International Journal of Modern Science and Technology Vol. 2, No. 11, 2017. Page 366-372.

http://www.ijmst.co/ ISSN: 2456-0235.

Research Article
A study on Baby Diaper with Indigenous-Absorbent-Core material in Ethiopian
context
Beletech Alemu Reta, G. Nalankilli*
Textile Chemistry Research and Innovation Centre,
Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology (EiTEX),
Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
*Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]
Abstract
Although disposable diapers are superior in performance when compared with their reusable
counterparts, a majority of Ethiopian parents use the latter for their babies. The key factors for this
choice are limited availability (in rural areas) and high cost. This research proposes to reduce the cost of
disposable diapers by making them semi-reusable. The objective was to prepare alternative inside
absorbent core from indigenous materials and replace the core from normal disposable diapers after use
(especially liquid insult). Such replacement would retain some functionalities of the disposable article
while reducing the overall cost to parents. The materials investigated for producing the alternate core
were eucalyptus bark and paper (A4 waste paper). It was found that treatment of alternative core
material with a hydrophilic softener such as glycerin greatly enhanced the absorbent capacity. The
average performance of diapers with the alternate core was comparable to those of original diapers.
Then the alternative inside core performs better than commercial diaper. The remaining water volume
was less than the commercial diaper. Similarly the weight of inside core and speed of absorption proved
that was developed core than a commercial as compare to that is estimated that the cost of using normal
disposable diaper is about 80 ETB per day which is probable cost of 17 ETB per day case of developed
core. It may be concluded from this investigation that the abundant waste paper (from offices and
universities in Ethiopia) is an excellent low-cost source to produce alternate absorbent core in baby
diapers.
Keywords: Liquid absorbent; Disposable diaper; Reusable diaper; Indigenous diaper product;
Hydrophilic softener.
compromising the fluid holding capacity. This is
Introduction
usually accomplished in some structures by
Among all the recent developments in the incorporating a percentage of superabsorbent
absorbent core technology area, the most polymers along with the main material in the
prominent one has been the application of the core. In such instances, because of the enormous
preformed structures of one type or another. In capacity of the superabsorbent to absorb fluid
sanitary napkin products, the use of preformed into its internal structure and swell while
air laid materials with short fibers has grown maintaining high gel strength, the thickness of
rapidly, but in baby diapers and adult the web could be expected to actually increase.
incontinence products their adoption has been There has been a general tendency towards using
much slower than generally expected [1,2]. One the so-called superabsorbent material in such
of the major applications of disposable products as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and
nonwovens is in absorbent materials, which adult incontinent pads [3,4]. Traditionally,
constitute a broad range of products, including superabsorbent used has been in the form of
baby diapers, personal hygiene and adult powder, or very short fibers, but in recent years
incontinent pads, tampons, paper towels, tissues the material has also become available in the
and sponges. In designing absorbent products form of staple fibers. The idea of using fibers is
such as diapers and sanitary pads, one of the novel in the sense that the material could be
aims is to reduce the size or weight without controlled and handled better than possible with

Received: 06.11.2017; Received after Revision: 22.11.2017; Accepted: 22.11.2017; Published: 29.11.2017
©2017 The Authors. Published by G J Publications under the CC BY license. 366
Beletech Alemu Reta and Nalankilli, 2017. Baby diaper with indigenous-absorbent-core material in Ethiopian context

