US20200275808A1 - Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent - Google Patents
Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200275808A1 US20200275808A1 US16/695,317 US201916695317A US2020275808A1 US 20200275808 A1 US20200275808 A1 US 20200275808A1 US 201916695317 A US201916695317 A US 201916695317A US 2020275808 A1 US2020275808 A1 US 2020275808A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base sheet
- binding agent
- fibers
- dispersible
- wet wiper
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/16—Paper towels; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
- A47L13/16—Cloths; Pads; Sponges
- A47L13/17—Cloths; Pads; Sponges containing cleaning agents
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C11—ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE OILS, FATS, FATTY SUBSTANCES OR WAXES; FATTY ACIDS THEREFROM; DETERGENTS; CANDLES
- C11D—DETERGENT COMPOSITIONS; USE OF SINGLE SUBSTANCES AS DETERGENTS; SOAP OR SOAP-MAKING; RESIN SOAPS; RECOVERY OF GLYCEROL
- C11D17/00—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties
- C11D17/04—Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties combined with or containing other objects
- C11D17/049—Cleaning or scouring pads; Wipes
-
- 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
- D04H1/425—Cellulose series
-
- 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
- D04H1/425—Cellulose series
- D04H1/4258—Regenerated cellulose series
-
- 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
- D04H1/44—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 the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling
- D04H1/46—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 the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres
- D04H1/492—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 the fleeces or layers being consolidated by mechanical means, e.g. by rolling by needling or like operations to cause entanglement of fibres by fluid jet
-
- 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
- D04H1/58—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 by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
- D04H1/587—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 by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives characterised by the bonding agents used
-
- 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
- D04H1/58—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 by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives
- D04H1/64—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 by applying, incorporating or activating chemical or thermoplastic bonding agents, e.g. adhesives the bonding agent being applied in wet state, e.g. chemical agents in dispersions or solutions
-
- 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
- D04H1/70—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres
- D04H1/72—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged
- D04H1/732—Non-woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of staple fibres or like relatively short fibres characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of fibres the fibres being randomly arranged by fluid current, e.g. air-lay
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D21H11/00—Pulp or paper, comprising cellulose or lignocellulose fibres of natural origin only
- D21H11/16—Pulp or paper, comprising cellulose or lignocellulose fibres of natural origin only modified by a particular after-treatment
- D21H11/18—Highly hydrated, swollen or fibrillatable fibres
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D21—PAPER-MAKING; PRODUCTION OF CELLULOSE
- D21H—PULP COMPOSITIONS; PREPARATION THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES D21C OR D21D; IMPREGNATING OR COATING OF PAPER; TREATMENT OF FINISHED PAPER NOT COVERED BY CLASS B31 OR SUBCLASS D21G; PAPER NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D21H27/00—Special paper not otherwise provided for, e.g. made by multi-step processes
- D21H27/002—Tissue paper; Absorbent paper
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/3266—Wet wipes
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2401/00—Physical properties
- D10B2401/02—Moisture-responsive characteristics
- D10B2401/024—Moisture-responsive characteristics soluble
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D10—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBLASSES OF SECTION D, RELATING TO TEXTILES
- D10B2509/00—Medical; Hygiene
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to dispersible wipes. More particularly, the present invention relates to dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent.
- Dispersible wipes or flushable wipes are wet wipes that may be thrown away into the sewage system to be dispersed (i.e., broken down) after being submerged in a large amount of water.
- Commonly used flushable wipes are made from cellulose pulp fibers similar to those used in conventional toilet paper. However, because cellulose pulp fibers tend to disintegrate and disperse very easily in watery environments, they are too weak (e.g., have low tensile strength) when wetted with a conventional wet wipe lotion, such that they cannot be pulled out from a package. Alternatively, if strongly bonded using conventional means, the commercial flushable wipes are too strong to disperse properly in the sewage system, thus may block a domestic sewage system such that they are practically non-flushable.
- the wet wipe may include a base sheet comprising short length fibers; a dispersible binding agent reinforcing the base sheet; and a wetting lotion.
- the dispersible binding agent may be configured to bind the fibers of the base sheet when the dispersible wipe includes liquid at an amount of at most 400 wt % from the weight of the base sheet and to disperse in excess water if the amount of the water exceeds 500 wt %.
- the dispersible binding agent is a non-adhesive agent.
