High absorbency cellulose acetate electrospun nanofibers for feminine hygiene application

• Electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibers as absorbent core in feminine sanitary napkins.
• Higher absorbency and mechanical strength with more comfort than commercial products.
• Higher surface area and porosity of nanofibers eradicate the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP).
• Nanofibrous absorbent core without SAP addresses the health and environment concerns.

The feminine sanitary napkin is an important disposable absorbent hygiene product. Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are added in the absorbent core of sanitary napkins in order to improve their absorption capacity. However, they are found to have certain adverse effects on the health of user and also on the environment. Here, we demonstrate the potential use of electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers as a material for absorbent core in feminine sanitary napkins. The analysis in terms of morphology, surface area, porosity, strength, absorption capacity, and percentage residue was done and further compared with some of the known commercially available feminine sanitary napkins. Considering the large surface area and porosity, it is found that the electrospun nanofibers provide a better alternative to achieve even higher absorbency that too without adding SAP. Sanitary napkins without SAP can be a solution for its safe disposal, and therefore, can have global impact in the near future.

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