Effect of abrasion and absorbed water on the handle of nonwovens for disposable diapers

Abstract

Among the components of a disposable diaper, the top layer that comes into direct contact with the infant's skin is usually made of a nonwoven fabric. Therefore, the mechanical and surface characteristics of the nonwovens are important for the health of the baby's skin. In this study, we explored the mechanical and surface properties of some hygienic nonwoven fabrics that are used as the top layer and investigated consumers' preferences concerning these nonwovens. The variations in their properties with increasing abrasion cycles and in wet conditions were also examined. The hygienic nonwoven fabrics examined in this study were cotton spunlace, tencel spunlace, polypropylene (PP) thermal bonding and PP Thru-air bonded carded web (TABCW). The surface of PP nonwoven fabrics were treated with surfactant to obtain the required hydrophilic properties. From the results of KES-F analysis, it was found that PP TABCW had a low friction coefficient and showed little change in surface properties with increasing number of abrasive cycles, and moreover, it revealed superior quick-drying characteristics. However, the consumers showed a somewhat higher preference for cellulose spunlaces in comparison with surfactant-treated PP nonwoven fabrics. On the other hand, although they showed excellent absorption characteristics, the spunlace-type nonwovens made with cellulose tissue displayed higher surface friction coefficients and relatively low abrasion strength, especially in wet conditions.