- the non-adhesive agent is selected from: microfibrillar cellulose fibers, nano crystalline cellulose fibrils, microfibrillated cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocellulose crystals and the like.
- the dispersible binding agent is an adhesive emulsion.
- the adhesive emulsion is selected from: Vinyl Acetate based emulsion, Acrylic terpolymer emulsions and the like.
- the dispersible binding agent is present in an amount of 0.5-5 gram/square meter (gsm). In some embodiments, the dispersible binding agent is present in an amount of 1-2 gsm.
- the base sheet is a nonwoven sheet made from short length fibers.
- the reinforced base sheet is comprised of fibers of a denier of no more than 5.0.
- the short length fibers include at least one of: bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose, lyocell rayon polylactic acid (PLA) polymer fibers, cotton fibers, wood pulp, and the like.
- the base sheet may have a weight of 30-100 gsm. In some embodiments, the base sheet may have a weight of 50-70 gsm.
- the short length fibers have maximum length of at most 15 mm. In some embodiments, the diameters of the short length fibers are between 15 and 80 microns.
- the wetting lotion may include: water, alcohol, acetone, perfume, reagent, soap, emulsifier, pigment, rheology modifier, aromatic oil, friction reduction agent and any combination thereof.
- the wet wiper may have a tensile strength of between 100 and 250 gm force/inch when the amount of wetting lotion added is 300 wt % from the weight of the base sheet.
- FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a wipe dispenser according to some embodiments of the invention
- FIG. 2 is an illusration of a structure of a wipe according to some embodiments of the invention.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are images taken during a flushability test conducted according to some embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of making a wet wipe according to some embodiments of the invention.
- Some aspects of the invention may be related to wet wipes that are fully dispersible in sewage water but still strong enough to be pulled out from a package in an everyday use.
- Packages of wet wipes according to embodiments of the invention may have shelf life longer than 1 year (e.g., 1.5 years, 2 years and more), during which the packed wet wipes may not lose their mechanical strength.
- Such wipes when used and thrown into the sewage system may be fully dispersed in typically less than one hour.
- FIG. 1 is an illusration of a wipe dispenser 5 that may include a plurality (e.g., 100 ) of wipes 10 according to some embodiments of the invention.
- wipe dispenser 5 may have shelf life longer than 1 year (e.g., 1.5 years, 2 years and more), during which packed wet wipes 10 may not lose their mechanical strength.
- wipe dispenser 5 may allow the dispensing/pulling out of a single wipe 10 , each time, using any known method or configuration.
- wipe dispenser 5 may be a single sheet wipe dispenser, roll control center-feed wipe dispenser, multifold wipes dispenser, and the like.
- Wipe 10 may include a base sheet 11 including short length fibers 12 and a dispersible binding agent 14 reinforcing base sheet 11 .
- wipe 10 may be wet with a wetting lotion 16 .
- dispersible binding agent 14 may be configured to bind short length fibers 12 of base sheet 11 when dispersible wipe 10 contains liquid at an amount of at most 400 wt. % from the weight of base sheet 11 and to disperse in excess water if the amount of the water exceeds 500 wt. % from the weight of base sheet 11 .
- base sheet 11 may be a nonwoven sheet made from short length fibers 12 (e.g., dispersible fibers).
- short length fibers may be defined as fibers having a length of no more than 15 mm. Therefore, short length fibers 12 may include synthetic and/or natural polymeric fibers, having a length of no more than 15 mm, for example, less than 14 mm, less than 13 mm, less than 12 mm or less, in cut length.
- the length of short length fibers 12 may at least 4 mm, for example, at least 5 mm, 6 mm or more. In embodiments, short length fibers may be in a range from 4 mm to 15 mm.
- fibers having a length of no more than 15 mm may allow good dispersibility of the fibers in sewage water.
- fibers 12 may be capable of being wet or dry and formed into nonwoven sheet 11 .
- short length fibers may include dispersible fibers.
- dispersible fibers may include any fiber materials which are dispersible, biodegradable and/or generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
- GRAS biodegradable and/or generally recognized as safe
- short length fibers may include raw materials that may be composted or will degrade in the sewage active sludge process.
- short length fibers 12 may be, at least one of: bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose and/or lyocell rayon polylactic acid (PLA) polymer fibers (e.g., of less than 12 mm in length), cotton fibers (e.g., of less than 3 mm length), wood pulp (e.g., of less than 2.5 mm length) and the like.
