WO2007106929A1 - Article absorbant - Google Patents

Article absorbant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007106929A1
WO2007106929A1 PCT/AU2007/000323 AU2007000323W WO2007106929A1 WO 2007106929 A1 WO2007106929 A1 WO 2007106929A1 AU 2007000323 W AU2007000323 W AU 2007000323W WO 2007106929 A1 WO2007106929 A1 WO 2007106929A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
absorbent article
personal care
disposable personal
care absorbent
article according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2007/000323
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Scheirs
Original Assignee
Tristano Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2006901389A external-priority patent/AU2006901389A0/en
Application filed by Tristano Pty Ltd filed Critical Tristano Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2007229313A priority Critical patent/AU2007229313B2/en
Publication of WO2007106929A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007106929A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A61F13/15252—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency compostable or biodegradable
    • 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
    • A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
    • 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
    • A61F13/51—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the outer layers
    • A61F13/514—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin
    • A61F13/51401—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by the material
    • A61F2013/51409—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by the material being a film
    • A61F2013/51433—Backsheet, i.e. the impermeable cover or layer furthest from the skin characterised by the material being a film being biodegradable
    • 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
    • A61F13/84—Accessories, not otherwise provided for, for absorbent pads
    • A61F13/8405—Additives, e.g. for odour, disinfectant or pH control
    • A61F2013/8408—Additives, e.g. for odour, disinfectant or pH control with odour control
    • A61F2013/8435—Additives, e.g. for odour, disinfectant or pH control with odour control with plant derivatives

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to absorbent articles, and in particular to disposable personal care absorbent articles.
  • Disposable personal care absorbent articles are used in a diverse array of applications. For example, in the infant and childcare areas disposable diapers and training pants have generally replaced re-useable cloth absorbent products. Other examples of disposable absorbent articles include panty liners, bed liners, bed pan liners, adult incontinence products, and surgeon's underwear.
  • a typical disposable personal care absorbent article generally comprises a layered structure made up from an absorbent structure disposed in between a body facing liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet.
  • Articles that are to be worn by a user typically also include some type of fastening system for fitting the product onto the wearer.
  • the personal care absorbent articles are typically subjected to one or more urine and/or other body exudate insults.
  • the body facing liquid-permeable top sheet enables body fluids to pass through into the absorbent structure.
  • the absorbent structure functions to contain the discharged materials and to also isolate these materials from the body of a user, and often from the user's garments and bedding.
  • the liquid-impermeable back sheet serves to prevent any absorbed liquid from passing through the absorbent article and soiling adjacent articles such as clothing, bedding and the like.
  • the back sheet also generally provides strength and handling capability to the article so that it retains its integrity during use. Durability of the absorbent article is particularly important in the infant and childcare applications.
  • top and back sheets have traditionally been made from poly olefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • one or more non-biodegradable polymer components which make up the articles may be manufactured from a biodegradable polymer.
  • a biodegradable polymer for example, US 6,569,990 discloses a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer for producing components used in the manufacture of disposable diapers.
  • PHA polyhydroxyalkanoate
  • the present invention provides a disposable personal care absorbent article comprising a layered structure, the layered structure comprising an absorbent structure disposed in between a body facing liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet, wherein the top and back sheets are biodegradable, and wherein the disposable personal care absorbent article has plant seed incorporated therein.
  • the disposable personal care absorbent article in accordance with the invention provides a particularly effective growth medium for a plant.
  • the absorbent structure can function as a water retention aid, and body exudates can function as a fertiliser to advantageously facilitate growth of the plant.
  • the top and back sheets are designed to readily degrade enabling the plant seed to germinate and propagate into a plant. The absorbent articles of the invention therefore become a valuable resource after use rather than just waste.
  • the absorbent article in accordance with the invention can also be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner by earthworm composting (vermicomposting).
  • vermicomposting the worms are very active in their search for suitable food and will rapidly penetrate all parts of the absorbent article and thereby facilitate exposing the article components/body exudates to soil microbes.
  • earthworms advantageously produce castings which, along with the composted article and now unconfmed plant seed, can be applied to a garden within the germination period of the plant seed to promote seedling growth.
