Experimental comfort evaluation of baby diapers in terms of liquid accumulation, moisture management and heat transfer via non destructive testing

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide an applied and objective analysis into heat transfer and mass transfer parameters such as relative water vapour permeability, thermal conductivity and thermal absorptivity as well as liquid accumulation of baby diapers which have critical importance on skin health using non-destructive Alambeta and Permetest instruments. SEM investigation was also carried out for characterization of breathable film layer of the diaper assembly. According to the water vapour transmission assessment, it was found that a few hours later, the composite diaper assembly becomes almost zero vapour permeable which results in discomfort and a poor breathability in baby diaper. It was also found that the liquid accumulation in diaper has increased in the course of time. The thickness of the diapers had an important effect on thermal parameters however production type of nonwoven top sheet and back sheet layers had a dramatic effect on these parameters.