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Title:
BIODEGRADABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/203581
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a plant-based biodegradable article comprising: a top sheet (1) made up of antibacterial woven fabric; a super-absorbent polymer (2); an absorbent element (3) made up of antibacterial material selected from the group comprising banana stem pulp, wood pulp, cotton, or combination thereof; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is provided with an adhesive layer to facilitate temporary adherence to the garment worn by user. The article of present invention is gentle on the skin of user and are adhere to the pants, thereby creating no direct pressure onto the body of user.

Inventors:
MANGALAPALLY SWETHA (IN)
RAO KANTALE PANDU RANGA (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IN2023/050387
Publication Date:
October 26, 2023
Filing Date:
April 20, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MANGALAPALLY SWETHA (IN)
International Classes:
A61F13/49; A61F13/51
Foreign References:
US20180140469A12018-05-24
CN104983517A2015-10-21
AU2021201952A12021-10-14
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
SINGH, Manisha (IN)
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Claims:
AIM: 1. A plant-based biodegradable absorbent article comprising: a top sheet (1) comprising antibacterial woven fabric of 15 - 25 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2) of 40 - 50 GSM; an absorbent element (3) comprising antibacterial material selected from the group comprising material prepared from banana stem pulp, wood pulp, cotton, or combination thereof and wherein material prepared from banana stem pulp is in 50- 100% of the total absorbent material, wherein absorbent element is of 30 - 40 GSM; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 20 - 25 GSM, having an outer side and an inner side, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is provided with an adhesive layer to facilitate temporary adherence to the garment worn by user, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4). 2. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the article is a diaper, which is friendly to gentle and tender skin 3. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer is provided with a peel-off strip, which is peeled prior to using the article, and wherein the peel-off strip comprises a sheet of paper. 4. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top sheet, the SAP, the absorbent element, and the leak proof back sheet are fastened by an adhesive glue or stitching. 5. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top sheet (1) is antibacterial woven fabric made-up of fibre selected from banana stem fibre cotton fibre, bamboo fibre and combination thereof, wherein banana stem fibre is 80- 100%, and wherein the absorbent element (3) comprises an absorbent material 100 % derived from banana stem pulp, and wherein the leak proof back sheet (4) is made-up of corn starch. 6. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 5, wherein the top sheet (1) is antibacterial woven fabric made-up of banana stem fibre.

7. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 5, wherein the top sheet (1) is antibacterial blended woven fabric of banana stem fibre and cotton fibre, wherein banana stem fibre is 80-100%. 8. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent element (3) consists of banana stem pulp and wood pulp, wherein banana stem pulp is in 50-100%. 9. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top sheet (1) is of 25 GSM; wherein SAP (2) is of 40-50 GSM; wherein the absorbent element (3) is of 35 GSM; and wherein the leak proof back sheet (4) is of 23 GSM. 10. The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, wherein the absorbent element (3) has an antibacterial property and an absorbent capacity of 5 to 7 mL/grams.

Description:
BIODEGRADABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLES Field of Invention: The present invention relates to biodegradable and compostable absorbent articles like sanitary napkin, diaper, pant diaper, adult incontinence guard, capable of absorbing discharged bodily fluids like blood/vaginal discharge, urine, feces etc. Background of Invention: Absorbent articles like diapers come in a variety of styles. Cloth diapers are a better alternative to disposable diapers since they can be washed, repaired, and re-used. However, if these items are discarded, it would be contributing to landfill waste. Because a newborn goes through an average of 5,000 diapers before being toilet-trained, the waste generated is enormous. It was in the late 1960s when disposable diapers were introduced in the market. The disposable diapers are composed of a plastic sheet, a liquid adsorbent sheet and liquid permeable plastic sheet. They are discarded after single use. It was keenly observed that disposal of these diapers had been quite challenging because of the plastic used in it. The consumption of these diapers was also about 6-8 diapers for a baby for a day, which led to disposal of more than 2000-4000 diapers a year. Therefore, there came a concept of using bioplastics which was known in the era. Biodegradable compostable diapers help the environment while providing the user with a healthier choice of diaper. Further, they do not add to landfills because the diapers are biodegradable. The limited quantity of resources available to create diapers is a more pressing issue than the space taken up in landfills. Diapers constructed of polymers generated from fossil petroleum are indeed a problem. Petroleum is a finite resource that will endure only a few decades. This problem can be solved by employing a biobased plastic. Biobased polymers, unlike petroleum-based plastics, are made from sustainable resources. Plants such as trees, grain, and sugarcane make up the majority of these resources. It has been noted that today's well-observed and well-informed consumers are willing to go the extra mile to buy a product that is not only excellent for their baby but also beneficial for the environment. Some companies take advantage of this feature and mislead consumers by claiming to use eco-friendly