  • absorbent articles of the invention will preferably be uniquely coloured and/or labelled.
  • personal care absorbent article refers to devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and more specifically to devices which are placed against or in proximity to the body of a person to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body.
  • dispenser is used herein to describe personal care absorbent articles that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an absorbent article (ie. they are intended to be discarded after a single use).
  • top and back sheets used in accordance with the invention may conveniently be formed from one or more biodegradable polymers.
  • biodegradable does not have a universal definition.
  • biodegradable used herein in association with the term “polymer” is intended to mean a polymer material that meets the biodegradability criteria specified in ASTM 6400 or EN 13432.
  • a polymer is considered to be biodegradable if, upon exposure to a composting environment, 90 wt.% of it disintegrates into particles having an average size of less than 2mm within 12 weeks, and after 6 months at least 60 wt.% of it, in the case of ASTM 6400, or at least 90 wt.% of it, in the case of EN 13432, has degraded into carbon dioxide and/or water.
  • a biodegradable polymer used in accordance with the invention meets the more stringent biodegradability criterion set forth in EN 13432.
  • biodegradable materials that are referred to herein as being “biodegradable” are also intended to be materials that meet the biodegradability criteria specified in ASTM 6400 or EN 13432.
  • the absorbent article of the invention can conveniently be constructed in a similar manner to conventional disposable personal care absorbent articles.
  • the absorbent structure, and the biodegradable top and back sheet components of the article can simply be substituted for the equivalent components in conventional absorbent articles.
  • the plant seed may be readily incorporated within the absorbent article during its manufacture.
  • the absorbent article in accordance with the invention may be readily manufactured in the form of infant and childcare products such as diapers and training pants, bed liners, bed pan liners, feminine hygiene products such as panty liners, adult incontinence products, surgeon's underwear and the like.
  • the absorbent article is provided in the form of a diaper or training pants.
  • the body facing top sheet used in the invention will generally be in contact with a person's skin, it will preferably be compliant, soft feeling and non-irritating to skin.
  • the body facing top sheet in effect serves as a barrier between the user of the article and the absorbent structure.
  • the top sheet is liquid-permeable to enable body fluid to pass through into the absorbent structure.
  • the top sheet is preferably adapted to minimise transfer of body fluid from the absorbent structure back through the top sheet in the direction of the users body (ie. adapted to minimise rewet).
  • Techniques for adapting top sheets to minimise rewet are well known in the art and can be readily applied to the top sheets used in accordance with the invention. Such techniques include coating of the top sheet with a hydrophobic surfactant on the upper (body facing) side and coating the adjacent side with a hydrophilic surfactant.
  • the top sheet used in accordance with the invention can derive its liquid-permeable properties by being microperforated through needle perforation, embossing, thermoforming or through being mineral (e.g. calcium carbonate) filled and stretched during manufacture to create micropores using techniques well known in the art.
  • the top sheet may also derive its liquid-permeable properties by virtue of being made from a porous non-woven or spun bonded fabric.
  • the liquid-permeable properties of the top sheet are designed to maximise the acquisition and distribution of liquid through into the absorbent structure.
  • a top sheet is often referred to in the art as an acquisition and distribution layer (ADL).
  • ADL acquisition and distribution layer
  • a preferred top sheet is in the form of about a 30 to 50 gsm, more preferably about a 40 gsm, non-woven or spun bonded sheet.
  • top and back sheets are biodegradable.
  • the biodegradability of the sheets not only enables the absorbent article to degrade upon being buried, but as a result of the degradation it also allows plant seed, that may be initially confined by the non-degraded top and/or back sheet, to geminate and propagate through the article to reach the surface. Degradation of the sheets also exposes the absorbent structure, and therefore any body exudates, to the plant root system and to soil borne bacteria that facilitate degradation of these components.
  • the top and back sheets are preferably entirely (ie 100%) biodegradable. In order to impart biodegradable character to the top and back sheets, it is preferred that they are made substantially from one or more biodegradable polymers.
