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Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a class of cross-coupled hydrophilic networks that have an extraordinary capacity to absorb and retain water. It is primarily because of the additional ionic cross-linking of SAPs, their porous wavy structure, a large number of hydrophilic functionalities, the high elasticity of the chains, and the enlarged free volumes between the polymeric chains, that all contribute to the enhancement of the swelling capability of superabsorbent hydrogels. These exceptional attributes have endowed them to be an alternative to conventional hydrogels in various applications. In view of the importance of this class of absorbent material and their diverse appliances, this review deliberates the experimental methods for characterizing superabsorbent polymers, including the officially accepted industrial measurements of their unique attributes, namely, swelling among others. In addition, the review highlights recent advances in the field of superabsorbent polymers encompassing nanofiltration, heat resistance, and absorbency, drug delivery, disposable hygiene products, nanomedicines, and the removal of heavy metals from wastewater and agriculture domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a key constituent in baby diapers and adult incontinence products. To develop new SAPs, lab tests are used to measure properties that are considered important for these products. However, these manual tests are often time-consuming and tedious. This paper introduces an automatic method to measure absorption under pressure (aAUP) using industry robots. The new robotic method addresses limitations in an industry standard absorption under pressure (AUP) method. The new aAUP method can run continuously, generating more and better data to aid in product development. It enables to put the Buchholz theory on SAPs for predicting their properties to practice by reduction of manual effort and by producing excellent data quality. This has been shown on commercial polymers from different production processes, with varied particle size distributions and shapes. The aAUP data has also been shown to accurately predict other properties of SAPs relevant for their application in hygiene articles, making it a useful tool for understanding the underlying science and facilitating product development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination caused by inconsistencies in the removal of contemporary colors and heavy metals constitutes a serious global ecological concern. This study introduces a composite material made of cellulose acetate coated with activated carbon, which is made more effective by including pectic enzymes. This composite is easily manufactured and has caused considerable interest due to its potential in wastewater treatment via absorption‐based techniques for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye and lead removal. Thermal processing and electrospinning are used in the synthesis process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Energy Dispersive Xray‐ Analysis (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and UV‐absorbency were used to characterize the resultant pectic cellulose/activated carbon nanofibers (P‐CNFs). In addition, inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectroscopy (ICP‐MS) was used to evaluate lead ion adsorption. Several parameters, including initial lead ion and methylene blue concentrations, solution pH, and nanofiber, were investigated. Fifty percent of pectic‐containing composite (cellulose/activated carbon) P‐CNF has shown remarkable differences when compared to non‐pectic and different ratio composite due to higher surface area and porosity. It also increases light absorption and decreases charge recombination, resulting in a maximum degradation efficiency of 98.5% in a neutral solution under UV‐light irradiation for 25 min, compared to pure CNF (degradation efficiency is 49% after 60 min of irradiation). In the case of lead removal, 80% efficiency was achieved in 5 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background For a specific purpose involving the pH of menstrual blood and the pH of the vagina during menstruation, the current work describes the development of pH-responsive superadsorbent polymer (SAP)-coated menstrual pads. Acrylic acid (AA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were used to create a pH-responsive polymer, which was then applied layer by layer to sanitary napkins. Using FTIR, the chemical composition and structure were examined. By examining tests for absorbent capacity, swelling capacity, water retention, sorption under load, strike through, wicking height, and re-wetness under load, the performance studies of coated pads were contrasted with those of menstrual pads that are sold commercially. Additionally, the coated pad’s pH response was examined to determine how stable the polymer was against pH variation. Results The use of SAP in this study resulted in a higher free swelling capacity (102.22 g/g) for tap water and absorption under load in sanitary napkins. The absorption capacity of SAP ranges from 8 to 24 h, with values ranging from 14.84 to 132.41 g/g. Similarly, wet back and striking through analysis indicated superior outcomes in comparison with commercial products. The pH of the prepared SAP helps to maintain the necessary acidity level (pH 3.02) for the vagina during menstruation. Conclusions Based on comparison results from FTIR, absorbency capacity, rewet, strike-through, and pH, the report recommends using the pH-responsive SAP to coat the top layer of feminine napkins.