the powder. The superabsorbent fiber could be disposable diaper from indigenous alternate
blended with the bulk and dispersed uniformly material.
throughout the structure or positioned biased at Data collection procedure: Collected
strategic points in the product. The information on diapers available in Ethiopia
superabsorbent materials have great capacity to about brands, price, etc to evaluate the
swell and retain fluids many times their weight absorbency and liquid retention capacity of
by chemical bonding [4-8]. Disposable diapers available diapers in Bahir Dar. This information
are mostly made using the following components was used for comparison with modified diaper
and materials viz., Bottom back sheet, that uses indigenous absorbent core. Absorbent
Polypropylene Non-woven – Hydrophobic and core was made from pulp obtained from different
Hydrophilic, Absorbent core - Wood pulp fluff, papers like A4 paper and from eucalyptus bark.
Super Absorbent Polymers, Elastics –
Lycra/Spandex, Quick wicking layer, Adhesive – Material and equipment
Hot melts and Elastomeric, Fastening tape – A4 paper: It is normal paper after changed in to
Stick type/Hook and loop type, Moisturizer powder. It is used as absorbent core.
lotions and fragrance lotions and Eucalypts bark: Developing eucalypts bark’s use
Breathable/Cloth-like back sheet. Among all as absorbent pulp which is also anti-microbial so
parts, first four are very essential layers in a there is high advantage for customer.
diaper. Most disposable diapers are made with Chemicals: Glycerin used to increase absorbency
these basic components [9-15]. Grinder machine: It is used to change the
In Ethiopia, as in other parts of the world, materials in to powder form
baby hygiene uses either disposable or reusable Electronic balance: For measuring chemicals or
diapers. But disposable diapers are generally powder
expensive (about 600 ETB; Ethiopian Birr, per Filter paper: Used to separate water from paper
pack of 100 diapers) and available mostly in powder
urban areas. As a majority of Ethiopian babies Manual sprayer: Used to uniformly spray PVA
are in rural areas they use normal cloth diapers. solution on the fabric
Further, cloth diaper absorbency characteristics Methodology
and design are not satisfactory. Hence the new
idea is to prepare indigenous absorbent core for Steps preparation of inside core
use in a disposable diaper and reduce the cost. In Step 1: Paper converted in to powder form
Ethiopia, babies use disposable diapers to protect
their health. But babies in rural areas use normal First different papers and eucalyptus bark
cloth diaper because of high cost and non- is collected, cleaned and stored, the raw material
availability of disposable diaper. Based on the was cut into small pieces. Then by using dry
fact that a baby uses 4-8 diaper in a day the grinder machine changed in to powder (pulp)
average expense amounts to about 30 ETB. form as shown in Fig. 1.
Hence, there is a need for a cheaper alternative.
The scope of the present work is to create
absorbent core from indigenous material, to
produce absorbent core by using grinder
machine to create pulp from waste materials and
to improve absorbent properties of pulp with
specific objective of identifying the types of
disposable products available in local market, to
create absorbent core from indigenous material
and to evaluate absorbency characteristic of
developed core.
Materials and methods
Research design and Data collection procedure Fig. 1. Paper and eucalyptus powder after
powdering in machine
Design of core: Research design indicates
the typical structure to produce inside core of

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Beletech Alemu Reta and Nalankilli, 2017. Baby diaper with indigenous-absorbent-core material in Ethiopian context

Step 2: Test the absorption and compare two excellent functions namely as absorbent core
modified core with commercial core and as anti-microbial agent.
Most common synthetic polymers are
Tests for determination of fluid holding
said to be water fearing, which means that they
capacity
do not absorb water. There are also water-loving
polymers. Many natural polymers such as cotton Test one: Inside core, added in the solution
fibers are hydrophilic. However, the polymer Test the absorbent capacity of 50 grams
found in the diaper is an example of a synthetic, of absorbent core by soaking in the 75 ml of
hydrophilic polymer. Therefore, from this water. After 10 min, out the absorbed core in the
comparison absorbent capacity of waste paper solution and measure how much solution is
and eucalyptus bark was less than the remaining in the beaker [18]. The results are
commercial diaper. Hence, paper needs the shown in Table 1.
treatment of hydrophilic softener.
Table 1. The maximum liquid holding capacity
Step 3: Treatment with the powder for increasing after treating with glycerin
absorbency by hydrophilic softener

