Development and characterisation of superabsorbent fibrous web for hygiene applications

Abstract

This study focuses on developing superabsorbent fibrous web using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and citric acid (CA). The superabsorbent polymer solution is electrospun into a fibrous web with varying CA concentrations (0 %, 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, and 10 %). Then, the morphology and chemical functional groups of the fibrous webs have been analysed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The liquid absorption properties, such as free absorption capacity, liquid retention capacity, absorption under load, and structural stability of the webs, have been evaluated using distilled water, saline solution, and synthetic blood. The fibrous web containing 4 % CA (CA4: 10 % Na CMC, 10 % PVA, and 4 % CA) exhibits maximum absorption capacity among the tested samples. The absorption properties of CA4 sample have also been compared with those of a commercially available sanitary napkin. Furthermore, the crosslinked CA4 sample exhibits better structural stability compared to the non-crosslinked sample.