International Journal of Bioresource Science

Disposable baby and adult diapers represent an important product in the journey of modern society, providing an ease of convenience, performance and affordability. A child of one year age, on an average 3–7 diapers are required to be changed in a day. Such products are discarded after its one-time use in comparison to reusable cloth-diapers. Diapers are broadly designed and manufactured for two age groups, viz., (i) baby diapers for age of 2 to 11 years and (ii) adult diapers for age of 25 to 60 years. Diapers are made of three main layers, where the top-sheet is designed to isolate the baby’s soft skin from the wet inner core. Absorbent layer is made of wood/ cellulose pulp sheet, embedded with super-absorbent-polymer (SAP) or as a separate layer to absorb and hold the liquid. The back sheet is made of water impermeable synthetic polymer layer/ film to avoid any leakage of absorbed liquid. Length and width of a baby diaper varies in the range of 35 - 52 cm and 26 - 31 cm for the size of new born baby to X large size. Maximum volume of liquid absorption by the different diapers are as follows 60, 105, 150, 180 and 210 ml for the categories of new born baby, small, medium, large and X large, respectively. It is also overtly that more attention is required to the product after its usage to mitigate with post usage unguarded dumping, burying and burning of soiled disposable diapers. Use of antibacterial fibres, metallic wires embedded in smart diapers, application of natural fibre/ pulp and development of biodegradable super-absorbent- polymer have also been summarized to address some of the current challenges in this area. Natural fibres like cotton, bamboo and jute could find its application in the disposable diaper making, in addition to synthetic polymeric and fibrous materials.