products will reach 1.54 Billion Dollars.
Disposable medical fabrics are generally currently composed of thermoplastic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides and acrylics. These fabrics can also include mixtures of thermoset fibers such as polyamides, polyarimids and cellulosics. They are typically 10-100 grams per square yard in weight and can be woven, knitted or otherwise formed by methods well known to those in the textile arts while the non-wovens can be thermobonded, hydroentangled, wet laid or needle punched and films can be formed by blow or cast extrusion or by solution casting.
Although there is clearly a benefit in the use of disposables in the medical arts by avoiding the necessity of human contact with medical waste which is necessary in the cleaning of comparable reusables, non-biodegradable disposables are posing a problem which is only now being recognized. Landfill sites are becoming increasingly burdened with disposables which do not biodegrade for hundreds of years, if ever. As landfill sites become fully exploited, new sites must be found which are rightfully opposed by residents located proximate to proposed site locations.
It is clear that others have produced useful articles which at least break down or are caused to change their physical confirmation when subjected to hot aqueous solutions.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,314,809 teaches the production of transparent flexible films from hydroxypropyl cellulose ~ W094/25189 21 6 a6S2 PCT~S94/04761 which is taught to be "insoluble in water until the water reaches a temperature of about 60 C." However, hydroxypropyl cellulose, unlike polyvinyl alcohol, does not solubilize in water but simply breaks down forming a cellulose derivative t 5 residue.
The prior art has recognized uses for polyvinyl alcohol compositions in the manufacture of water soluble useful articles. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,413,229 teaches the production of water soluble bags or pouches from 10 which packets or the like are produced containing such materials as detergents, bleaches, insecticides, medicinals, chemicals, dyes, pigments, industrial additives and other materials. It is taught that the contents of the packets are dispersed merely by dropping the packets into water whereupon 15 the bags dissolve and release their contents into aqueous dispersions. However, the referenced patent teaches the production of such films which are both hot and cold water soluble.
Additional references, such as U.S. Patent No.
3,859,125 teach the production of layered articles which include coatings of polyvinyl alcohol. The subject reference teaches coating polyvinyl alcohol on a paper membrane whereby it is taught that the coated paper is soluble in either high or low temperature water. Again, it is incorrect to believe that a cellulose sheet material would be "soluble" in an aqueous solution. At best, cellulose merely disperses.
Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,343,133 teaches the coating of polyvinyl alcohol onto a non-woven fiber sheet impregnated with latices of polyvinyl acetate in the manufacture of a premoistened towelette which can be disposed of by flushing in plain water without danger of clogging a plumbing system.
There has been the teaching of various medical related products which are generally in the form of articles coated with polyvinyl alcohol employed to enhance disposal.
For example, European Patent Application No. 87310534.0 (Publication No. 0272816) teaches the production of an ostomy pouch which can be disposed of in a toilet bowel. The pouch is constructed from laminants of water swellable cold water insoluble films and water-resistant tissue paper. Similarly, WO94125189 i 216 0 6 ~ 2 PCT~S94/04761 U.K. Patent Application No. 2211088 teaches the production of a liner for a bed pan or urine bottle made of polyvinyl alcohol. It is taught that the liner may be disposed of by treatment with water at a temperature above that which it dissolves.
Both U.K. Patent No. 1,187,690 and Japanese Patent No. 72041741 teach the production of stand alone polyvinyl alcohol films which are water soluble. The U.K. patent teaches the production of hospital bags~and packing material for such products as detergents and agricultural chemicals while the Japanese patent teaches the use of polyvinyl alcohol films to make laundry bags which dissolve releasing soiled garments contained therein. However, neither reference teaches the unique films of the present invention which can be configured into useful garments and like materials and which are soluble in aqueous solutions only above a threshold value.
It is a desire in the creation of the present invention to provide a method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use while avoiding additional burdens being placed upon landfill disposal sites.
It is yet a further desire to provide a method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use such that the garment can be solubilized and medical waste substantially sterilized in a single operation.
These and further desires will be more readily appreciated while considering the following disclosure and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves a method of disposing of garments after use which comprises providing the garments as sheets or as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polymer or fiber. The polymer or fabric garments are water soluble only at temperatures above approximately the normal body temperature (37C). The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles composed of said polymer formulation are subjected to water PCT~S94/04761 ~ WO94/25189 2 1 6 ~ 6 8 2 at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the garments whereupon the water and dissolved polymer are subjected to disposal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention deals with the disposal of film or fabric configured into such garments and articles as drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head coverings, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers, napkins and woven, non-woven, or otherwise formed fabric. Such products are generally employed in the medical industry both in hospitals, outpatient facilities and home environments.
Many of these products generally come into contact with human bodily fluids and their disposal and disinfection has become a matter of major concern in light of the lack of biodegradability of prior products and the potential spread of human fluid-born diseases such as hepatitis B and AIDS.
