Innovations in Medical Textiles (Diapers...Tampons...)

Textile design doesn't stop at apparel - it can change the way we dress wounds, and it can also go beyond the surface in the form of implanted devices.The March newsletter from Technical Textiles Net focused on developments in medical textiles. I'm re-posting a sampling of those stories for your inner textile engineer:

Absorbent articles comprising hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics

A process for treating fibres to render them more hydrophilic has been developed by Procter & Gamble. The invention could find application in the production of nonwoven fabrics used to make disposable absorbent articles, such as baby diapers and adult incontinence garments.

Tampon with apertured film cover thermobonded to fibrous structure

In US Patent 7 857 800, Johnson & Johnson describes a tampon in which the apertured film cover (18) is thermally bonded to the absorbent structure (16) via a number of discrete spots (22) on the surface.

Daio to build diaper plant in Thailand

Japan’s Daio Paper has established a joint venture with Thailand-based Saha Pathanapibul to produce baby diapers in Thailand. The US$36 million manufacturing facility in Chonburi province, the group’s first overseas plant, is planned to begin production in the first quarter of 2012. Initial monthly output is expected to be 16–18 million units, which could eventually be increased to 90–100 million units. Daio Paper owns 85% of the joint venture, which is called Elleair Interna; Saha Pathanapibul holds 10% and another Thai company, Sanko, has a 5% share.

Proxy Biomedicaland DSM collaborate on mesh and scaffolds

Ireland-based Proxy Biomedical has entered into a partnership with DSM Dyneema to develop a surgical mesh called ExtreMesh, targeted at orthopaedic applications. The product is made from DSM Dyneema’s Purity high-performance polyethylene fibre.

Electro-active compression bandage

ConvaTec Technologies has disclosed a pressure transition system that is said to be a cost-efficient solution for applying external pressure to a body part, particularly for the treatment of lymphoedema.