  • Suitable biodegradable polymers that may be used to make the top sheet include, but are not limited to, polycaprolactone (PCL) and starch blends thereof, as sold by Biograde Ltd; poly lactic acid (PLA) and starch blends thereof; polybutylene succinate (PBS) and starch blends thereof, as sold by Showa (Japan) and under the trade name EnPolTM by Ire Chemical Ltd (Korea), preferably the PBS is blended with 20 to 50 weight % thermoplastic starch; aromatic-aliphatic copolyesters and starch blends thereof, as sold under the trade name EcoflexTM by BASF and EnPolTM by Ire Chemical Ltd (Korea), preferably those copolyesters derived from 1,4 -butanediol, terephthalic acid and adipic acid (ie PBAT- type), preferably the terephthalic acid content in the copolyesters is 42-45 mol% (with regard to the dicarboxylic monomers.); a
  • PCL plasticiser(s)
  • plasticiser(s) e.g. glycerol and sorbitol
  • BiogradeTM BF sold by Biograde Ltd (Australia)
  • PBA polybutylene adipate
  • EnPolTM sold under the trade name EnPolTM by Ire Chemical Ltd (Korea).
  • Preferred EnPolTM grades include, but are not limited to, G8060, G4260 and G4560.
  • the top sheet is made from PLA.
  • PLA is biodegradable in accordance with ENl 3432 and ASTM 6400, and can be readily converted into non- woven sheets by dry-, air-, wet-, spunmelt-, laying systems.
  • PLA top sheets can provide excellent resilience, excellent body fluid transport and distribution through into an absorbent structure, excellent breathability, excellent wet strength, and superior handling/touch qualities compared with the performance properties of polymers used in the manufacture of conventional top sheets.
  • the PLA top sheet is provided in the form of a non- woven sheet.
  • PLA non-woven sheets include those sold under the name of PiaoanTM PLA spunlace nonwoven by Henan Piaoan High-tech Stock Co (China), TerramacTM by Unitika (Japan), IngeoTM PLA non-wovens by Far Eastern Textile (FET) (Taiwan); LACTRONTM by Kanebo (Japan), LACEATM by Mitsui Toatsu (Japan), DEPOSATM by Fiberweb (France), and EcoPLATM by Cargill Dow Polymers (United States of America).
  • the absorbent article in accordance with the invention comprises a liquid-impermeable back sheet.
  • a back sheet in such an article is to prevent absorbed body fluid from passing through the article and soiling adjacent articles such as clothing, bedding and the like.
  • back sheets are in effect designed to prevent liquid such as urine passing through the absorbent article, when the articles are in a form such as a diaper, liquid and vapour-impermeable back sheets can make a wearer feel hot and uncomfortable.
  • the back sheets are generally designed to be water-impermeable but vapour-permeable, or as it is more commonly known in the art "breathable". Back sheets are also often designed such that the surface facing away from the body has a cloth-like feel to provide added comfort to the user.
  • the back sheet is made from a thermoplastic starch-based polymer, more preferably from a thermoplastic starch-based aliphatic polyester.
  • a suitable thermoplastic starch-based polymer includes, but is not limited to, a polymer composition comprising starch, plasticiser and a polyester such as polycaprolactone (PCL).
  • PCL polycaprolactone
  • Back sheets made from a thermoplastic starch based polymer have been found to exhibit an advantageous silky feel and texture as well as excellent breathability compared with that of conventional back sheets made from polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • thermoplastic starch-based aliphatic polyester for use in the manufacture of the back sheet is sold under the trade name BiogradeTM BF by Biograde Ltd (Australia).
  • BiogradeTM BF is a fully biodegradable plastic based on a blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS), aliphatic polyester (PCL) and natural plasticisers (glycerol and sorbitol).
  • a cloth like feel may also be provided to the absorbent article to afford further comfort to a user. This may be achieved by bonding an additional lightweight (ie about 15-18 gms) PLA spun-melt-spun (SMS) layer onto the outermost side of the top and/or back sheets.
  • an additional lightweight ie about 15-18 gms
  • PLA spun-melt-spun (SMS) layer onto the outermost side of the top and/or back sheets.
  • the absorbent structure used in accordance with the invention serves to absorb bodily fluids.