nappies and bioplastics. Consumers these days focus more on the composition of these diapers to be more informed, which helps one to be more segregated. Reference is made to WO2009/012284 A1, which discloses a disposable diaper with back sheet and top sheets made up of bicomponent spun bond non-woven material comprising a renewable polymer and a non-renewable thermoplastic polymer. In the description it was mentioned to use a biodegradable material. In fact, it was claimed that the thermoplastic polymer is polypropylene, a material which is non derivable from the renewable source and not biodegradable. Reference is made to WO2016023016 A1, which discloses a disposable diaper that is biobased and/or biodegradable. The diaper is either made of wholly or partially renewable resources, at the same time can decompose in a compost site and biodegrade in a conventional landfill as well as in marine conditions such as fresh, brackish, or salt water. Commercial disposable diapers have numerous drawbacks, including the development of skin rashes and allergies, as well as the risk of toxicity to the user. Commercial diapers are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, due to the design of commercial diapers, the curvature of the waist-hipline in children wearing them is sometimes distorted. Consequently, there is a need for an improved completely biodegradable, compostable, and well-designed diaper. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. The present invention discloses a plant-based biodegradable absorbent article comprising: a top sheet (1) comprising antibacterial woven fabric of 15 - 25 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) comprising antibacterial material selected from the group comprising material prepared from woven banana stem pulp, wood pulp, cotton, or combination thereof and wherein material prepared from banana stem pulp is in 50-100% of the total absorbent material, wherein absorbent element is of 30 - 40 GSM; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 20 - 25 GSM, having an outer side and an inner side, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is provided with an adhesive layer to facilitate temporary adherence to the garment worn by user, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4). DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING FIGURES: Figure 1: Diagrammatic representation of the article; (1) a top sheet; (2) a super-absorbent polymer (SAP); (3) an absorbent element; (4) a biodegradable leak proof back sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described herein. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such features of the invention, and steps of the process that are referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any or more of such features or steps. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. The terms “comprise” and “comprising” are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. It is not intended to be construed as “consists of only”. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specific examples described herein, which are intended for the purposes of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products and methods are clearly within the scope of the disclosure, as described herein. The term “biodegradable” refers to being able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful. The term “leak proof” refers to preventing the contents of the article from escaping it. The term “peel-off” refers to removing a thin outer covering or layer. The present invention discloses a plant-based biodegradable absorbent article comprising: a top sheet (1) comprising antibacterial woven fabric of 15 - 25 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2) of 40 - 50 GSM; an absorbent element (3) comprising antibacterial material selected from the group comprising material prepared from woven banana stem pulp, wood pulp, cotton, or combination thereof and wherein material prepared from banana stem pulp is in 50- 100% of the total absorbent material, wherein absorbent element is of 30 - 40 GSM; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 20 - 25 GSM, having an outer side and an inner side, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is provided with an adhesive layer to facilitate temporary adherence to the garment worn by user, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4). In an embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the article is a diaper. In another embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the adhesive layer is provided with a peel-off strip, which is peeled prior to using the article, and wherein the peel-off strip comprises a sheet of paper. In yet another embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the top sheet, the SAP, the absorbent element, and the leak proof back sheet are fastened by an adhesive glue or stitching. In one more embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the top sheet (1) is antibacterial woven fabric made-up of fibre selected from banana stem fibre cotton fibre, bamboo fibre and combination thereof, wherein banana stem fibre is 80-100%, and wherein the absorbent element (3) comprises an absorbent material 100 % derived from banana stem pulp, and wherein the leak proof back sheet (4) is made-up of corn starch. In one more embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the top sheet (1) is antibacterial woven fabric made-up of banana stem fibre. In one more embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the top sheet (1) is antibacterial blended woven fabric of banana stem fibre and cotton fibre, wherein banana stem fibre is 80-100%. In one more embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the absorbent element (3) consists of banana stem pulp and wood pulp, wherein banana stem pulp is in 50-100%. In another embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein top sheet (1) is of 25 GSM; wherein SAP (2) is of 40 - 50 GSM; wherein the absorbent element (3) is of 35 GSM; and wherein the leak proof back sheet (4) is of 23 GSM. In yet another embodiment of present invention, there is provided the plant-based biodegradable absorbent article, wherein the absorbent