In order to cope with these difficulties, it is proposed that polymer or fabric employed in the manufacture of such items be composed of polymer films and/or fibers which are soluble in hot aqueous baths, including water, either alone or with the addition of surfactants, salts and bleaches above 37C and preferably above 50C. Such fibers or sheets would be insoluble in cold to warm baths below 37C, the average temperature of the human body. Ideally, the polymer or fabric would be soluble in baths only above 50C, and, most preferably the polymer or fabric garments would be soluble only in aqueous media between 80C to 90C.
Garments which are soluble in aqueous media below 37OC are useless as inadvertent secretion of bodily fluids such as blood and urine would cause the polymer to solubilize.
Working with polymer which dissolves only at higher temperatures such as above 50C or, ideally between 80C and 90C would prevent inadvertent solubilization yet remain ideal in practicing the present invention. It is contemplated that disposal in a hot water bath such as a washing machine at or near the boiling point of water dedicated solely to solubilizing garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful W094/25189 216 ~ 6 8 2 PCT~S94/04761 articles produced herein would also be an effective disinfecting media. As such, two objectives would be accomplished, namely, that the polymer or sheets would be di~infected and would be solubilized for disposal through the sewer system. Not only would this lessen the burden now being r imposed upon current landfill sites but liguid sewer disposal would prove a comparative low cost technique in ridding the -user of such used garments.
Polymer or sheet mat~rials useful in practicing the lo present method comprise p~1yvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. The garments are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by post drawing or heat annealing. Ideal for use in the present invention would be a highly crystallized, at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate. Commercially, polyvinyl alcohol sold under the trademark Vinex 1003TM and 1002~ by Air Products could be used herein. Useful fibers are typically 0.5 denier to 5.0 denier and are preferably from 1.0-2.0 denier and most preferably sized at 1.2-1.5 denier. A commercially available product for use in the present invention is either type T-B
(VEE 1290) or type T-5 (VPB 101) which are each available from Kuralon as its PVA fiber. This material is sold in 44mm lengths. The T-B product is sized at 1.2 denier while the T-5 product is sold in 38mm staple lengths of 1.5 denier.
The fabric useful in practicing the present invention can be constructed by any well known technique for making woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric.
Such non-woven tech~iques useful in practicing the present invention include spun bonding, melt blowing or wet laying, hydroentangling with cold water and/or thermally bonding with 30-70% of the surface melted to form, for example, a diamond pattern. When products, such as diapers, are configured of sheets of suitable thermoplastic material, the sheets are approximately 1 to 6 mils in thickness and more preferably 1 to 3 mils in thickness and most preferably approximately 1.5 mils in thickness. Suitable non-woven fabric or sheets are approximately from 15g/yd2 to 200g/yd2 in weight and more preferably from 20g/yd2 to 70g/2 and most preferably from ~ W09412~189 7 216 0 6 8 2 PCT~S94/04761 25g/yd2 to 80g/yd2. Knitted or woven fabrics are approximately 50% heavier as needed for binding tapes, cuffs and related appendages.
As noted in U.K. Patent No. l,187,690, it is desirable to maintain a minimum level of moisture content of polyvinyl alcohol pellets prior to melt extrusion. The reference teaches that if moisture content of a film composition exceedæ two percent by weight, steam evolves during the melt extrusion leading to the formation of fine holes or cavities in the film.
However, while the present invention also contemplates drying to a level of approximately 0.5% (wt.) water or less the polyvinyl alcohol pellets before extrusion and, subsequent to the film formation, moisture is lS reintroduced back into the film to prevent brittleness and maintain usefulness. It is contemplated that the final PVA
film have between 1.5 to 15% (wt.), preferably 5 to 10% (wt.) and most preferably approximately 7.5% (wt.) moisture content.
In order to further enhance the usability of sheet material produced principally of polyvinyl alcohol, it is contemplated that an anti-blocking agent be employed to reduce hydrogen bonding between adjacent hydroxyl groups on separate sheets. Suitable anti--blocking agents are members selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide (Sioz) polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic SiO2. Such material should be employed between O.l to 5.0% (wt.) and most preferably between 2 to 3% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol.
As noted previously, polymer or sheet material useful in practicing the present invention is comprised of polyvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. It is proposed that the polyvinyl alcohol be substantially fully hydrolyzed, that is, having 98% or greater hydrolyzed acetyl groups.
For the sake of adequate mechanical strength, polyvinyl alcohol-based sheet material should have a degree of polymerization of at least 700 and no greater than approximately 1500. Ideally, such materials should have a degree of polymerization of approximately 900 and be wo 94~2~189 2 ~ 6 0 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCT~S94/04761 substantially crystallized.