  • the absorbent structure may be of a type used in conventional absorbent articles.
  • the absorbent structure will be made from an absorbent member that is generally compressible, readily shaped, non-irritating to a user of the article and capable of absorbing and retaining bodily fluids such as urine and other body exudates.
  • the absorbent structure may be provided in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, the detail of which will vary dependent upon the application of the absorbent article. When the absorbent article is in the form of a diaper, the absorbent structure will generally be provided in a "T", rectangular, or hourglass shape.
  • the absorbent structure may be manufactured from a diverse array of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in diapers and other absorbent articles.
  • Suitable absorbent materials include, but are not limited to, comminuted wood pulp which is generally referred to as airfelt, cotton wool, creped cellulose wadding, sphagnum moss, carboxy- methyl-cellulose, meltblown polymers including coform, chemically stiffened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibres, tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, super absorbent polymers (SAP), cellulose fluff, protein gel, wood pulp from softwood trees such as spruce and pine, sodium polyacrylate contained in the fluffed wood pulp, absorbent gelling materials, or combinations thereof.
  • SAP super absorbent polymers
  • the configuration and construction of the absorbent structure within the article will vary depending upon the intended application of the article.
  • the absorbent structure may have varying caliper zones, a hydrophilic gradient, a super absorbent gradient, lower average density and lower average basis weight acquisition zones, or may comprise one or more layers.
  • the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure may also be varied to accommodate a body fluid insult from different users such as infants through to adults.
  • the absorbent structure comprises a super absorbent polymer such as sodium polyacrylate.
  • Sodium polyacrylate is commonly used in conventional absorbent articles and is also used as a water-retaining gel in agricultural applications. This polymer has the unique property of being able to absorb several hundred times its weight in water, release the stored water and then reabsorb water in a cyclic fashion for several years.
  • super absorbent polymers such as sodium polyacrylate can serve not only as an effective absorbent medium in the article of the invention, but also as a water retention agent to facilitate the growth of a plant which germinates from the plant seed contained in the absorbent article.
  • the absorbent structure may be made from a biodegradable material.
  • Suitable biodegradable materials that may be used in the manufacture of the absorbent structure include, but are not limited to, airfelt, carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC), cotton wool, sphagnum moss, cellulose fluff, protein gel, wood pulp from softwood trees such as spruce and pine.
  • the absorbent article incorporates plant seed therein.
  • the seed In order for the plant seed to develop into a plant, the seed will of course be located in the absorbent article such that plant growth would not be prevented by confinement caused by a non-biodegradable component of the article.
  • structural features of the absorbent article, other than the absorbent structure are made from biodegradable materials.
  • the absorbent structure be made from a biodegradable material.
  • materials generally used to manufacture the absorbent structures are not likely to restrict seed germination or plant growth even if the plant seed were dispersed throughout the structure.
  • a non-biodegradable material such as sodium polyacrylate is commonly used in agricultural applications, and by acting as a water retention aid can in fact facilitate growth of the plant.
  • the plant seed may be incorporated within the absorbent article by any suitable means.
  • the plant seed may be contained within the absorbent structure, or held in place by means used to fix the components of the article together such as stitching and/or the use of an adhesive.
  • top and back sheets of the absorbent article being biodegradable, these components can readily degrade upon being buried underground.
  • a plant derived from the plant seed incorporated within the absorbent article can readily propagate from the buried article to reach the surface.
  • soiled absorbent articles will generally comprise bodily exudates that facilitate growth of the plant.
  • bodily exudates such as urine provide a rich source of nitrogen and ions such as calcium and magnesium for the initial stages of plant growth, and faecal matter can function as a source of manure to assist with the longer term growth of the plant.
  • Microflora/bacteria present in faecal matter have also been found to facilitate biodegradation of the article.
  • the absorbent article in accordance with the invention will generally comprise a number of plant seeds.
  • the plant seed is preferably selected such that its typical germination period is equal to or greater than the time taken for the top and/or back sheets to degrade sufficiently after being buried underground to enable a plant to propagate from the article and reach the surface.