- base sheet 11 may include more than one type of fiber, for example, cotton fibers and wood pulp.
- the denier of fibers may be no more than 5.0, for example, 2.0.
- the total weight of base sheet 10 may be 30 -100 gram/square meter (gsm), for example, between 50-75 gsm.
- the diameters of fibers 12 may be between 15 and 80 microns, for example, between 25 and 50 microns.
- dispersible binding agent 14 may include any material capable of increasing the adhesion between short length fibers 12 when base sheet 11 is wet with wetting lotion 16 .
- dispersible binding agent 14 may be configured to disperse and/or dissolve in water when wipe 10 is flushed into the sewage system.
- dispersible binding agent 14 may include any binding material which is dispersible, biodegradable and/or generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
- GRAS therapeutically gsm
- dispersible binding agent 14 may be added at an amount of 0.5-5 gsm, for example, 0.5-10 wt. % from the total dry weight of base sheet 11 reinforced with binding agent 14 .
- dispersible binding agent 14 may be added at an amount of 1-2 gsm, for example, 1-4 wt. % from the total dry weight of base sheet 11 reinforced with binding agent 14 .
- dispersible binding agent 14 may be a non-adhesive agent.
- the non-adhesive agent may be selected from: microfibrillar cellulose fibers, nano crystalline cellulose fibrils, microfibrillated cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocellulose crystals and the like.
- binding agent 14 may include an adhesive emulsion, for example, Vinyl acetate based aqueous emulsion, Acrylic terpolymer emulsions and the like.
- the total dry weight of the reinforced base sheet may be 35-105 gsm, for example, 50-75 gsm.
- wetting lotion 16 may be any lotion known in the art, for example, a lotion composition for a skin cleaning wipe may include: water, a wetting agent/soap and a rheology modifier and/or a friction reducing agent, to create a gliding feeling, complementary emollients, emulsifiers, and preservatives are also added.
- the wetting lotion may include: water, alcohol, acetone, perfume, reagent, soap, emulsifier, pigment, rheology modifier, aromatic oil, friction reduction agent and any combination thereof.
- dispersible wet wipe 10 may contain wetting lotion at an amount of at most 400 wt. % from the weight of base sheet 11 , for example, at an amount of 300 wt. % from the weight of base sheet 11 .
- the tensile strength of wet wipe 10 may between 100 to 250 gm force/inch when the amount of wetting lotion added is 300 wt % from the weight of the base sheet.
- the tensile test measurements were conducted using Instron Model 1122. Sample test strips were cut to dimensions of 2 ⁇ 6 inches with the length perpendicular to the non-woven elongation lines. Each test piece was weighed prior to tensile testing. Tensile testing was made with an elongation speed of 12 inches per minute, jaw separation 4 inches. 6 replicate measurements were made per sample. 6 samples are weighed then placed in a tray containing 300 wt. % their weight in a water solution with 1% dishwashing soap. Petri dish covers with 100 gsm weights were placed on top of the wetted stack of samples and left standing for 5 minutes. Tensile testing proceeded as above with the sample test pieces weighed post soaking to check how much water was absorbed.
- the amount of water dissolved by wipe 10 may exceed 500 wt. % from the weight of base sheet 11 .
- binding agent 14 may be dissolved/dispersed in the excess water, thus allowing dispersible fibers 12 of base sheet 11 to be fully dispersed in the excess water.
- about 60 wt. % of wet wipe 10 may be dispersed in excess water already after 30 minutes.
- % Flushability [1-(Original sample weight—flushed sample weight)/original sample weight] ⁇ 100.
- the samples were made from a base sheet that includes about 20 wt. % bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose, 50 weight % cotton fibers and 30 wt. % wood pulp reinforced with microfibrillar cellulose fibers.
- the flushability of the samples were varied from 0-30%.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B shows images taken during a flushability test according to some embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 3A shows the wipe sample at the beginning of the flushability test and FIG. 3B what left from the wipe at the end of the flushability test.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B shows images taken during a flushability test according to some embodiments of the invention.
- FIG. 3A shows the wipe sample at the beginning of the flushability test
- FIG. 3B what left from the wipe at the end of the flushability test.
- a longer flushability test will result in complete disintegration of the test wipe.