Background: For a specific purpose involving the pH of menstrual blood and the pH of the vagina during menstruation, the current work describes the development of pH-responsive superadsorbent polymer (SAP)-coated menstrual pads. Acrylic acid (AA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were used to create a pH-responsive polymer, which was then applied layer by layer to sanitary napkins. Using FTIR, the chemical composition and structure were examined. By examining tests for absorbent capacity, swelling capacity, water retention, sorption under load, strike through, wicking height, and re-wetness under load, the performance studies of coated pads were contrasted with those of menstrual pads that are sold commercially. Additionally, the coated pad's pH response was examined to determine how stable the polymer was against pH variation. Results: The use of SAP in this study resulted in a higher free swelling capacity (102.22 g/g) for tap water and absorption under load in sanitary napkins. The absorption capacity of SAP ranges from 8 to 24 h, with values ranging from 14.84 to 132.41 g/g. Similarly, wet back and striking through analysis indicated superior outcomes in comparison with commercial products. The pH of the prepared SAP helps to maintain the necessary acidity level (pH 3.02) for the vagina during menstruation. Conclusions: Based on comparison results from FTIR, absorbency capacity, rewet, strike-through, and pH, the report recommends using the pH-responsive SAP to coat the top layer of feminine napkins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feminine hygiene products, used by millions of women worldwide on a daily basis, come in various forms. Among them, tampons are a prominent type that aims to absorb menstrual blood directly in the vagina. However, the underlying mechanisms governing liquid absorption in tampons have received limited research attention and remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate these mechanisms by examining the two main types of viscose fibres used in tampons and their effects when employed in tampon production. The sole distinction between the fibre types lies in their geometric shape—round or trilobal—while all other fibre parameters remain constant. To explore these mechanisms, tampon proxies made from these fibres were created and subjected to tests measuring liquid absorption. In addition, a novel method employing infrared thermography was utilized to infer the stored energy within the compressed tampon. Furthermore, individual fibres were characterised for chemical composition, surface properties, fine structure, liquid interaction, mechanical parameters, and friction behaviour. The results revealed that trilobal fibres exhibited higher tampon absorbency compared to their round counterparts, despite sharing similar chemical composition and comparable mechanical characteristics. This disparity can be attributed to the greater specific surface area of trilobal fibres, leading to enhanced liquid uptake through fibre swelling. However, single fibre swelling only accounted for a minor fraction of the total liquid absorbency of a tampon. The most influential fibre parameter was the geometric shape, as trilobal fibres facilitated the construction and maintenance of a bulkier network with increased available volume for liquid absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic packaging products are popular due to having many superior properties but are harmful to the environment. In that regard, potato starch and sugarcane bagasse fibers were used to develop a composite material by hand layup process. Starch was chemically modified chemically using sodium hydroxide, adipic acid, and mustard oil, according to a previous study. The modification process improved the gelatinization of starch and helped to form a dense and rigid film. The combination was used along with sugarcane bagasse to develop a novel composite material. An increase in fiber loading in the composite resulted in 14.00 J/m impact resistance and 22.85 MPa flexural strength. But adding more than 43% fiber caused decrement in the properties due to fiber accumulation. In contrast, the hardness test showed almost similar results for all samples, resembling polystyrene's hardness properties. However, the density of the composites was found around 0.61 gm/cm3, which is significantly low while the scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of mechanical interlocking among the components and the composites' porous structure, which also helped to reduce the composites' density significantly. In addition, a meaningfully improved absorbency property was recorded as 73% water absorption after 2 h of immersion was seen in one sample. The thermal test showed similar results to raw sugarcane bagasse but with high char-forming ability in the composite, which can be helpful in flame retarding properties. Meanwhile, comparison with polystyrene and cardboard in terms of density and impact resistance also showed encouraging results.

In the present study, an absorbent article from raw organic cotton fibers (ROCFs) as base material was prepared for female hygiene applications. ROCFs were modified employing two different approaches: the conventional NaOH and eco-friendly ethanol/water blend. Chitosan is considered as an eco-friendly agent and hence used in the present study to impart simultaneous antimicrobial, binding, and stabilizing properties to the final product. Two different organic acids, namely acetic acid and citric acid, were used to disperse the chitosan particles in order to balance the pH range of the feminine physiology system, which is normally in the range of 3–4.5 to prevent the undesired growth of microbes. Particle size and SEM analysis confirmed the proper dispersion and attachment of chitosan particles in the modified cotton fibers, respectively. The absorbency test indicated the better holding capacity for the ethanol cotton fibers treated along with chitosan in combination citric acid. Further, this combination was also found to possess better antimicrobial activity against specific microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and others.