  • the time taken for the top and back sheets to degrade after being buried underground will vary depending upon factors such as the composition of the sheets, and the temperature, type and hydration level of the soil, but will typically be in the order of about 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Suitable plant seed includes, but is not limited to, turf or grass seed and Australian native plant seed such as Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia), Weeping Red Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminallis), Red and Green Kangaroo Paw (Anigosanthos manglesii), New South Wales Waratah (Tlopea speciosissima), Stuart's Desert Pea (Clianthus formosus), Lemon Scented Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), and Honey Myrtle Paperbark (Melaleuca armillaris) seed.
  • a combination of plant seed varieties may be incorporated within the personal care absorbent article.
  • the components of the absorbent article may be held together using techniques known in the art such as by stitching and/or by using adhesive materials such as hot melt glue (adhesive).
  • adhesive materials such as hot melt glue (adhesive).
  • any material used in fixing components of the absorbent article to each other are biodegradable.
  • biodegradable stitching threads made from PLA, cotton, Rayon and combinations thereof, and/or biodegradable adhesives such as a hot melt glue based on polycaprolactone may be used.
  • Polycaprolactone based hot melt glues are particularly suited for use in fixing components of the absorbent article to each other as they are generally effective at adhering to biodegradable polymers that may be used in accordance with the invention.
  • Such hot melt glues are also generally characterised by a low melting temperature and a low melt viscosity which allows the glues to be readily applied and penetrate into the components being fixed to promote a strong bond.
  • the polycaprolactone based hot melt glues are particularly suited for use with temperature sensitive substrates such as polylactic acid non-woven top sheets that may be used in accordance with the invention.
  • Suitable polycaprolactone based hot melt glues include, but are not limited to, those sold under the tradename CAP ATM 6000 Series by Solvay.
  • the absorbent article in accordance with the invention is preferably constructed in the form of a diaper.
  • the article will also be constructed with other features that are common to conventional diapers.
  • the absorbent article may comprise elasticised components in the waist and leg regions to improve both comfort and fit of the diaper to the user.
  • an elastic component is used in the absorbent article of the invention, it is preferably biodegradable. Suitable biodegradable elastic materials include, but are not limited to, polyurethane polyester foam and natural rubber.
  • the absorbent article may also comprise barrier leg cuffs which, in conjunction with the elasticised leg regions, serve to prevent leakage of body exudates from the article when in use.
  • One or more leg cuffs may be provided for each leg region of the article.
  • the leg cuffs will generally be liquid impermeable and vapour permeable, and preferably made from the same materials as the back sheet referred to above.
  • the absorbent article may also comprise fixation tabs or tapes that are used to hold the back facing section to the stomach facing section of the article when in use.
  • fixation tabs or tapes that are used to hold the back facing section to the stomach facing section of the article when in use.
  • those tabs or tapes used in conventional diapers may also be used with the absorbent article of the invention.
  • the tabs or tapes are biodegradable.
  • the tabs or tapes will preferably be made from PLA.
  • the adhesive material is also preferably biodegradable, for example an adhesive based on a rubber latex.
  • a common practice with the use of conventional diapers is that once the diaper has been soiled it is sealed in a small plastic bag, that may be optionally scented, which is then disposed of. Where such a plastic bag is to be used in conjunction an absorbent article in accordance with the invention, the plastic bag should also be biodegradable.
  • biodegradable plastic bags There are numerous biodegradable plastic bags that are commercially available that would be suitable for use for this purpose. Preferred biodegradable plastic bags are those sold under the name BiogradeTM by Biograde Ltd, Australia.
  • the depth at which a soiled absorbent article should be buried will in part be determined by the type of seed contained within the article. Other factors such as hygiene will also generally need to be considered.
  • Figure 1 shows an absorbent article in accordance with the invention in the form of a diaper.
  • FIG. 1 shows a disposable personal care absorbent article in accordance with the invention in the form of a diaper (10).
  • the diaper (10) comprises an absorbent structure (20) disposed in between a body facing liquid-permeable top sheet (not labelled) and a liquid-impermeable back sheet (not labelled).