- a base sheet may be formed using the short length fibers.
- short length fibers 12 may be processed using any known paper machine.
- base sheet may be hydroentangled using, for example, low energy hydroentanglement and standard HE (hydroentangled) water needling technique. The energy used may be less than 500 PSI, for example, 250 PSI.
- a binding agent may be applied on top of the hydroentangled base sheet.
- binding agent 14 may be sprayed, printed, etc. on top of hydroentangled base sheet 11 in order to reinforce the adhesion between fibers 12 of base sheet 11 .
- the reinforce base sheet may be dried using any known method, for example, by air impingement or convection heating methods.
- at most 400 wt. % of a wetting lotion may be added to the reinforced base sheet. For example, 300 wt. % (e.g., 3 times the weight of the dried reinforced base sheet) of lotion may be soaked into the reinforced base sheet, to form the wet wipe.
- the wet wipe may further be packed in a packed inside a wipe dispenser, for example, wipe dispenser 5 .
Abstract
Disclosed is a wet wipe, for example, a dispersible wet wipe. The wet wipe may include a base sheet comprising short length fibers; a dispersible binding agent reinforcing the base sheet; and a wetting lotion. The dispersible binding agent may be configured to bind the fibers of the base sheet when the dispersible wiper includes liquid at an amount of at most 400 wt % from the weight of the base sheet and to disperse in excess water if the amount of the water exceeds 500 wt %.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/811,623, filed on Feb. 28, 2019, entitled DISPERSIBLE WIPES REINFORCED WITH A BINDING AGENT which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
- The present invention generally relates to dispersible wipes. More particularly, the present invention relates to dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent.
- Dispersible wipes or flushable wipes are wet wipes that may be thrown away into the sewage system to be dispersed (i.e., broken down) after being submerged in a large amount of water. Commonly used flushable wipes are made from cellulose pulp fibers similar to those used in conventional toilet paper. However, because cellulose pulp fibers tend to disintegrate and disperse very easily in watery environments, they are too weak (e.g., have low tensile strength) when wetted with a conventional wet wipe lotion, such that they cannot be pulled out from a package. Alternatively, if strongly bonded using conventional means, the commercial flushable wipes are too strong to disperse properly in the sewage system, thus may block a domestic sewage system such that they are practically non-flushable.
- Accordingly, there is a need for wet flushable/dispersible wipes that have the required strength to be pulled out from a package when wet with a wipe lotion and are fully dispersible in the presence of excess water, as in the sewage system.
- Some aspects of the present invention may be related to a wet wipe, for example, a dispersible wet wipe. In some embodiments, the wet wipe may include a base sheet comprising short length fibers; a dispersible binding agent reinforcing the base sheet; and a wetting lotion. In some embodiments, the dispersible binding agent may be configured to bind the fibers of the base sheet when the dispersible wipe includes liquid at an amount of at most 400 wt % from the weight of the base sheet and to disperse in excess water if the amount of the water exceeds 500 wt %.
- In some embodiments, the dispersible binding agent is a non-adhesive agent. In some embodiments, the non-adhesive agent is selected from: microfibrillar cellulose fibers, nano crystalline cellulose fibrils, microfibrillated cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocellulose crystals and the like. In some embodiments, the dispersible binding agent is an adhesive emulsion. In some embodiments, the adhesive emulsion is selected from: Vinyl Acetate based emulsion, Acrylic terpolymer emulsions and the like.
- In some embodiments, the dispersible binding agent is present in an amount of 0.5-5 gram/square meter (gsm). In some embodiments, the dispersible binding agent is present in an amount of 1-2 gsm.
- In some embodiments, the base sheet is a nonwoven sheet made from short length fibers. In some embodiments, the reinforced base sheet is comprised of fibers of a denier of no more than 5.0. In some embodiments, the short length fibers include at least one of: bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose, lyocell rayon polylactic acid (PLA) polymer fibers, cotton fibers, wood pulp, and the like. In some embodiments, the base sheet may have a weight of 30-100 gsm. In some embodiments, the base sheet may have a weight of 50-70 gsm.
- In some embodiments, the short length fibers have maximum length of at most 15 mm. In some embodiments, the diameters of the short length fibers are between 15 and 80 microns. In some embodiments, the wetting lotion may include: water, alcohol, acetone, perfume, reagent, soap, emulsifier, pigment, rheology modifier, aromatic oil, friction reduction agent and any combination thereof.
