Example of Observing Paper Diaper and Sanitary Napkin Using a Microfocus X-Ray CT System

User Benefits

- The three-dimensional shape of paper diapers and sanitary napkins can be visualized non-destructively, which is useful for product development and quality control. - The water absorption and retention performance can be evaluated by observing the specimen before and after absorption.

Introduction

Paper diapers (hereinafter called diapers) were developed in Sweden in the mid-1940s because of a shortage of cotton, the raw material for cloth diapers. When they were developed, they were mainly used as a substitute for cloth diapers. However, because of their ease of use and their high-water absorbency and water retention, they are now widely used worldwide for urine care by people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Sanitary napkins (hereinafter called napkins) have been improved in absorption and comfort since they were first sold in the United States in 1920 and are now widely used as a general napkin for menstrual blood care. Diapers and napkins differ in shape and material because they absorb different types and amounts of substances, but they all have the same importance of not staining clothing or skin. Therefore, when developing diapers and napkins, it is necessary to design a structure that can firmly absorb and retain the expected amount of urine and menstrual blood and to control the quality of the products. The micro-focus X-ray CT system is a useful tool for visualizing the three-dimensional structure of a diaper or napkin before and after use and for confirming its ability to absorb and retain the liquid. Since the X-ray CT system can visualize the three- dimensional structure of the object non-destructively, changes before and after absorption of the liquid can be observed on the same specimen. Here, an example of observing diapers and napkins before and after water absorption using the inspeXio SMX-225 CT FPD HR Plus microfocus X-ray CT system is presented.

November 2, 2021 GMT