Surgical sutures are important components of surgical operation and protection against post-surgical infections. The current in vitro study is an effort to evaluate the effects of antibacterial finishes extracted from natural sources, i.e. plants and herbs on natural fiber-based suture materials. These bioactive compounds are derived from Azadirachta indica (AI), Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (CT), Calotropis procera (CP), Prunus persica (PP), and Berberis lycium (BL), etc. All finishes were obtained by direct extraction method, and their effect was studied in this research. Two types of natural fiber materials, e.g. silk suture (SS, non-absorbable) and catgut suture (CS, absorbable), were selected. Mechanical properties were evaluated after application of the finish with concentrations of 50% and 100%, respectively. Antibacterial testing was also conducted for different finishes on both types of sutures, which provide promising results. In both types of sutures, mechanical properties and antibacterial properties were improved after application of herbal finishes. This paper highlights the possibility of using natural fiber sutures and bioactive finishes for imparting antibacterial wound care properties. The natural fibers and finishes will be helpful for reducing toxic treatments of sutures, which are hazardous to the environment.

Silk is considered as one of the finest and delicate natural fibers suitable for the construction of textile products with elegant look, lustrous appearance, gorgeous glaze, and elegant drapeness likewise with rich quality. However, silk is sensitive for various chemicals so that it could be easily damaged. Hence, it is evident that silk should be protected so as to accommodate the necessary characteristics in the end use products. In this context, in this research work plain woven mulberry silk fabric was chosen which was further processed with basic treatments and treated with polyacrylic acid and chitosan and then dyed with some selected natural sources and reactive dye. The treated and dyed silk fabrics were then subjected for different testing parameters such as measuring physical properties, K/S values, fastness properties, absorbency characteristics, antiodor behavior, SEM, and XRD analysis. The results obtained from this study convince the suitability for the conventional garment/apparel end-use products including the medical textiles.

This study investigates the behavior of concrete with superabsorbent polymer (SAP) under freezing conditions. SAP particles absorb water and create air voids in hardened concrete upon releasing the absorbed water. The air voids are posited to improve the freeze resistance of concrete. While this phenomenon has been experimentally verified, a contradictory finding has also been reported. This study elucidates the conflicting observations by interpreting the water reabsorption behavior of SAPs in hardened concrete. Previous models have been modified considering the SAP characteristics in hardened concrete. Lastly, the optimal SAP content for enhanced freeze resistance are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fibers (PFs), such as hemp, Coir, and straw, are abundant in resources, low in price, light weight, biodegradable, have good adhesion to the matrix, and have a broad prospect as reinforcements. However, the degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix is one of the main factors that affects the durability of these composites. PFs have good compatibility with cement and the geopolymer matrix. They can induce gel growth of cement-based materials and have a good toughening effect. The water absorption of the hollow structure of the PF can accelerate the degradation of the fiber on the one hand and serve as the inner curing fiber for the continuous hydration of the base material on the other. PF is easily deteriorated in the alkaline matrix, which has a negative effect on composites. The classification and properties of PFs, the bonding mechanism of the interface between PF reinforcements and the matrix, the water absorption of PF, and its compatibility with the matrix were summarized. The degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix and solution, drying and wetting cycle conditions, and high-temperature conditions were reviewed. Finally, some paths to improve the alkaline degradation of PF reinforcement in the alkaline matrix were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an absorbent article from raw organic cotton fibers (ROCFs) as base material was prepared for female hygiene applications. ROCFs were modified employing two different approaches: the conventional NaOH and eco-friendly ethanol/water blend. Chitosan is considered as an eco-friendly agent and hence used in the present study to impart simultaneous antimicrobial, binding, and stabilizing properties to the final product. Two different organic acids, namely acetic acid and citric acid, were used to disperse the chitosan particles in order to balance the pH range of the feminine physiology system, which is normally in the range of 3-4.5 to prevent the undesired growth of microbes. Particle size and SEM analysis confirmed the proper dispersion and attachment of chitosan particles in the modified cotton fibers, respectively. The absorbency test indicated the better holding capacity for the ethanol cotton fibers treated along with chitosan in combination citric acid. Further, this combination was also found to possess better antimicrobial activity against specific microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Surgical sutures; herbal treatment; absorbency; antibacterial; growth inhibition %; ; ; ; ; % EN Surgical sutures herbal treatment absorbency antibacterial growth inhibition % ZH % 9531 9546 16 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction The use of sutures in the medical field is a common practice all over the world. Influence of finishing treatment on absorbency property of different sutures The absorbency of untreated, control and antibacterial finishing-treated silk and catgut sutures were measured. The finished sutures were weighed and an uptake of 5.4 ± 0.1% was found in silk sutures, while the uptake in catgut sutures was 4.3 ± 0.1%. [Extracted from the article]