- In some embodiments, the wet wiper may have a tensile strength of between 100 and 250 gm force/inch when the amount of wetting lotion added is 300 wt % from the weight of the base sheet.
- The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a wipe dispenser according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is an illusration of a structure of a wipe according to some embodiments of the invention; -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are images taken during a flushability test conducted according to some embodiments of the invention. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of making a wet wipe according to some embodiments of the invention; and - It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
- In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components, modules, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements described with respect to other embodiments. For the sake of clarity, discussion of same or similar features or elements may not be repeated.
- Some aspects of the invention may be related to wet wipes that are fully dispersible in sewage water but still strong enough to be pulled out from a package in an everyday use. Packages of wet wipes according to embodiments of the invention may have shelf life longer than 1 year (e.g., 1.5 years, 2 years and more), during which the packed wet wipes may not lose their mechanical strength. Such wipes when used and thrown into the sewage system may be fully dispersed in typically less than one hour.
- Reference is made to
FIG. 1 , which is an illusration of awipe dispenser 5 that may include a plurality (e.g., 100) ofwipes 10 according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments,wipe dispenser 5 may have shelf life longer than 1 year (e.g., 1.5 years, 2 years and more), during which packedwet wipes 10 may not lose their mechanical strength. In some embodiments,wipe dispenser 5 may allow the dispensing/pulling out of asingle wipe 10, each time, using any known method or configuration. For example,wipe dispenser 5 may be a single sheet wipe dispenser, roll control center-feed wipe dispenser, multifold wipes dispenser, and the like. - The structure of a
wipe 10 according to some embodiments of the invention is better understood from the illusration inFIG. 2 . Wipe 10 may include abase sheet 11 includingshort length fibers 12 and a dispersiblebinding agent 14 reinforcingbase sheet 11. In some embodiments,wipe 10 may be wet with awetting lotion 16. In some embodiments, dispersiblebinding agent 14 may be configured to bindshort length fibers 12 ofbase sheet 11 whendispersible wipe 10 contains liquid at an amount of at most 400 wt. % from the weight ofbase sheet 11 and to disperse in excess water if the amount of the water exceeds 500 wt. % from the weight ofbase sheet 11. - In some embodiments,
base sheet 11 may be a nonwoven sheet made from short length fibers 12 (e.g., dispersible fibers). As used herein, short length fibers may be defined as fibers having a length of no more than 15 mm. Therefore,short length fibers 12 may include synthetic and/or natural polymeric fibers, having a length of no more than 15 mm, for example, less than 14 mm, less than 13 mm, less than 12 mm or less, in cut length. In some embodiments, the length ofshort length fibers 12 may at least 4 mm, for example, at least 5 mm, 6 mm or more. In embodiments, short length fibers may be in a range from 4 mm to 15 mm. In some embodiments, fibers having a length of no more than 15 mm may allow good dispersibility of the fibers in sewage water. In some embodiments,fibers 12 may be capable of being wet or dry and formed intononwoven sheet 11. In some embodiments, short length fibers may include dispersible fibers. As used herein, dispersible fibers may include any fiber materials which are dispersible, biodegradable and/or generally recognized as safe (GRAS). In some embodiments, short length fibers may include raw materials that may be composted or will degrade in the sewage active sludge process. For example,short length fibers 12 may be, at least one of: bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose and/or lyocell rayon polylactic acid (PLA) polymer fibers (e.g., of less than 12 mm in length), cotton fibers (e.g., of less than 3 mm length), wood pulp (e.g., of less than 2.5 mm length) and the like. In some embodiments,base sheet 11 may include more than one type of fiber, for example, cotton fibers and wood pulp. In some embodiments, the denier of fibers may be no more than 5.0, for example, 2.0. In some embodiments, the total weight ofbase sheet 10 may be 30 -100 gram/square meter (gsm), for example, between 50-75 gsm. In some embodiments, the diameters offibers 12 may be between 15 and 80 microns, for example, between 25 and 50 microns. - In some embodiments, dispersible binding