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

Average
glycerin

glycerin

glycerin
Type of

sample
240 g
Test three samples by taking any amount

20 g

60 g
test
of gram pulp. Prepared 20, 40 and 60 g of
glycerin dissolved 1 li of water with the pulp dip
from the bottom of beaker. Squeeze and dry by Water drop
105-degree centigrade for 30 min and repeat absorbency
4 sec 5 sec 6 sec 5 sec
until test three sample. Finally measure the test
absorbent pulp by treated glycerin. Here, before (3-5 sec)
untreated absorbent core of waste paper and Sinking
Above
time test 9 sec 10 sec 10 sec
eucalyptus bark was less than the original or the 9 sec
(5-10 sec)
commercial diaper but after treated by using Capillarity
hydrophilic softener they have the same 5 5 5 5
test (min)
absorbent level.
The mean comparison and independent
Step 4: Testing the maximum liquid absorbent samples test for inside core, added in the solution
by using absorbency test between pampers diaper and new diaper & super
1. Wettability/absorbency test: Drop of water is soft diaper and new diaper was not significantly
place on the sample of fabric and the time it different. Therefore, they have equal
takes for the drop to penetrate the fabric is performance and equal value. Thus, the
record. Wettability is determined by counting customers can use either modified diaper or
the second between the contact of the water commercial diaper. It has enough evidence from
drop with the fabric and disappearance of the the results presented in Table 2 that the mean of
drop in to the fabric [16,17]. remaining water for predo and new diaper is
2. Sinking time test: The sample will be sinking different particularly the remaining water new
at the required time from the bottom of diaper is less than the remain water of predo
beaker. diaper. Similarly, since 0.004 < 0.05, as
3. Capillary test: is used for conclusion, it has enough evidence to conclude
Wettability/absorbency determination. In this that the mean remaining water for morfix and
test, know the length web, which absorbed new diaper is different, particularly for
water in 5 min. independent samples test for inside core, added
in the solution the remaining water new diaper is
Results and Discussion less than remain water of morfix diaper.
Fig. 1 shows the images of both paper The mean comparison independent
and eucalyptus bark powder. These are the two samples test for inside core, added in the solution
basic materials used across this study. The between a baby diaper and dew diaper was not
images show the pulp or powder for inside cores. significantly different. Therefore, they have
A summary of this result is found in each table. equal performance and equal value. Thus, the
In particular, eucalyptus -based materials have customers can use either modified diaper or
marketing diaper. Since 0.025 < 0.05, indicating
©2017 The Authors. Published by G J Publications under the CC BY license. 368
Beletech Alemu Reta and Nalankilli, 2017. Baby diaper with indigenous-absorbent-core material in Ethiopian context

that the mean remaining water for sleepy and for molfix and new diaper is different,
new diaper are different. Particularly the particularly remain water of new diaper is less
independent samples test for add solution on the than the remaining water of molfix diaper. The
inside core remain water of new diaper is less mean comparison and independent samples test
than remaining water of sleepy diaper. for added solution on the inside core between
can baby diaper and new diaper was not
Table 2. Remaining water in the beaker after
significantly different, therefore they have equal
water absorption in the inside core
performance and equal value. Hence the
customers can use either modified diaper or
Comparis

Average
Sample
diaper

Brand

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3
Name

commercial diaper. It is also understood from the

Total
on of

study that independent samples test for added

solution on the inside core, that the mean of
1 Pampe 1.2 2 1.7 4.9 1.6 remaining water for sleepy and new diaper are
rs different, particularly the remaining water new
2 Super 1.3 1.1 1 3.1 1.1 diaper is less than the remaining water of sleepy
diaper as indicated in Table 3.
Original

soft
diaper

3 Predo 2.3 2.4 2.3 6.1 2.0

4 Molfix 2.3 3.1 3.2 8.6 2.9
5 Can 1.2 1.2 1.3 3.4 1.2
baby
6 Sleepy 1.8 2.2 1.5 5.5 1.8
d diaper
Modifie

New
1 1 1.1 1.2 3.3 1.1
diaper
Fig. 2. Comparison of remaining water in ml in
Test two: Adding solution on the inside core different diapers
Test the absorbent capacity of by taking 50 gram Test three: Weight difference between the dry
of absorbent core diaper and 75 ml of water. The and the wet
water pours directly onto the center of the diaper.
This show effectively tests how well the liquid is By calculating the difference between the
absorbed and dispersed throughout the absorbent dry weight and the wet weight and determining
core (ISO 9073-17:2008). From Fig. 2 one can the amount of liquid that was absorbed by
observe that the mean remaining water for subtract in dry (initial weight) from the wet
pampers and new diaper is different. Particularly (final weight), the mass was determined. Since
the independent samples test for add solution on the weight of the actual diaper materials does not
the inside core of the remaining water of new change, the difference in these two weights is the
diaper is less than the remaining water of weight of liquid absorbed [19]. From Fig. 3, we
pampers diaper. The mean comparison and understand that the independent samples test for
independent samples test for added solution on weight of inside core, after water absorption
the inside core between Supper soft diaper and indicates that the mean of weight for pampers
new diaper was not significantly different. and new diaper are different, particularly the
Therefore, they have equal performance and weight of new diaper is higher than the pampers
equal value. Thus, the customers can use either diaper.
modified diaper or marketing diaper.
From Fig. 2, we can also conclude that
independent samples test for added solution on
the inside core that the mean remaining water for
prido and new diaper are different, particularly
the remaining water of new diaper is less than
the remaining water of prido diaper. It is evident
that independent samples test for added solution
on the inside core that the mean remaining water Fig. 3. Comparison of remaining water