The difference is significant only in the case of the untreated silk fabrics when compared with that of PAA- and CTN-treated and dyed silk fabrics; since the silk fabric is influenced by these treatments in the respective aspects. It is noticed from this table that the antiodor retention rate effect is considerably good in the treated (PAA and CTN) and dyed silk fabrics particularly on the CTN- treated fabrics compared with those of other (PAA and without treatment) silk fabrics. The PAA- and CTN-treated and dyed silk fabrics absorb the drops in lesser time compared to the without treatment silk fabric; similar to this trend the water retention behavior and the wicking height, respectively, are increased in silk fabrics. Keywords: Tensile strength; dyeability; fastness properties; absorbency; air permeability; antiodor; ; ; ; ; ; EN Tensile strength dyeability fastness properties absorbency air permeability antiodor ZH 8637 8651 15 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction Silk is the prominent protein fiber, which has been considered for the special characteristics of durability, softness, luster, and surface smoothness. [Extracted from the article]

Consumer demands for comfort performance are highly escalated, making global manufacturers turn their attention towards the development of technical textiles with enhanced comfort properties. The comfort characteristics of bamboo/cotton blend along with elastane knitted fabrics made by using ring-spun yarns were studied. Four different blend proportions, namely 53:42:5 cotton/bamboo/elastane, 51:41:8 cotton/bamboo/elastane, 45:40:15 cotton/bamboo/elastane and 59:31:10 cotton/bamboo/elastane were used to produce knitted fabrics by using ring-spun yarn of 14.7 tex. Single jersey knitted fabric was made with the first three proportions and interlock fabric was made with the fourth proportion. Fabric samples have been evaluated for physical properties like CPI, WPI, stitch density and thickness aside from measuring comfort properties like absorbency, air permeability and water vapour permeability. Based on the test results, it was concluded that a Lycra jersey developed with 51:41:8 cotton/bamboo/elastane blend showed good surface and moisture absorbency characteristics.

Imparting new functionalities by means of coating on textiles is a step to widen the span of their characteristics and potential applications in different dimensions. Water-based polyurethanes (PU) offer unique and striking mechanical and functional features that have driven strong interest in their utility for various applications while also matching environmental sustainability needs. This research investigates the effects of PU coating on hydroentangled cotton nonwovens. The coated and uncoated nonwovens produced by various combinations were evaluated for their structure and physical properties such as fiber structure, tensile strength, water contact angle, surface energy, air permeability, pressure drop, and water absorbency. The changes in surface structure of nonwovens after coating were analyzed through scanning electron microscope. Additionally, stretchability and stretch recovery of the webs showed improvement as determined by cyclic loading and unloading tests. Cotton nonwovens generally have poor recovery due to the nature of the fiber and the web structure with very low stored energy. The results show that integration of PU on cotton nonwovens can be a promising approach to impart elasticity to cotton webs with endowed tensile strength and vast increase in recovery characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel, formed via physically electrostatic crosslinks between polyanion and polycation, is an interesting hydrogel in terms of its nontoxicity and solvent-free technique. In this work, poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) complex hydrogels were prepared. Firstly, the PSS/PDADMAC complex aggregates using various PSS/PDADMAC mole fractions that were prepared in the presence of NaCl solution. Then, the aggregates were resolubilized under stirring at 70 °C for 2 h to obtain a homogeneous PEC solution. Finally, the PEC solution was dialyzed using a dialysis membrane with 3500 molecular cut-off for 1 day. The dialysis bath was changed every interval period of 2 h to control the rate of reversible electrostatic interaction, resulting in the homogenous PEC hydrogel with porous morphology as revealed by SEM and BET investigations. The dimensional stability and viscoelasticity of the PEC hydrogel was studied by DMA experiment, which showed the viscoelastic behavior at a compressive force ranging from 0 to 0.1 N. Finally, PSS/PDADMAC hydrogels showed a high water absorbency property and excellent affinity to textile anionic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fibers (PFs), such as hemp, Coir, and straw, are abundant in resources, low in price, light weight, biodegradable, have good adhesion to the matrix, and have a broad prospect as reinforcements. However, the degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix is one of the main factors that affects the durability of these composites. PFs have good compatibility with cement and the geopolymer matrix. They can induce gel growth of cement-based materials and have a good toughening effect. The water absorption of the hollow structure of the PF can accelerate the degradation of the fiber on the one hand and serve as the inner curing fiber for the continuous hydration of the base material on the other. PF is easily deteriorated in the alkaline matrix, which has a negative effect on composites. The classification and properties of PFs, the bonding mechanism of the interface between PF reinforcements and the matrix, the water absorption of PF, and its compatibility with the matrix were summarized. The degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix and solution, drying and wetting cycle conditions, and high-temperature conditions were reviewed. Finally, some paths to improve the alkaline degradation of PF reinforcement in the alkaline matrix were proposed.

Development and characterization of single-faced spun lace polyester-viscose (30:70) fabric as a top layer in incontinence products have been reported. One side of the fabric layer is coated with fluorocarbon using the spray coating process to make it hydrophobic. The coating process parameters, spraying distance (distance between spraying nozzle and fabric), finish concentration, and the partial coating are varied to determine the optimum combination. The effectiveness of the coating process has been assessed by measuring contact angle, moisture management, and rewet tests. The study reveals that the 30 cm spray distance and 5% finish concentration, sprayed following dot/zebra pattern, provides the layer's best liquid moisture transport properties. This process of making the front side hydrophobic and the other side hydrophilic promotes one-way liquid transport and can be very useful for many absorbent medical and hygiene products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the absorbency capacity of paper points (PPs) with positively charged and noncharged polyvinylidene fluoride membranes (PVDFMs) and investigated the ability of PPs and PVDFMs to bind and remove endotoxin. Three commercially available PPs were compared with PVDFM (Millipore Sigma, Burlington, MA) prototype points. We recorded the initial dry weight for each PP and PVDFM using a digital balance to ±0.0001 precision for absorbency. PPs and PVDFMs were then immersed in deionized water and weighed to obtain the wet weight. The absorbency was calculated with the following formula: percent increase = ([wet weight − dry weight]/dry weight) × 100. For endotoxin removal, we first quantified endotoxin remaining in wells after immersing PPs and PVDFMs in a 24-well plate containing 10 endotoxin units/mL Escherichia coli O55:B5 (Lonza, Walkersville, MD). We then extracted and quantified endotoxin from PPs and PVDFMs. Endotoxin was quantified using the Kinetic-QCL test (Lonza). The absorbencies for the positively charged and noncharged PVDFMs were higher than the PPs (P <.05), with no difference between them (P >.05). The positively charged PVDFMs removed more endotoxin than the noncharged PVDFMs and the PPs (P <.05). Moreover, the noncharged PVDFMs bound and removed more endotoxin than any PPs (P <.05). PVDFM prototype points are more absorbent than PPs. Moreover, the positively charged PVDFM points are more effective in binding and removing endotoxin than noncharged PVDFMs and PPs. This study suggests that positively charged PVDFMs with a 0.22-μm pore size could potentially replace PPs used in endodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl cellulose-graft-poly(acrylic acidSodium acrylate-acrylamide) SAPs have been prepared by the free-radical grafting solution polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide monomers (AM) onto carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the presence of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker (MBA) and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. Various factors influencing the water absorbency of the polymer were studied. These include the weight ratio of APS, MBA, and CMC compared to the monomers. The optimal conditions were found as follows: 1% APS, 0.25% MBA, and 10% CMC (weight ratio to monomers). The maximum absorbencies for distilled water and 0.9 wt.% NaCl solution were 406 g/g and 69 g/g, respectively. The structure of the synthesized polymer was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the water absorption and water retention behavior of the polymer in soil were investigated. The results showed that this polymer could be employed as a suitable moisture-holding additive in soil for cultivation purposes.

The combined effect of surfactants with ozone bleaching process on the quality of cotton fabric was examined in this paper. The concentration of surfactants was varied between 0.01- 0.5 g/l in order to evaluate its effect on CIE whiteness, absorbency and strength of cotton fabric bleached by ozone. The maximum improvement in absorbency (1.07 s) and whiteness (WCIE 66.53) was achieved in the presence of anionic surfactant (0.01 g/l) at optimized experimental conditions. The strength properties of cotton fabric bleached by ozone in the presence of surfactant were also improved. Pollution load of ozone bleaching effluent even after adding surfactant was far less than conventional bleaching effluent. Statistically it was confirmed that surfactant addition significantly improved the whiteness and absorbency of ozone bleached cotton fabric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel, formed via physically electrostatic crosslinks between polyanion and polycation, is an interesting hydrogel in terms of its nontoxicity and solvent-free technique. In this work, poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) complex hydrogels were prepared. Firstly, the PSS/PDADMAC complex aggregates using various PSS/PDADMAC mole fractions that were prepared in the presence of NaCl solution. Then, the aggregates were resolubilized under stirring at 70 °C for 2 h to obtain a homogeneous PEC solution. Finally, the PEC solution was dialyzed using a dialysis membrane with 3500 molecular cut-off for 1 day. The dialysis bath was changed every interval period of 2 h to control the rate of reversible electrostatic interaction, resulting in the homogenous PEC hydrogel with porous morphology as revealed by SEM and BET investigations. The dimensional stability and viscoelasticity of the PEC hydrogel was studied by DMA experiment, which showed the viscoelastic behavior at a compressive force ranging from 0 to 0.1 N. Finally, PSS/PDADMAC hydrogels showed a high water absorbency property and excellent affinity to textile anionic dyes.

This study aims to extract the starch from seeds of the Thai aromatic fruit (Artocarpus species), champedak (Artocarpus integer) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) and evaluate its potential use as a raw material to develop compact powder as substitute for talcum in powder formulations. The chemical and physical characteristics as well as the physicochemical properties of the starch were also determined. Moreover, compact powder formulations using the extracted starch as an ingredient were developed and investigated. This study found that champedak (CS) and jackfruit starch (JS) provided a maximum average granule size of 10 μm. The bell or semi-oval shape and smooth surface of the starch granules was perfectly suited to compact powder development under the cosmetic powder pressing machine, which could reduce the opportunity of fracture during the process. CS and JS presented low swelling power and solubility but high water and oil absorption capacities, which could potentially increase the absorbency of the compact powder. Finally, the developed compact powder formulations provided a smooth surface with a homogeneous and intense colour. All formulations presented a highly adhesive property and were resistant to transport and normal handling by users. [Display omitted] • Thai fruit seed starch were completely extracted and provided a high percent yield. • The smooth surface of starch gives a smooth feeling when applied on the skin. • Starch possessed the ability to function as absorbents in compact powder formulation. • Starch could be a replacement for talcum in compact powder formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SAP was synthesized using kaolin through inverse suspension polymerization. • New SAP reveals satisfactory physical and mechanical performances. • Use of kaolin enhanced the rigid network of new SAP while reducing its cost. • The increase in the acrylamide content led to a greater final equilibrium absorbency rate of new SAP. The water absorption of ionic SAP in cement-based materials is small. Therefore, this study synthesized a low-grade kaolin-enhanced SAP through inverse suspension polymerization, and its performances in deionized water, the saturated Ca(OH) 2 solution and the supernatant of the cement slurry were investigated. The results indicate that the synthesized SAP revealed a spherical shape with a uniform particle size, showing well dispersion after water saturation. In addition, the use of low-grade kaolin could be beneficial concerning the absorbency of SAP especially using 7.5% low-grade kaolin, as reflected by the consistency results, but its absorbency is sensitive to water temperatures and environmental relative humidity. Besides, compounding inorganic materials into SAP can reduce the cost of SAP synthesis and provide cost efficiency. Finally, the growth of the acrylamide content could deteriorate the absorbency of SAP, but their final equilibrium absorbency could increase, and the absorbency of the synthesized SAP were similar in the media of the saturated Ca(OH) 2 solution and the supernatant of cement slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to produce elastomeric nonwovens containing cotton by the combination of appropriate process. Such nonwovens are in demand for use in several healthcare, baby care, and adult care products that require stretchability, comfort, and barrier properties. Meltblown fabrics have very high surface area due to microfibers and have good absorbency, permeability, and barrier properties. Spunbonding is the most economical process to produce nonwovens with good strength and physical properties with relatively larger diameter fibers. Incorporating cotton fibers into elastomeric nonwovens can enhance the performance of products, such as absorbency and comfort. There has not been any study yet to use such novel approaches to produce elastomeric cotton fiber nonwovens. A hydroentangling process was used to integrate cotton fibers into produced elastomeric spunbond and meltblown nonwovens. The laminated web structures produced by various combinations were evaluated for their physical properties such as weight, thickness, air permeability, pore size, tensile strength, and especially the stretch recovery. Incorporating cotton into elastic webs resulted in composite structures with improved moisture absorbency (250%-800%) as well as good breathability and elastic properties. The results also show that incorporating cotton can significantly increase tensile strength with improved spontaneous recovery from stretch even after the 5th cycle. Results from the experiments demonstrate that such composite webs with improved performance properties can be produced by commercially used processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]