  • the top sheet is made from spun-bonded 40 gsm polylactic acid sheet
  • the back sheet is made from a plasticised thermoplastic starch-polycaprolactone polymer (BiogradeTM BF).
  • an additional lightweight 17 gsm PLA SMS layer (not shown) can be bonded to the outermost surface of the top and/or back sheets to afford a cloth like feel to the diaper.
  • the absorbent structure (20) comprises cellulose fibre and sodium polyacrylate in about a 50:50 weight percent ratio.
  • the absorbent structure (20) comprises plant seeds (30) distributed there through.
  • the diaper has back facing ear panels (40a) and stomach facing ear panels (40b).
  • the fixing tabs (50) can be used to fix the diaper around the waist of a user by connecting to regions on or around the stomach facing ear panels (40b).
  • the tabs (50) are made from PLA film.
  • a biodegradable rubber latex adhesive (not shown) is used to promote connection of the tabs (50) to a region on or near the stomach facing ear panels (40b).
  • the diaper comprises waist elasticised regions (60a), and leg elasticised regions (60b). The elastic material used in these regions is Lycra or natural rubber.
  • the diaper (10) also comprises one or more barrier leg cuffs (70).
  • the barrier leg cuffs (70) are made from a plasticised thermoplastic starch-polycaprolactone polymer (BiogradeTM BF). A polycaprolactone based hot melt adhesive was used for fixing the components of the diaper (10) together.
  • a diaper was assembled using a polycaprolactone based hot melt adhesive to bond together an absorbent structure comprising sodium polyacrylate/cellulose fibre (50:50 weight percent) disposed in between a spun-bonded 40 gsm polylactic acid body facing top sheet and a thermoplastic starch-polycaprolactone back sheet (BiogradeTM BF).
  • An additional lightweight 17 gsm PLA SMS layer was bonded to the outermost surface of the top and back sheets to afford a cloth like feel to the diaper.
  • Plant seed (Red Bottlebrush) was incorporated within the absorbent structure of the diaper during construction.
  • the diaper was also constructed with a Lycra waistband, natural rubber elasticised leg region, natural rubber elasticised barrier leg cuffs made from a plasticised thermoplastic starch- polycaprolactone polymer (BiogradeTM BF), and PLA fixing tabs having a biodegradable rubber latex adhesive disposed thereon.
  • BiogradeTM BF plasticised thermoplastic starch- polycaprolactone polymer
  • the diaper was constructed in a size suitable to fit a 2 year old toddler. In use, the diaper was found to perform satisfactorily in terms of urine retention, leak resistance, comfort and breathability. After being soiled, the diaper was buried for 12 weeks in standard garden soil and watered nightly. After 12 weeks the site was inspected and the majority of the diaper had disintegrated into barely recognisable fragments. However, the absorbent structure was still discernible as a swollen gel. The seeds contained within the diaper were found to germinate and propagate into seedlings after about 4 to 6 weeks.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un article absorbant jetable pour soins personnels qui comprend une structure en couches, ladite structure en couches comprenant une structure absorbante disposée entre une feuille supérieure perméable aux liquides qui fait face au corps et une feuille de support imperméable aux liquides, les feuilles supérieure et de support étant biodégradables, et l'article absorbant jetable pour soins personnels incorporant des graines de plantes.
PCT/AU2007/000323 2006-03-17 2007-03-16 Article absorbant WO2007106929A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2007229313A AU2007229313B2 (en) 2006-03-17 2007-03-16 Absorbent article

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006901389 2006-03-17
AU2006901389A AU2006901389A0 (en) 2006-03-17 Absorbent article

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Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009136271A1 (fr) 2008-05-09 2009-11-12 Grupo P.I. Mabe, S.A. De C.V. Article absorbant jetable, respectueux de l'environnement
US20110039074A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 David William Cabell Fibrous structures and method for making same
US20110039054A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 David William Cabell Fibrous structures and method for making same
WO2015140629A1 (fr) 2014-03-21 2015-09-24 Wu, Fan Structure hygiénique absorbante
WO2016023016A1 (fr) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Li Clive Couche-culotte biosourcée et biodégradable
WO2017015477A1 (fr) * 2015-07-22 2017-01-26 Everyone's Earth Inc. Articles absorbants biodégradables
ITUA20165291A1 (it) * 2016-06-29 2017-12-29 Cristina Formicola Pannolini integralmente biodegradabili per bambini ed adulti.