agent 14 may include any material capable of increasing the adhesion betweenshort length fibers 12 whenbase sheet 11 is wet with wettinglotion 16. In some embodiments, dispersible bindingagent 14 may be configured to disperse and/or dissolve in water when wipe 10 is flushed into the sewage system. In some embodiments, dispersible bindingagent 14 may include any binding material which is dispersible, biodegradable and/or generally recognized as safe (GRAS). In some embodiments, dispersible bindingagent 14 may be added at an amount of 0.5-5 gsm, for example, 0.5-10 wt. % from the total dry weight ofbase sheet 11 reinforced with bindingagent 14. In some embodiments, dispersible bindingagent 14 may be added at an amount of 1-2 gsm, for example, 1-4 wt. % from the total dry weight ofbase sheet 11 reinforced with bindingagent 14. - In some embodiments, dispersible binding
agent 14 may be a non-adhesive agent. In some embodiments, the non-adhesive agent may be selected from: microfibrillar cellulose fibers, nano crystalline cellulose fibrils, microfibrillated cellulose, nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocellulose crystals and the like. In some embodiments, bindingagent 14 may include an adhesive emulsion, for example, Vinyl acetate based aqueous emulsion, Acrylic terpolymer emulsions and the like. In some embodiments, the total dry weight of the reinforced base sheet may be 35-105 gsm, for example, 50-75 gsm. - In some embodiments, wetting
lotion 16 may be any lotion known in the art, for example, a lotion composition for a skin cleaning wipe may include: water, a wetting agent/soap and a rheology modifier and/or a friction reducing agent, to create a gliding feeling, complementary emollients, emulsifiers, and preservatives are also added. In some embodiments, the wetting lotion may include: water, alcohol, acetone, perfume, reagent, soap, emulsifier, pigment, rheology modifier, aromatic oil, friction reduction agent and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, dispersible wet wipe 10 may contain wetting lotion at an amount of at most 400 wt. % from the weight ofbase sheet 11, for example, at an amount of 300 wt. % from the weight ofbase sheet 11. - In some embodiments, the tensile strength of wet wipe 10 may between 100 to 250 gm force/inch when the amount of wetting lotion added is 300 wt % from the weight of the base sheet. The tensile test measurements were conducted using Instron Model 1122. Sample test strips were cut to dimensions of 2×6 inches with the length perpendicular to the non-woven elongation lines. Each test piece was weighed prior to tensile testing. Tensile testing was made with an elongation speed of 12 inches per minute, jaw separation 4 inches. 6 replicate measurements were made per sample. 6 samples are weighed then placed in a tray containing 300 wt. % their weight in a water solution with 1% dishwashing soap. Petri dish covers with 100 gsm weights were placed on top of the wetted stack of samples and left standing for 5 minutes. Tensile testing proceeded as above with the sample test pieces weighed post soaking to check how much water was absorbed.
- In some embodiments, when dispersible wipe 10 is further wet with water, for example, while flushed into the sewage system, the amount of water dissolved by wipe 10 may exceed 500 wt. % from the weight of
base sheet 11. In such conditions, bindingagent 14 may be dissolved/dispersed in the excess water, thus allowingdispersible fibers 12 ofbase sheet 11 to be fully dispersed in the excess water. For example, about 60 wt. % of wet wipe 10 may be dispersed in excess water already after 30 minutes. - Flushability testing was conducted according to Guidelines for Assessing Flushability of Disposable Nonwoven Products, INDA and EDANA (May 2018). About 0.6 grams of wipes according to embodiments of the invention were cut as large rectangular pieces and were added to 125 milliliters of water in a flask. The wipes were agitated with a lab wrist action shaker for 2 minutes. The flask contents were then poured into a 5/16th mesh (8 mm) screen and the retained contents dried at 105° C. and equilibrated to 50% RH (relative humidity) and weight.
- The Flushability was calculated using equation 1:
-
% Flushability=[1-(Original sample weight—flushed sample weight)/original sample weight] ×100. (1) - The samples were made from a base sheet that includes about 20 wt. % bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose, 50 weight % cotton fibers and 30 wt. % wood pulp reinforced with microfibrillar cellulose fibers. The flushability of the samples were varied from 0-30%.
