Disposable Diapers
Disposable Diapers
John Smith
Environmental Science with Lab
SPRB12 - Sec C
Professor Mukami
Disposable diapers came about during World War II, as there was a shortage of cotton to make cloth diapers. One of the first diapers to be developed was a plastic covering that was made from a shower curtain and had layers of tissue paper as an absorbent lining. During the 1970’s the demand for disposable diapers had increase and there were improvements made to reduce the bulkiness and tape for ease of fastening. It was not until the 1980’s that there was a demand for a better fitting and a biodegradable diaper. In response to this demand, starch was added to help with the diaper’s biodegradability. To enhance the fit of the diapers there was elastic added to the waist and leg openings, which in turn brought a non-biodegradable component to the diapers. (Banks, 2012)
Newer disposable diapers have many components and are listed below: 1) Polyethylene or cloth-like film: Used as the back sheet, which prevents the liquids from leaking out of the diaper.
2) Tissue: This essentially serves as a carrier for the pad, an absorbent core of the diaper.
3) Hot Melts: What is used to glue all of different components of the diaper, like the elastics and pad. It is made up of a mix of resins, oils and tackifiers.
5) Hydrophilic Non-woven: This is the top sheet for the leg cuffs and the main top sheet, which is the surface that is in contact with the baby’s skin. This allows liquids to flow to the diaper’s core.
6) Elastics: Helps in the fit of the diaper, usually made of polyester foam, polyurethane, or synthetic rubber. Used for cuffs, the waist or legs; also used for in the tape.
7) Lateral Tapes: Materials like Velcro are being used in premium diapers to provide a mechanical grip, which is also known as “hook tape”. In cheaper diapers, adhesive tapes made of polypropylene are used.
8) Frontal Tapes: This is used to
John Smith
Environmental Science with Lab
SPRB12 - Sec C
Professor Mukami
Disposable diapers came about during World War II, as there was a shortage of cotton to make cloth diapers. One of the first diapers to be developed was a plastic covering that was made from a shower curtain and had layers of tissue paper as an absorbent lining. During the 1970’s the demand for disposable diapers had increase and there were improvements made to reduce the bulkiness and tape for ease of fastening. It was not until the 1980’s that there was a demand for a better fitting and a biodegradable diaper. In response to this demand, starch was added to help with the diaper’s biodegradability. To enhance the fit of the diapers there was elastic added to the waist and leg openings, which in turn brought a non-biodegradable component to the diapers. (Banks, 2012)
Newer disposable diapers have many components and are listed below: 1) Polyethylene or cloth-like film: Used as the back sheet, which prevents the liquids from leaking out of the diaper.
2) Tissue: This essentially serves as a carrier for the pad, an absorbent core of the diaper.
3) Hot Melts: What is used to glue all of different components of the diaper, like the elastics and pad. It is made up of a mix of resins, oils and tackifiers.
5) Hydrophilic Non-woven: This is the top sheet for the leg cuffs and the main top sheet, which is the surface that is in contact with the baby’s skin. This allows liquids to flow to the diaper’s core.
6) Elastics: Helps in the fit of the diaper, usually made of polyester foam, polyurethane, or synthetic rubber. Used for cuffs, the waist or legs; also used for in the tape.
7) Lateral Tapes: Materials like Velcro are being used in premium diapers to provide a mechanical grip, which is also known as “hook tape”. In cheaper diapers, adhesive tapes made of polypropylene are used.
8) Frontal Tapes: This is used to
References: Banks, C. H. (2012). Disposable Diapers. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from Chemistry Explained: http://www.chemistryexplained.com/DI-Fa/Disposable-Diapers.html Keefer, A. (2010, June 15). Environmental Impact for Disposable Diapers. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from Livestrong.com: http://www.livestrong.com/article/14890-environmental-impact-of-disposable-diapers/ Made How. (n.d.). Disposable Diaper. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from How Products are Made: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Disposable-Diaper.html The Diposable Diaper Industry Source. (2012). What are the components fo a typical disposable diaper? Retrieved June 17, 2012, from http://diposablediaper.net/faq/what-are-the-components-of-a-typical-disposable-diaper/ The Good Human. (2010, April 27). Why You Should Consider Using Cloth Diapers Instead of Disposables. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from The Good Human: http://thegoodhuman.com/2010/04/27/why-you-should-consider-using-cloth-diapers-instead-of-disposables/