by Disposable diapers contribute significantly to global waste due to the difficulty in recycling them. However, a groundbreaking new process utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light could offer a solution by salvaging the superabsorbent polymer found in diaper liners – even if they are soiled.
Most disposable diaper liners are made of sodium polyacrylate, a polymer that transforms from a dry state to a hydrogel as it soaks up liquid. Previous attempts to recycle this material involved immersing it in a strong acid heated to 80 ºC (176 ºF) for approximately 16 hours. Although effective, this process consumes a substantial amount of time and energy, making it rarely used.
In an effort to find a more time and energy-efficient alternative, scientists at Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology experimented with wetting sodium polyacrylate diaper liners with water and exposing them to UV light from a 1,000-watt lamp at room temperature. Surprisingly, after just five minutes, the polymer gel dissolved into a liquid that flowed into a collection reservoir. The liquid sodium polyacrylate was then converted into an adhesive and a thickening agent for dyes using existing processes.
Professor Pavel Levkin from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology explained that the light breaks the chains that link the polymers, causing them to become loose and turn into liquid fibers when submerged in water. This UV light method is approximately 200 times faster than the acid-based approach used previously.
The research team tested the recycling process using clean diaper liners. However, they are confident that the technique will be just as effective with used liners. Levkin stated, “We have found a promising strategy for recycling superabsorbent materials. This will significantly reduce environmental pollution and promote the sustainable use of polymers.”
If the UV light method proves to be scalable and financially viable on an industrial level, it could revolutionize the recycling of disposable diapers. With an estimated 450 billion disposable diapers used each year worldwide, this innovation could help tackle the growing problem of diaper waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
In addition to the environmental benefits of recycling diaper liners, this process also offers economic advantages. The recovered liquid sodium polyacrylate can be utilized in the production of various adhesive products and thickening agents, reducing the demand for new resources.
Further research and development are needed to optimize the UV light recycling process and overcome potential challenges. Nevertheless, this breakthrough holds immense promise for reducing waste, preserving resources, and promoting a more sustainable approach to diaper production and disposal.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