CN111148491A (zh) * 2017-09-21 2020-05-12 宝洁公司 吸收制品
US11801169B2 (en) 2019-05-31 2023-10-31 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article having a waist gasketing element
US11931233B2 (en) 2020-05-05 2024-03-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent articles including improved elastic panels
EP4142670A4 (fr) * 2020-04-27 2024-05-22 Zera, Inc. Article absorbant végétal
US12121426B2 (en) 2020-09-23 2024-10-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and apparatus for bonding elastic parts under tension to an advancing carrier

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US4159260A (en) * 1977-11-23 1979-06-26 Henkel Corporation Dispersible starch graft copolymer blend
US5759569A (en) * 1995-01-10 1998-06-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Biodegradable articles made from certain trans-polymers and blends thereof with other biodegradable components
EP0911006A1 (fr) * 1996-12-04 1999-04-28 Victoriano Valladares Pereda Couche-culotte reutilisable
US20030173244A1 (en) * 2002-03-14 2003-09-18 Eichman Jill Marie Seed packets with diapers

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4159260A (en) * 1977-11-23 1979-06-26 Henkel Corporation Dispersible starch graft copolymer blend
US5759569A (en) * 1995-01-10 1998-06-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Biodegradable articles made from certain trans-polymers and blends thereof with other biodegradable components
EP0911006A1 (fr) * 1996-12-04 1999-04-28 Victoriano Valladares Pereda Couche-culotte reutilisable
US20030173244A1 (en) * 2002-03-14 2003-09-18 Eichman Jill Marie Seed packets with diapers

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009136271A1 (fr) 2008-05-09 2009-11-12 Grupo P.I. Mabe, S.A. De C.V. Article absorbant jetable, respectueux de l'environnement
EP2305862A1 (fr) * 2008-05-09 2011-04-06 Grupo P.I. Mabe, S.A. de C.V. Article absorbant jetable, respectueux de l'environnement
US20110092933A1 (en) * 2008-05-09 2011-04-21 Grupo P.I Mabe, S.A. De C.V. Environmentally-Friendly Disposable Absorbent Article
EP2305862A4 (fr) * 2008-05-09 2013-01-09 Grupo P I Mabe Sa De C V Article absorbant jetable, respectueux de l'environnement
US20110039074A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 David William Cabell Fibrous structures and method for making same
US20110039054A1 (en) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-17 David William Cabell Fibrous structures and method for making same
WO2015140629A1 (fr) 2014-03-21 2015-09-24 Wu, Fan Structure hygiénique absorbante
WO2016023016A1 (fr) * 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Li Clive Couche-culotte biosourcée et biodégradable
WO2017015477A1 (fr) * 2015-07-22 2017-01-26 Everyone's Earth Inc. Articles absorbants biodégradables
US10709806B2 (en) 2015-07-22 2020-07-14 Everyone's Earth Inc. Biodegradable absorbent articles
ITUA20165291A1 (it) * 2016-06-29 2017-12-29 Cristina Formicola Pannolini integralmente biodegradabili per bambini ed adulti.
CN111148491A (zh) * 2017-09-21 2020-05-12 宝洁公司 吸收制品
US11801169B2 (en) 2019-05-31 2023-10-31 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article having a waist gasketing element
US11938004B2 (en) 2019-05-31 2024-03-26 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent article having a waist gasketing element
US12115042B2 (en) 2019-05-31 2024-10-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and apparatus for bonding elastic parts under tension to an advancing carrier
EP4142670A4 (fr) * 2020-04-27 2024-05-22 Zera, Inc. Article absorbant végétal
US11931233B2 (en) 2020-05-05 2024-03-19 The Procter & Gamble Company Absorbent articles including improved elastic panels
US12121426B2 (en) 2020-09-23 2024-10-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Method and apparatus for bonding elastic parts under tension to an advancing carrier

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