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Reusable Sanitary Pad
Summary
Researchers developed and tested a reusable sanitary pad with wings composed of individually designed fabric layers as a sustainable alternative to disposable single-use pads. Testing demonstrated acceptable performance across drying time, pilling resistance, tensile strength, water vapor resistance, and air permeability, supporting reusable pads as an environmentally preferable option given that disposable pads typically end up in landfills or are incinerated.
Feminine hygiene products are described personal care products that are used by women to manage menstruation and to maintain menstrual health. One of the most preferred feminine hygiene products is sanitary pads. Sanitary pad is a thin pad made of absorbent material that comprises numerous layers of quilted cotton fabric or other super absorbent polymers and plastics. Soft touch, dry feel, odourless, leakproof and antibacterial properties are the expectations from a sanitary pad. Considering these expectations, in order to replace with the disposable (single use) ones we have developed a reusable sanitary pad with wings that all individual layers of fabrics are designed and produced. Drying time, pilling resistance, thermal and water vapour resistance, air permeability, dimensional stability, hydrostatic pressure, tensile strength, tear strength, phenolic yellowing, pH level, bursting strength, thickness, mass per unit area tests are carried out. According to market outlook reports the total sales of reusable sanitary pads represent ~5%- 10% of the global health and personal care market. Disposable (single use) sanitary pads end up with landfilling and disposal by incineration and cause environmental pollution. From the perspective of woman health, equality of opportunity, sustainability and environmental health concerns it is concluded that reusable pads are a sustainable alternative for the disposable (single use) ones.
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