It is also noted that in producing polyvinyl alcohol resins from the saponification of polyvinyl acetate, impurities such as sodium acetate and sodium sulfate are found in the resin. To provide a suitable film material, such impurities must be kept below 1/2% (wt.) and preferably below 1/4% (wt.) of the polyvinyl alcohol resin. This can be accomplished with a methanol water rinse or extraction.
To enhance the manufa~cture of suitable polyvinyl alcohol resin-based film materials, suitable quantities of a plasticizer are necessary. It is contemplated that up to 15~
(wt.) of a suitable plasticizer such as glycerine or polyethylene glycol be employed to assist in providing a smooth melt extrusion from the polyvinyl alcohol-based pellets.
~ W094/25189 9 PCT~S94/04761 ~"" 21~0~82~
As examples the following fabric samples were manufactured on conventional thermal bonding equipment.
I.D. TL-0079.0 79.1 79.2 080.0 0080.1 Fibre Kuralon T-5 PVA (1.5 denier, 38 mm staple le~gth) 5 Pattern No. 2 2 2 Fabric Wt.
(gms/sq.yd) 27 44 47 35 43 ~hickness (mil) 15 12 17 14 16 Tensiles-10 (Grab-lbs) Dry MD 8.3 11.7 16.6 13.8 16.1 Wet MD 3.2 4.8 4.6 3.1 6.0 ~EY CD 2.0 2.3 4.3 3.8 5.2 Wet CD 1.0 1.5 1.7 1.3 2.3 Elongation(%) ~ry MD 11 10 12 12 11 pry CD 48 30 38 19 22 Mullen Burst (p8i) Dry 11 15 19 13 16 Wet 10 14 19 13 15 I.D. TL-0079.0 79.1 79.2 080.0 0080.1 Hanle-0-Meter (gms) 84 244 432 173 244 Trap Tear-MD1.7 2.1 3.5 2.7 2.9 CD 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.6 0.7 SUBSTlll~E SHEET (RULE 2~
1 0 PCT~S94/04761 W094/25189 ~ 21 ~ Q ~ ~ 2 It was found that the above-manufactured fabric displayed nearly identical physical properties similar to fabric manufactured from polyester and polypropylene. However, the fabric manufactured above was unaffected by cool or warm water (23-37C) but when exposed to hot water (80-90C), immediately dissolved.
It is oftentimes desirable that the film be colored with pigments or dyes such as azo or anthraquinone molecules.
U eful dyes include acids, basics, disperse, reactives and vats. The pigments and dyes should be employed in an amount between approximately 0.25 to 3.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polymeric polyvinyl alcohol.
Surprisingly, it has been found that the incorporation of a water repellent within the polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric is quite a useful adjunct to minimize surface attack by liquid moisture at a temperature lower than that at which solubility occurs. It has been found that even with polyvinyl alcohol films and fabrics which become water soluble only at elevated temperatures, when exposed to water, the surface of such material tends to take on a slick "feel"
and the use of water repellents tends to minimize this effect.
Suitable repellents include fluorocarbons offered by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. sold under its trademarks FC 824 and 808. These materials are useful in the range of between 0.1 to 2.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer.
HOT WATER SOLUBLE GARMENTS AND LIKE FABRICS
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE I~v~ ON
The present invention involves a method of disposing S of garments after use. Specifically, the garments are composed of non-woven, woven, knitted or otherwise formed film or fabric of thermoplastic polymer or fiber which are water soluble at temperatures only above approximately normal human body temperature (37C).
BACKGROUND OF THE lN V ~ N~l~loN
Hospital patient care generates considerable ~uantities of infectious medical waste in primary and acute care facilities. There has been a general conversion from reusable, cleanable items, to disposable items over the last three decades. These conversions were made to promote antiseptic t~chniques in patient care and to decrease the potential for cross-infections between patients, staff and the general public. Recent federal and state government regulations such as the Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 and OSHA Medical Facility rules have resulted in a substantial increase in medical waste that must be classified as "infectious."
When a patient is admitted to a hospital, the patient produces approximately 55 pounds of medical waste per day.
Approximately 20~ of this waste is infectious. The current stated objective of the American Hospital Association and the Centers for Disease Control is to treat medical waste as soon as it is generated. Both organizations recognize that medical waste is primarily an occupational hazard for health care workers and not an environmental problem. The best way to deal with infectious medical waste is to disinfect it at the point of generation and dispose of the treated medical waste with minimum handling and storage on premises.
The need for an effective way to dispose of medical waste has been highlighted by the amendment made to 29 C.F.R.
1910.1030 which provides for the federal regulation under the Occupational Safety And Health Act, 29 U.S.C. 655, 657 to WO94/25189 21~ ~ ~ 8 2 PCT~S94/04761 control bloodborne pathogens. Specifically, the Act calls for the establishment of an exposure control plan, the containment of specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials and the general tightening of precautionary measures to minimize the spread of disease. A safe and effective way to dispose of hospital waste in the form of soiled garments and apparel would greatly facilitate ~compliance with the above-referenced Act. -~
As a result, consumption of me~ical disposable woven lo or non-woven products has been growing at a rate of approximately~10% a year. In 1988, sales totaled approximately 1.155 Billion Dollars. It is projected that by 1992, sales of medical disposable non-woven products will reach 1.54 Billion Dollars.
Disposable medical fabrics are generally currently composed of thermoplastic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides and acrylics. These fabrics can also include mixtures of thermoset fibers such as polyamides, polyarimids and cellulosics. They are typically 10-100 grams per square yard in weight and can be woven, knitted or otherwise formed by methods well known to those in the textile arts while the non-wovens can be thermobonded, hydroentangled, wet laid or needle punched and films can be formed by blow or cast extrusion or by solution casting.
Although there is clearly a benefit in the use of disposables in the medical arts by avoiding the necessity of human contact with medical waste which is necessary in the cleaning of comparable reusables, non-biodegradable disposables are posing a problem which is only now being recognized. Landfill sites are becoming increasingly burdened with disposables which do not biodegrade for hundreds of years, if ever. As landfill sites become fully exploited, new sites must be found which are rightfully opposed by residents located proximate to proposed site locations.
It is clear that others have produced useful articles which at least break down or are caused to change their physical confirmation when subjected to hot aqueous solutions.
For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,314,809 teaches the production of transparent flexible films from hydroxypropyl cellulose ~ W094/25189 21 6 a6S2 PCT~S94/04761 which is taught to be "insoluble in water until the water reaches a temperature of about 60 C." However, hydroxypropyl cellulose, unlike polyvinyl alcohol, does not solubilize in water but simply breaks down forming a cellulose derivative t 5 residue.
The prior art has recognized uses for polyvinyl alcohol compositions in the manufacture of water soluble useful articles. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,413,229 teaches the production of water soluble bags or pouches from 10 which packets or the like are produced containing such materials as detergents, bleaches, insecticides, medicinals, chemicals, dyes, pigments, industrial additives and other materials. It is taught that the contents of the packets are dispersed merely by dropping the packets into water whereupon 15 the bags dissolve and release their contents into aqueous dispersions. However, the referenced patent teaches the production of such films which are both hot and cold water soluble.
Additional references, such as U.S. Patent No.
3,859,125 teach the production of layered articles which include coatings of polyvinyl alcohol. The subject reference teaches coating polyvinyl alcohol on a paper membrane whereby it is taught that the coated paper is soluble in either high or low temperature water. Again, it is incorrect to believe that a cellulose sheet material would be "soluble" in an aqueous solution. At best, cellulose merely disperses.
Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 4,343,133 teaches the coating of polyvinyl alcohol onto a non-woven fiber sheet impregnated with latices of polyvinyl acetate in the manufacture of a premoistened towelette which can be disposed of by flushing in plain water without danger of clogging a plumbing system.
There has been the teaching of various medical related products which are generally in the form of articles coated with polyvinyl alcohol employed to enhance disposal.
For example, European Patent Application No. 87310534.0 (Publication No. 0272816) teaches the production of an ostomy pouch which can be disposed of in a toilet bowel. The pouch is constructed from laminants of water swellable cold water insoluble films and water-resistant tissue paper. Similarly, WO94125189 i 216 0 6 ~ 2 PCT~S94/04761 U.K. Patent Application No. 2211088 teaches the production of a liner for a bed pan or urine bottle made of polyvinyl alcohol. It is taught that the liner may be disposed of by treatment with water at a temperature above that which it dissolves.
Both U.K. Patent No. 1,187,690 and Japanese Patent No. 72041741 teach the production of stand alone polyvinyl alcohol films which are water soluble. The U.K. patent teaches the production of hospital bags~and packing material for such products as detergents and agricultural chemicals while the Japanese patent teaches the use of polyvinyl alcohol films to make laundry bags which dissolve releasing soiled garments contained therein. However, neither reference teaches the unique films of the present invention which can be configured into useful garments and like materials and which are soluble in aqueous solutions only above a threshold value.
It is a desire in the creation of the present invention to provide a method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use while avoiding additional burdens being placed upon landfill disposal sites.
It is yet a further desire to provide a method of disposing of garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles after use such that the garment can be solubilized and medical waste substantially sterilized in a single operation.
These and further desires will be more readily appreciated while considering the following disclosure and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves a method of disposing of garments after use which comprises providing the garments as sheets or as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polymer or fiber. The polymer or fabric garments are water soluble only at temperatures above approximately the normal body temperature (37C). The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles composed of said polymer formulation are subjected to water PCT~S94/04761 ~ WO94/25189 2 1 6 ~ 6 8 2 at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the garments whereupon the water and dissolved polymer are subjected to disposal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention deals with the disposal of film or fabric configured into such garments and articles as drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head coverings, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers, napkins and woven, non-woven, or otherwise formed fabric. Such products are generally employed in the medical industry both in hospitals, outpatient facilities and home environments.
Many of these products generally come into contact with human bodily fluids and their disposal and disinfection has become a matter of major concern in light of the lack of biodegradability of prior products and the potential spread of human fluid-born diseases such as hepatitis B and AIDS.
In order to cope with these difficulties, it is proposed that polymer or fabric employed in the manufacture of such items be composed of polymer films and/or fibers which are soluble in hot aqueous baths, including water, either alone or with the addition of surfactants, salts and bleaches above 37C and preferably above 50C. Such fibers or sheets would be insoluble in cold to warm baths below 37C, the average temperature of the human body. Ideally, the polymer or fabric would be soluble in baths only above 50C, and, most preferably the polymer or fabric garments would be soluble only in aqueous media between 80C to 90C.
Garments which are soluble in aqueous media below 37OC are useless as inadvertent secretion of bodily fluids such as blood and urine would cause the polymer to solubilize.
Working with polymer which dissolves only at higher temperatures such as above 50C or, ideally between 80C and 90C would prevent inadvertent solubilization yet remain ideal in practicing the present invention. It is contemplated that disposal in a hot water bath such as a washing machine at or near the boiling point of water dedicated solely to solubilizing garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful W094/25189 216 ~ 6 8 2 PCT~S94/04761 articles produced herein would also be an effective disinfecting media. As such, two objectives would be accomplished, namely, that the polymer or sheets would be di~infected and would be solubilized for disposal through the sewer system. Not only would this lessen the burden now being r imposed upon current landfill sites but liguid sewer disposal would prove a comparative low cost technique in ridding the -user of such used garments.
Polymer or sheet mat~rials useful in practicing the lo present method comprise p~1yvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. The garments are comprised of polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer that has been highly crystallized by post drawing or heat annealing. Ideal for use in the present invention would be a highly crystallized, at least approximately 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate. Commercially, polyvinyl alcohol sold under the trademark Vinex 1003TM and 1002~ by Air Products could be used herein. Useful fibers are typically 0.5 denier to 5.0 denier and are preferably from 1.0-2.0 denier and most preferably sized at 1.2-1.5 denier. A commercially available product for use in the present invention is either type T-B
(VEE 1290) or type T-5 (VPB 101) which are each available from Kuralon as its PVA fiber. This material is sold in 44mm lengths. The T-B product is sized at 1.2 denier while the T-5 product is sold in 38mm staple lengths of 1.5 denier.
The fabric useful in practicing the present invention can be constructed by any well known technique for making woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric.
Such non-woven tech~iques useful in practicing the present invention include spun bonding, melt blowing or wet laying, hydroentangling with cold water and/or thermally bonding with 30-70% of the surface melted to form, for example, a diamond pattern. When products, such as diapers, are configured of sheets of suitable thermoplastic material, the sheets are approximately 1 to 6 mils in thickness and more preferably 1 to 3 mils in thickness and most preferably approximately 1.5 mils in thickness. Suitable non-woven fabric or sheets are approximately from 15g/yd2 to 200g/yd2 in weight and more preferably from 20g/yd2 to 70g/2 and most preferably from ~ W09412~189 7 216 0 6 8 2 PCT~S94/04761 25g/yd2 to 80g/yd2. Knitted or woven fabrics are approximately 50% heavier as needed for binding tapes, cuffs and related appendages.
As noted in U.K. Patent No. l,187,690, it is desirable to maintain a minimum level of moisture content of polyvinyl alcohol pellets prior to melt extrusion. The reference teaches that if moisture content of a film composition exceedæ two percent by weight, steam evolves during the melt extrusion leading to the formation of fine holes or cavities in the film.
However, while the present invention also contemplates drying to a level of approximately 0.5% (wt.) water or less the polyvinyl alcohol pellets before extrusion and, subsequent to the film formation, moisture is lS reintroduced back into the film to prevent brittleness and maintain usefulness. It is contemplated that the final PVA
film have between 1.5 to 15% (wt.), preferably 5 to 10% (wt.) and most preferably approximately 7.5% (wt.) moisture content.
In order to further enhance the usability of sheet material produced principally of polyvinyl alcohol, it is contemplated that an anti-blocking agent be employed to reduce hydrogen bonding between adjacent hydroxyl groups on separate sheets. Suitable anti--blocking agents are members selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide (Sioz) polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic SiO2. Such material should be employed between O.l to 5.0% (wt.) and most preferably between 2 to 3% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol.
As noted previously, polymer or sheet material useful in practicing the present invention is comprised of polyvinyl alcohol with or without acetyl groups, cross-linked or uncross-linked. It is proposed that the polyvinyl alcohol be substantially fully hydrolyzed, that is, having 98% or greater hydrolyzed acetyl groups.
For the sake of adequate mechanical strength, polyvinyl alcohol-based sheet material should have a degree of polymerization of at least 700 and no greater than approximately 1500. Ideally, such materials should have a degree of polymerization of approximately 900 and be wo 94~2~189 2 ~ 6 0 ~ ~ 2 ~ PCT~S94/04761 substantially crystallized.
It is also noted that in producing polyvinyl alcohol resins from the saponification of polyvinyl acetate, impurities such as sodium acetate and sodium sulfate are found in the resin. To provide a suitable film material, such impurities must be kept below 1/2% (wt.) and preferably below 1/4% (wt.) of the polyvinyl alcohol resin. This can be accomplished with a methanol water rinse or extraction.
To enhance the manufa~cture of suitable polyvinyl alcohol resin-based film materials, suitable quantities of a plasticizer are necessary. It is contemplated that up to 15~
(wt.) of a suitable plasticizer such as glycerine or polyethylene glycol be employed to assist in providing a smooth melt extrusion from the polyvinyl alcohol-based pellets.
~ W094/25189 9 PCT~S94/04761 ~"" 21~0~82~
As examples the following fabric samples were manufactured on conventional thermal bonding equipment.
I.D. TL-0079.0 79.1 79.2 080.0 0080.1 Fibre Kuralon T-5 PVA (1.5 denier, 38 mm staple le~gth) 5 Pattern No. 2 2 2 Fabric Wt.
(gms/sq.yd) 27 44 47 35 43 ~hickness (mil) 15 12 17 14 16 Tensiles-10 (Grab-lbs) Dry MD 8.3 11.7 16.6 13.8 16.1 Wet MD 3.2 4.8 4.6 3.1 6.0 ~EY CD 2.0 2.3 4.3 3.8 5.2 Wet CD 1.0 1.5 1.7 1.3 2.3 Elongation(%) ~ry MD 11 10 12 12 11 pry CD 48 30 38 19 22 Mullen Burst (p8i) Dry 11 15 19 13 16 Wet 10 14 19 13 15 I.D. TL-0079.0 79.1 79.2 080.0 0080.1 Hanle-0-Meter (gms) 84 244 432 173 244 Trap Tear-MD1.7 2.1 3.5 2.7 2.9 CD 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.6 0.7 SUBSTlll~E SHEET (RULE 2~
1 0 PCT~S94/04761 W094/25189 ~ 21 ~ Q ~ ~ 2 It was found that the above-manufactured fabric displayed nearly identical physical properties similar to fabric manufactured from polyester and polypropylene. However, the fabric manufactured above was unaffected by cool or warm water (23-37C) but when exposed to hot water (80-90C), immediately dissolved.
It is oftentimes desirable that the film be colored with pigments or dyes such as azo or anthraquinone molecules.
U eful dyes include acids, basics, disperse, reactives and vats. The pigments and dyes should be employed in an amount between approximately 0.25 to 3.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polymeric polyvinyl alcohol.
Surprisingly, it has been found that the incorporation of a water repellent within the polyvinyl alcohol film or fabric is quite a useful adjunct to minimize surface attack by liquid moisture at a temperature lower than that at which solubility occurs. It has been found that even with polyvinyl alcohol films and fabrics which become water soluble only at elevated temperatures, when exposed to water, the surface of such material tends to take on a slick "feel"
and the use of water repellents tends to minimize this effect.
Suitable repellents include fluorocarbons offered by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co. sold under its trademarks FC 824 and 808. These materials are useful in the range of between 0.1 to 2.0% (wt.) based upon the weight of the polyvinyl alcohol polymer.
Claims (19)
1. A method of disposing of useful articles of garments, linens, drapes, and towels after use, comprising providing the useful articles as a stand alone thermoplastic polymer fabric of polyvinyl alcohol including polyvinyl alcohol fiber that has been highly crystallized by postdrawing or by heat annealing, is water soluble only at temperatures above 37°C and insoluble at temperatures below 37°C, and subjecting said articles after use to an aqueous bath to dissolve said articles whereupon said dissolved polymer is subjected to disposal, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer being produced from at least 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said fabric is woven, non-woven or knitted of said thermoplastic polymer.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said thermoplastic polymer fabric is water soluble only at temperatures between 80°C and 90°C.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said thermoplastic polymer fabric is water soluble at only temperatures above 50°C.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said fiber is thermally bonded after hydroentanglement.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein 30-700 of the fabric surface is melted by thermal bonding.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said polyvinyl alcohol polymer contains an anti-blocking agent comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic silicon dioxide, said anti-blocking agent being contained in said polyvinyl alcohol in an amount between 2 to 3 wt.%, having a degree of polymerization of 900 and wherein any contaminants contained within said polymer of polyvinyl alcohol are maintained below 0.5 wt. %.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said polyvinyl alcohol polymer further contains up to 15 wt.% of a plasticizer and wherein said plasticizer comprises a member selected from the group consisting of glycerine and polyethylene glycol.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said fabric includes a coloring pigment or coloring dye, said coloring pigment comprises a member selected from the group consisting of an azo and anthraquinone molecule and wherein said coloring pigment or coloring dye is contained within said polymeric fabric in an amount of 0.25 to 3.0 wt. %.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said polymeric fabric includes a water repellent agent said water repellent agent is contained within said polymeric fabric in an amount of 0.1 to 2.0 wt. %.
11. A method of disposing of useful articles after use, comprising providing the useful articles as a stand alone thermoplastic polymer fabric of polyvinyl alcohol including polyvinyl alcohol fiber that has been highly crystallized by postdrawing or by heat annealing, is water soluble only at temperatures above 37°C and insoluble at temperatures below 37°C, said thermoplastic polymer fabric being configured into a member selected from the group consisting of drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head covers, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers and napkins, and subjecting said articles after use to an aqueous bath to dissolve said articles whereupon said dissolved polymer is subjected to disposal, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer being produced from at least 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate.
12. Useful articles characterized as being water soluble only at temperatures above 37°C., said useful articles comprised of polymeric fabric of polyvinyl alcohol including polyvinyl alcohol fiber that has been highly crystallized by postdrawing or by heat annealing, said fabric or fiber being configured into one or more members selected from the group consisting of drapes, towels, covers, overwraps, gowns, head covers, face masks, shoe coverings, CSR wraps, sponges, dressings, tapes, underpads, diapers, wash cloths, sheets, pillow covers and napkins, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer being produced from crystalline at least 98% saponified polyvinyl acetate.
13. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein said polyvinyl alcohol polymer contains an anti-blocking agent comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of silicon dioxide polymer, talc, calcium carbonate and fumed hydrophilic silicon dioxide, said anti-blocking agent is contained in said polyvinyl alcohol in an amount between 2 to 3 wt.% said polyvinyl alcohol polymer has a degree of polymerization of 900, said polyvinyl alcohol polymer further contains up to 15 wt. % of a plasticizer, said plasticizer selected from the group consisting of glycerine and polyethylene glycol, any contaminants contained within said polymer of polyvinyl alcohol are maintained below 0.5 wt.o and said fabric is woven, non-woven or knitted of said thermoplastic polymer fiber.
14. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein said thermoplastic polymer is water soluble only at temperatures above 50°C.
15. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein said fabric is composed of a non-woven thermoplastic polymer of polyvinyl alcohol having a weight of 25-80g/yd2, said fiber is 0.5-5.0 denier in size, said fabric being prepared from said fiber by spun bonding; melt blowing, wet laying and hydroentangling said fiber, or thermally bonding said fiber.
16. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein said fabric is thermally bonded after hydroentanglement of said fiber.
17. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein 30-70% of the fabric surface is melted by thermal bonding.
18. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein said fabric includes a coloring pigment or coloring dye, said coloring pigment comprising a member selected from the group consisting of an azo and anthraquinone molecule, said coloring pigment or coloring dye being contained with said polymeric fabric in an amount of 0.25 to 3.0 wt.%.