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Beletech Alemu Reta and Nalankilli, 2017. Baby diaper with indigenous-absorbent-core material in Ethiopian context

Table 3. Remaining water in the beaker after to provide a Performance Indicator for this
water absorption character [20].
The results are shown in Fig. 4 from
Comparison

which it is understood that independent of

of diaper

Name of

Average
Sample

diaper

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3

Total
samples test for absorption speed of inside core
indicates, the mean speed of absorption for
pampers and new diaper are different,
1 Pampers 2.2 2.3 1.9 6.4 2.13
particularly the speed of absorption new diaper is
Super higher than the pampers diaper. The mean
2 1.1 1.1 1.0 3.2 1.06 comparison and independent samples test for
soft
Original
Diaper

3 Predo22 3.3 3.4 3.3 10 3.3 absorption speed of inside core, between supper
4 Molfix 3.3 3.1 3.2 9.5 3.17 soft diaper and new diaper was not significantly
Can different, therefore, they have equal performance
5 1.2 1.2 1.1 3.5 1.17
baby and equal value, Hence, customers can use either
6 Sleepy 1.9 2.2 1.8 5.9 1.97 modified diaper or commercial diaper.
Modified

Table. 4 Weight of inside core after water

Diaper

New
1 1.0 1.5 1.4 3.9 1.30 absorption
diaper

Comparison
of diaper

Name of

Average
Sample

diaper

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3
The mean comparison and independent

total
samples test for weight of inside core, after
water absorption between supper soft diaper and
new diaper was not significantly different,
therefore they have equal performance and equal 1 Pampers 149 147 150 446 148
Original diaper

value, thus customers can use either modified Super

2 157 154 155 466 155
diaper or commercial diaper. From Fig. 4, we soft
3 Predo 145 147 144 436 145
observe that the independent samples test for
4 Molfix 147 146 143 436 145
weight of inside core, after water absorption 5 Can baby 154 157 156 467 156
indicates the mean weight for predo and new 6 Sleepy 151 154 153 458 153
diaper are different, particularly the weight new
Modified

diaper was higher than the predo diaper. The

diaper

New
mean comparison and independent samples test 1 156 158 157 471 157
diaper
for weight of inside core, after water absorption
between molfix diaper and new diaper was not
significantly different, therefore they have equal
performance and equal value, Hence, customers
can use either modified diaper or commercial
diaper.
The mean comparison and independent
samples test for weight of inside core as can be
seen from Table 4, after water absorption
between commercial baby diaper and new diaper
& Sleepy diaper and new diaper was not
significantly different, therefore, they have equal Fig. 4. Comparison of weight
performance and equal value. Hence, customers
can use either modified diaper or commercial Table 5. Absorption Speed of inside core
diaper. (ml/min)
Test four: Speed of absorption test From Table 5 and Fig. 5, one can
understand that independent of samples tested
The samples are prepared in the same for absorption speed of inside core, the mean
way as that of horizontal rewet test and the speed of absorption for predo and new diaper &
solution being applied without pressure. The molfix and new diaper are different, particularly
absorption speeds of each solution are recorded the speed of absorption of new diaper is higher