- Reference is now made to
FIGS. 3A and 3B which shows images taken during a flushability test according to some embodiments of the invention.FIG. 3A shows the wipe sample at the beginning of the flushability test andFIG. 3B what left from the wipe at the end of the flushability test. As would have been clear to one skilled in the art, a longer flushability test will result in complete disintegration of the test wipe. - Reference is now made to
FIG. 4 which shows a flowchart of a method of making a wet wipe according to some embodiments of the invention. In box 30, a base sheet may be formed using the short length fibers. For example,short length fibers 12 may be processed using any known paper machine. Inbox 32, base sheet may be hydroentangled using, for example, low energy hydroentanglement and standard HE (hydroentangled) water needling technique. The energy used may be less than 500 PSI, for example, 250 PSI. - In box 34, a binding agent may be applied on top of the hydroentangled base sheet. For example, binding
agent 14 may be sprayed, printed, etc. on top ofhydroentangled base sheet 11 in order to reinforce the adhesion betweenfibers 12 ofbase sheet 11. Inbox 36, the reinforce base sheet may be dried using any known method, for example, by air impingement or convection heating methods. Inbox 38, at most 400 wt. % of a wetting lotion may be added to the reinforced base sheet. For example, 300 wt. % (e.g., 3 times the weight of the dried reinforced base sheet) of lotion may be soaked into the reinforced base sheet, to form the wet wipe. - In some embodiments, the wet wipe may further be packed in a packed inside a wipe dispenser, for example, wipe
dispenser 5. - While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.
- Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.
Claims (16)
1. A wet wipe comprising:
a base sheet comprising short length fibers;
a dispersible binding agent reinforcing the base sheet; and
a wetting lotion,
wherein the dispersible binding agent is configured to bind the fibers of the base sheet when the dispersible wiper comprises liquid at an amount of at most 400 wt % from the weight of the base sheet and to disperse in excess water if the amount of the water exceeds 500 wt %,
wherein the dispersible binding agent comprises microfibrillated cellulose, and
wherein said dispersible binding agent is sprayed or printed on said base sheet after said base sheet is hydroentangled and before said base sheet is dried up.
2. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the dispersible binding agent is a non- adhesive agent.
3. (canceled)
4. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the dispersible binding agent is an adhesive emulsion.
5. The wet wiper of claim 3 , wherein the adhesive emulsion is selected from:
Vinyl Acetate based emulsion and Acrylic terpolymer emulsions.
6. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the dispersible binding agent is in an amount of 0.5-5 gram/square meter (gsm).
7. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the dispersible binding agent is in an amount of 1-2 gsm.
8. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the base sheet is a nonwoven sheet made from the short length fibers.
9. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the reinforced base sheet is comprised of fibers of a denier of no more than 5.0.
10. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the short length fibers comprise at least one of: bi-lobal (ribbon cross section) viscose, lyocell rayon polylactic acid (PLA) polymer fibers, cotton fibers and wood pulp.
11. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the base sheet has a weight of 30-100 gsm.
12. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the base sheet has a weight of 50-70 gsm.
13. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the short length fibers have maximum length of at most 15 mm.
14. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the diameters of the short length fibers are between 15 and 80 microns.
15. The wet wiper of claim 1 , having a tensile strength of between 100 and 250 gm force/inch when the amount of wetting lotion added is 300 wt % from the weight of the base sheet.