19. The useful articles of claim 12, wherein said polymeric fabric includes a water repellent agent, said water repellent agent is contained within said polymeric fabric in an amount of 0.1 to 2.0 wt. %.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US5508393A | 1993-04-29 | 1993-04-29 | |
US08/055,083 | 1993-04-29 | ||
PCT/US1994/004761 WO1994025189A1 (en) | 1993-04-29 | 1994-04-28 | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2160682A1 CA2160682A1 (en) | 1994-11-10 |
CA2160682C true CA2160682C (en) | 2001-08-14 |
Family
ID=21995471
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002160682A Expired - Lifetime CA2160682C (en) | 1993-04-29 | 1994-04-28 | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0701490A4 (en) |
JP (2) | JPH08509659A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2160682C (en) |
WO (1) | WO1994025189A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6130264A (en) | 1994-10-06 | 2000-10-10 | Xomed Surgical Products, Inc. | Synthetic sponge and surgical spear comprising synthetic sponge |
US6080092A (en) | 1994-10-06 | 2000-06-27 | Xomed Surgical Products, Inc. | Industrial cleaning sponge |
US6004402A (en) * | 1994-10-06 | 1999-12-21 | Xomed Surgical Products, Inc. | Method of cleaning silicon material with a sponge |
KR100691053B1 (en) * | 1999-11-19 | 2007-03-09 | 마이크로텍 메디칼 홀딩스, 인코포레이티드 | Process and system for treatment of waste streams containing water-soluble polymers |
US6835678B2 (en) | 2000-05-04 | 2004-12-28 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Ion sensitive, water-dispersible fabrics, a method of making same and items using same |
US6444214B1 (en) | 2000-05-04 | 2002-09-03 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Ion-sensitive, water-dispersible polymers, a method of making same and items using same |
US6576575B2 (en) | 2000-05-15 | 2003-06-10 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Dispersible adherent article |
US6828014B2 (en) | 2001-03-22 | 2004-12-07 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Water-dispersible, cationic polymers, a method of making same and items using same |
US6783826B2 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2004-08-31 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Flushable commode liner |
US7378360B2 (en) | 2003-12-17 | 2008-05-27 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Water dispersible, pre-saturated wiping products |
JP4501151B2 (en) * | 2004-05-31 | 2010-07-14 | Toto株式会社 | Sanitary ware dissolution treatment equipment |
JP2008303354A (en) * | 2007-06-11 | 2008-12-18 | Shimizu Corp | Treatment method of asbestos protective sheet material and melting treatment device |
JP2009056727A (en) * | 2007-08-31 | 2009-03-19 | Shimizu Corp | Sheet material for protection |
US9797073B1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2017-10-24 | Lakeland Industries, Inc. | Process for producing polyvinyl alcohol articles |
US9523172B2 (en) * | 2011-07-18 | 2016-12-20 | Lakeland Industries, Inc. | Process for producing polyvinyl alcohol articles |
EP4162828A1 (en) * | 2020-06-03 | 2023-04-12 | Solubag SPA | Disposable cloth mask, water-soluble in hot water, for the elimination of pathogens |
KR102313425B1 (en) * | 2020-11-05 | 2021-10-19 | 강태욱 | Reuse for wast of biodegradable antiviral mask and material accordingly |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3607812A (en) * | 1968-12-17 | 1971-09-21 | Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kk | Method of manufacturing polyvinyl alcohol films and product |
FR2534137B1 (en) * | 1982-10-12 | 1985-10-25 | Beghini Pierre | SELF-DESTRUCTIBLE WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE FOR BURIING A BODY |
US5181967A (en) * | 1991-04-10 | 1993-01-26 | Isolyser Company, Inc. | Method of disposal of hot water soluble utensils |
DE4132804A1 (en) * | 1991-04-10 | 1992-10-15 | Isolyser Co | Disposable garments and articles soluble in hot water |
GB2254626A (en) * | 1991-04-10 | 1992-10-14 | Isolyser Co | Method of disposal of hot water soluble fabric |
CA2070884A1 (en) * | 1991-04-10 | 1993-12-10 | Travis W. Honeycutt | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics |
SK127794A3 (en) * | 1992-04-23 | 1995-07-11 | British Tech Group | Polymeric articles and materials |
-
1994
- 1994-04-28 JP JP6524578A patent/JPH08509659A/en active Pending
- 1994-04-28 WO PCT/US1994/004761 patent/WO1994025189A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1994-04-28 CA CA002160682A patent/CA2160682C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-04-28 EP EP94915957A patent/EP0701490A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2001
- 2001-02-19 JP JP2001041363A patent/JP2001286848A/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0701490A4 (en) | 1996-12-18 |
JPH08509659A (en) | 1996-10-15 |
WO1994025189A1 (en) | 1994-11-10 |
EP0701490A1 (en) | 1996-03-20 |
CA2160682A1 (en) | 1994-11-10 |
JP2001286848A (en) | 2001-10-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5207837A (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
CA2160682C (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
CA2070884A1 (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
JP3060180B2 (en) | Disposable mop head | |
CA2172390C (en) | Hot water soluble towels, sponges and gauzes | |
US5658977A (en) | Hot water soluble disposable films, fabrics and articles | |
US5650219A (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
US5871679A (en) | Method of producing hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
US5891812A (en) | Liquid absorbable non-permeable fabrics and methods of making, using, and disposing thereof | |
US5985443A (en) | Method of disposing of a mop head | |
US6048410A (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
JP2917176B2 (en) | Composite fabric | |
GB2254626A (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble fabric | |
US5885907A (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
WO1998010126A1 (en) | Method of disposal of hot water soluble garments and like fabrics | |
FR2692503A1 (en) | Disposal of fabric article of thermoplastic PVA fibre | |
JPH11138700A (en) | Water-soluble nonwoven fabric or woven fabric molded material | |
AU7437596A (en) | Absorbent, non-permeable fabrics and method of disposal thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20140428 |