element (3) has an antibacterial property and an absorbent capacity of 5 to 7 mL/grams. The article of the present invention, during the surveys, is also identified to be more comfortable to the user and has also been found to cause less irritation and rashes. EXAMPLES: Example 1: Preparation of absorbent article The plant-based biodegradable absorbent article was prepared by stacking together a top sheet (1), a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3); a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4). The four layers are are fastened by an adhesive glue or stitching. The adhesive layer is provided on the outer side of back sheet with a peel-off strip, which is peeled prior to using the article. The top sheet (1), of 15 - 25 GSM, is an antibacterial woven fabric made-up of fibre selected from banana stem fibre, cotton fibre, bamboo fibre and combination thereof. The absorbent element (3) is an absorbent material 100 % derived from banana stem pulp and is of 35 GSM. The leak proof back sheet (4) is of 23 GSM thick and made-up of corn starch. The super- absorbent polymer (SAP) is of 40 - 50 GSM. Example 2: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven banana stem fibre of 20 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 3: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven banana stem fibre of 20 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp and wood pulp with banana stem pulp in range of 50-95% and remaining being wood pulp; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 4: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven banana stem fibre of 20 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp and cotton with banana stem pulp in range of 50-95% and remaining being cotton; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 5: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven cotton fibre of 20 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 6: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven cotton fibre of 20 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp and wood pulp with banana stem pulp in range of 50-95% and remaining being wood pulp; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 7: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven cotton fibre of 20 GSM; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp and cotton with banana stem pulp in range of 50-95% and remaining being cotton; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 8: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven blended fibre made up of banana stem fibre and cotton fibre of 20 GSM with banana stem fibre in range of 70-95% and remaining being cotton fibre; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 9: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven blended fibre made up of banana stem fibre and cotton fibre of 20 GSM with banana stem fibre in range of 70-95% and remaining being cotton fibre; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp and wood pulp with banana stem pulp in range of 50-95% and remaining being wood pulp; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 10: In one of the embodiment the plant based biodegradable absorbent article comprises a top sheet made up of woven blended fibre made up of banana stem fibre and cotton fibre of 20 GSM with banana stem fibre in range of 70-95% and remaining being cotton fibre; a super-absorbent polymer (SAP) (2); an absorbent element (3) of 35 GSM comprising processed banana stem pulp and cotton with banana stem pulp in range of 50-95% and remaining being cotton; and a biodegradable leak proof back sheet (4) of 23 GSM, wherein the inner side of back sheet is towards the absorbent element (3), and wherein the outer side of the back sheet is optionally provided with an adhesive layer with a peel-off strip of suitable material, wherein the SAP (2) is interposed between top sheet (1) and absorbent element (3), wherein the absorbent element (3) is interposed between the SAP (2) and the leak proof back sheet (4) made-up of corn starch. Example 11: Preparation of processed Banana pulp for use in absorbent element: Banana fibre, after extraction is cooked in water to remove the lignin present in it and to obtain banana pulp. The obtained banana pulp has increased percentage of cellulose, which improves the absorption capacity. This processed banana pulp is more strong, resilient, and can be prepared in various shapes and forms. Example 12: Absorbent capacity of the article: Absorbent capacity of the article disclosed in present application is attributed to absorbent element and accordingly different embodiments of the article disclosed in present application with respect to absorbent element (3) are evaluated in 10 repeated sets of experiments, using a normal water as liquid medium for absorption. Water was poured to see the soaking and absorption. Excess of the unabsorbed liquid was calculated by putting the plate in a slanting position. The results obtained are summarized herein below. Table 1: Absorbent capacity of different article ADVANTAGES OF PRESENT INVENTION: x The diapers are gentle on the skin or user/ baby. x They are adhesive to the pants of baby, therefore, there is no pressure onto hips of the baby. x They are decomposable and ecofriendly. x They are prepared from renewable sources, which is from plants. x They are cost effective. x The absorbent articles of present invention have antibacterial characteristics due to usage of plant derived material having antibacterial properties. x The absorbent article of present invention has improved absorption over the articles known in the art. x The absorbent article of the present invention is free of chemicals such polyethylene, polypropylene, and absorbent polymers, used in manufacturing of the articles known in the art. These chemicals cause irritation, rashes and even UTIs for babies frequently when used for longer periods of time in a day. x The absorbent article of the present invention is free of different pollutants including polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), organically active compounds of ethylene benzene, xylene, and toluene, polyacrylates or phthalates, known to be present in articles known in the art.