16. The wet wiper of claim 1 , wherein the wetting lotion includes at least one of: water, alcohol, acetone, perfume, reagent, soap, emulsifier, pigment, rheology modifier, aromatic oil, and a friction reduction agent.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/695,317 US20200275808A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2019-11-26 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
EP20762771.2A EP3930664B1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2020-02-26 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
PCT/IL2020/050217 WO2020174471A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2020-02-26 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
IL285913A IL285913A (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2021-08-26 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
US17/709,733 US20220218161A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2022-03-31 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201962811623P | 2019-02-28 | 2019-02-28 | |
US16/695,317 US20200275808A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2019-11-26 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/709,733 Continuation US20220218161A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2022-03-31 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20200275808A1 true US20200275808A1 (en) | 2020-09-03 |
Family
ID=72237065
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/695,317 Abandoned US20200275808A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2019-11-26 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
US17/458,636 Pending US20210386251A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2021-08-27 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
US17/709,733 Pending US20220218161A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2022-03-31 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/458,636 Pending US20210386251A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2021-08-27 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
US17/709,733 Pending US20220218161A1 (en) | 2019-02-28 | 2022-03-31 | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20200275808A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3930664B1 (en) |
IL (1) | IL285913A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2020174471A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4328378A1 (en) * | 2022-08-25 | 2024-02-28 | Krones AG | Fibrous material for producing a container, method for producing a container using the fibrous material and container comprising the fibrous material |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4124938B2 (en) * | 2000-02-01 | 2008-07-23 | 株式会社日本吸収体技術研究所 | Water-disintegrating superabsorbent composite and absorbent article |
US20030008591A1 (en) * | 2001-06-18 | 2003-01-09 | Parsons John C. | Water dispersible, salt sensitive nonwoven materials |
US20110293931A1 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2011-12-01 | Nathan John Vogel | Single-Ply Dispersible Wet Wipes with Enhanced Dispersibility |
US20120302120A1 (en) * | 2011-04-07 | 2012-11-29 | Eastman Chemical Company | Short cut microfibers |
SE537517C2 (en) * | 2012-12-14 | 2015-05-26 | Stora Enso Oyj | Wet-laid sheet material comprising microfibrillated cellulosic process for making them |
EP2967263B1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2019-02-27 | GPCP IP Holdings LLC | Water dispersible wipe substrate |
FR3003580B1 (en) * | 2013-03-20 | 2015-07-03 | Ahlstroem Oy | WET-NON-WOVEN COMPRISING CELLULOSE NANOFIBRILLES |
US20170027392A1 (en) * | 2014-04-08 | 2017-02-02 | Sca Hygiene Products Ab | Flushable hydroentangled moist wipe or hygiene tissue |
-
2019
- 2019-11-26 US US16/695,317 patent/US20200275808A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-02-26 EP EP20762771.2A patent/EP3930664B1/en active Active
- 2020-02-26 WO PCT/IL2020/050217 patent/WO2020174471A1/en active Application Filing
-
2021
- 2021-08-26 IL IL285913A patent/IL285913A/en unknown
- 2021-08-27 US US17/458,636 patent/US20210386251A1/en active Pending
-
2022
- 2022-03-31 US US17/709,733 patent/US20220218161A1/en active Pending
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4328378A1 (en) * | 2022-08-25 | 2024-02-28 | Krones AG | Fibrous material for producing a container, method for producing a container using the fibrous material and container comprising the fibrous material |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3930664A4 (en) | 2022-05-11 |
IL285913A (en) | 2021-10-31 |
WO2020174471A1 (en) | 2020-09-03 |
EP3930664B1 (en) | 2023-12-13 |
US20220218161A1 (en) | 2022-07-14 |
EP3930664A1 (en) | 2022-01-05 |
EP3930664C0 (en) | 2023-12-13 |
US20210386251A1 (en) | 2021-12-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
KR101386734B1 (en) | Dispersible Wet Wipes | |
AU2009200305B2 (en) | Treated cellulosic fibers and absorbent articles made from them | |
JP2685162B2 (en) | Pre-moistened, flushable napkins impregnated with a binder containing polyvinyl alcohol | |
JPH0197300A (en) | Nonwoven fiber web and its production | |
KR101718556B1 (en) | Wet wipes having a liquid wipe composition with anti-adhesion component | |
GB1603780A (en) | Toilet articles | |
JPH06339449A (en) | Wiping material | |
WO2014068441A1 (en) | Filaments comprising microfibrillar cellulose, fibrous nonwoven webs and process for making the same | |
KR20030031447A (en) | Water-disintegratable sheet and manufacturing method thereof | |
EP3129552B1 (en) | Flushable hydroentangled moist wipe or hygiene tissue | |
US20220218161A1 (en) | Dispersible wipes reinforced with a binding agent | |
DE2000028B2 (en) | Process for the production of fabric webs from cellulose fibers | |
US10538879B2 (en) | Dispersible moist wipe and method of making | |
US9945056B2 (en) | Binder for flushable non-woven fabric | |
EP2206523B1 (en) | Treated cellulosic fibers and absorbent articles made from them | |
JPH01306661A (en) | Water-dispersible non-woven fabric and absorbing article produced thereof | |
SE513240C2 (en) | Textile fiber reinforced absorbent material | |
JP2023150508A (en) | Spun lace nonwoven fabric | |
EP4223919A1 (en) | Nonwoven fibrous material | |
BR0003187B1 (en) | fibrous leaf that decomposes in water. |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: AWAITING RESPONSE FOR INFORMALITY, FEE DEFICIENCY OR CRF ACTION |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |