Sanitary Pad Raw Material Composition and Properties

# Sanitary Pad Raw Material Composition and Properties

Sanitary pads are essential hygiene products used by millions of women worldwide. Understanding the raw materials that go into their production is crucial for ensuring quality, comfort, and safety. This article delves into the composition and properties of the primary raw materials used in sanitary pads.

## 1. Absorbent Core

The absorbent core is the heart of a sanitary pad, responsible for absorbing menstrual fluid. It is typically made from a combination of the following materials:

– **Wood Pulp**: This is the most common material used in the absorbent core. It is highly absorbent and helps in retaining fluid.
– **Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)**: SAP is a synthetic material that can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid relative to its own mass. It is often mixed with wood pulp to enhance the pad’s absorbency.

### Properties of the Absorbent Core

– **High Absorbency**: The core must be able to absorb and retain menstrual fluid effectively.
– **Softness**: It should be soft to ensure comfort during use.
– **Breathability**: The core should allow air to circulate, reducing the risk of irritation.

## 2. Top Sheet

The top sheet is the layer that comes into direct contact with the skin. It is designed to be soft, comfortable, and quick-drying. Common materials used for the top sheet include:

– **Nonwoven Fabric**: This is a lightweight, breathable material that is soft to the touch. It is often made from polypropylene or polyester.
– **Perforated Film**: Some pads use a perforated plastic film as the top sheet, which allows fluid to pass through quickly while keeping the surface dry.

### Properties of the Top Sheet

– **Softness**: The top sheet must be gentle on the skin to prevent irritation.
– **Quick-Drying**: It should allow fluid to pass through quickly, keeping the surface dry.
– **Breathability**: The material should allow air to circulate, reducing the risk of discomfort.

## 3. Back Sheet

The back sheet is the outermost layer of the sanitary pad, designed to prevent leakage. It is usually made from:

– **Polyethylene Film**: This is a waterproof material that prevents fluid from leaking out of the pad.
– **Nonwoven Fabric**: Some pads use a breathable nonwoven fabric as the back sheet to enhance comfort.

### Properties of the Back Sheet

– **Waterproof**: The back sheet must be impermeable to liquids to prevent leakage.
– **Flexibility**: It should be flexible to allow for comfortable movement.
– **Breathability**: In some designs, the back sheet is breathable to enhance comfort.

## 4. Adhesive

The adhesive is used to attach the sanitary pad to the underwear. It is typically a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is applied to the back sheet.

### Properties of the Adhesive

– **Strong Adhesion**: The adhesive must securely hold the pad in place.
– **Residue-Free Removal**: It should not leave any residue on the underwear after removal.
– **Skin-Friendly**: The adhesive should be hypoallergenic to prevent skin irritation.

## 5. Fragrance and Additives

Some sanitary pads include fragrances or additives to provide a fresh scent or additional comfort. However, these are optional and not present in all products.

### Properties of Fragrance and Additives

– **Mild Scent**: If present, the fragrance should be mild and not overpowering.
– **Hypoallergenic**: Additives should be safe for sensitive skin and not cause irritation.

## Conclusion

The raw materials used in sanitary pads are carefully selected to ensure they meet the needs of comfort, absorbency, and safety. Understanding the composition and properties of these materials can help consumers make informed choices about the products they use. Whether it’s the absorbent core, top sheet, back sheet, or adhesive, each component