2024/10/08 by Ashna Ramasur, Kauthar Hassan, Prebantha Moodley +1 · 1 voice
Engineering · Materials Science · #Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technologies #Innovations in Concrete and Construction Materials #biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
paper · doi:10.1201/9781003538646-8
openalex publication_date 2024/10/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11
Conventional sanitary pads contain harmful plastics and toxins; therefore, the need arises to develop a low- cost biodegradable alternative. An investigation was carried out with the aim of producing competent disposable sanitary pad prototypes that are both low-cost and biodegradable. Two different prototypes were produced. The bottom layer was developed by producing and testing a gelatine bioplastic, embedded corn starch bioplastic, and a stretchy corn starch bioplastic. The tests proved that the embedded bioplastic was the most suitable for use. Wood pulp fluff, cellulose sheets and organic cotton was used to form the core of prototype 1. The same components, except the cellulose sheet, was included in the core of prototype 2. A bamboo nappy liner was used as the top sheet for both prototypes. A biodegradability test showed that the embedded bioplastic had the largest mass reduction of 52% over time, while the organic cotton had the lowest mass reduction of 13%. Testing the prototypes proved that prototype 2 was better performing overall, with an absorption speed of 4.32 s, a maximum capacity of 63 ml, and a moisture retention of 87.62%. Prototype 2 was R2 cheaper than prototype 1, at a cost of R6.26. Both prototypes were very costly but met part of the aim as they were fully biodegradable and competent. Investigations involving scaling-up production and obtaining material in bulk would assist with a reduction in costs.