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Beletech Alemu Reta and Nalankilli, 2017. Baby diaper with indigenous-absorbent-core material in Ethiopian context

than the predo diaper and molfix diaper. The previously mentioned, diaper absorption is
mean comparison and independent samples test directly related to diaper retention. However, the
for absorption speed of inside core, between relative difference between retention and
sleepy diaper and new diaper was not absorption is not constant. In particular, paper
significantly different, therefore they have equal absorbs about six times as much liquid as it
performance and equal value. retains whereas eucalyptus powder absorbs about
four times. Paper powder and eucalyptus almost
Comparison

absorbs and retains the same amount of liquid.

of diaper

Name of

Average
Sample

diaper

Test 1

Test 2

Test 3

Total

(ml)
(a) (b)

1 Pampers 270 271 273 814 271

2 Super 293 290 294 877 292
Original diaper

soft
3 Predo 270 271 270 811 270
4 Molfix 265 270 267 802 267
(c) (d)
5 Can 284 287 282 853 284
baby
6 Sleepy 288 286 289 863 287
Modified

New
diaper

1 290 292 292 874 291

diaper
Fig. 6. Rewet or retention test (a) 40 ml of water
(b) copper salt added (c) 5 kg of weight added
(d) Evaluation of color
Then, the alternative inside core performs
better than prido, molfix, sleepy and pampers.
The remaining water volume was less than the
commercial diaper. Similarly, the weight of
inside core and speed of absorption proved that it
was better in developed core than the
commercial.
Fig. 5. Comparison absorption speed
Total material cost of new diaper
Test five: Rewet or retention test 400 g of inside core = 4 ETB (50 g with
First, modified absorbent core was marketing diaper used for one time, totally 400
prepared, 40 ml of water and 5 kg of weight was gram of inside core with marketing diaper used
used. 40 ml of water was added in the front of for 8 times in one day. 100 gram of hydrophilic
(in side) diaper and wait 10 min. Place copper softener (glycerin) = 3 ETB. Original
salt for treated filter papers about 5 kg of weight (marketing) diaper =10 ETB. Total cost of new
and wet in 2 min as shown in Fig. 6. Remove diaper = 17 ETB.
weight and check by coloring method and As compared to the estimated cost of
Calculation method. If the color of filter paper is using normal disposable diaper at about 80ETB
blue it predicted to have rewet so it is bad and if per day, which is probable, the cost has come
the color of paper is white it cannot present down to 17 ETB per day in case of developed
rewet so it is good and continue the test by core.
adding 40 ml of salt water at 45, 90 and 135 min
(ISO 9073-12:2002). Conclusions
Calculation rewet or retention test Based on the investigation, it was concluded that
Rewet value (g) = wet weight of filter papers (g) test of inside absorbent core was getting different
- dry weight of filter papers (g) absorptions without mixing or combining any
Rewet value (g) = 249 - 100 (g) =147 foreign products (bamboo fiber). After preparing
Both the paper powder and eucalyptus inside core from indigenous product, with
bark have a similarity of high absorption. As addition of Hydrophilic softener, it reaches the

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Beletech Alemu Reta and Nalankilli, 2017. Baby diaper with indigenous-absorbent-core material in Ethiopian context

maximum liquid holding capacity. The main Textile Research Journal. 1997;9(3):207-
target of this work to create inside absorbent 213.
core from indigenous product was successfully [9] Buchholz FL, Graham AT. Modern
established that inside absorbent core can be Superabsorbent Polymer Technology. John
made by combining or mixing different Wiley & Sons, New York; 1998.
indigenous (local available) products. However, [10] Chatterjee, P.K, Gupta, P.S, Absorbent
in these cases, the absorbent core predictably Polymers, AMCOL International
yielded the expected result. Mixing different Corporation Report on Household &
inside core products can make the improvement Personal care products; 1996.
in absorbency. [11] Shanmugasundaram OL, Mahendra G.
Development and characterization of of
Acknowledgement
Bamboo and organic cotton fibre blended
The authors would like to thank Ethiopian baby diapers. Indian Journal of Fibre &
Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology Textile Research. 2010;35(3):201-205
[EiTEX] for supporting financially and allowing [12] McKhann CF, George Bricmont AB. The
to avail required laboratory facilities. baby's diaper with suggestions for its
Conflicts of Interest improvement. The Journal of Pediatrics.
1998;84(2):131-138.
Authors declare no conflict of interest [13] Cottenden AM, Dean GE, Brookes RJ.
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