Design of an absorbent and comfortable sanitary napkin for applications in developing countries
Name
890129414-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
5.11 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
80a89a49e3410721026be85cd730bc07
Author(s)
Gupta, Anika
Advisor(s)
Lorna Gibson.
Date Issued
2014
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Menstrual hygiene is an often-ignored problem in international development: lack of access to sanitation keeps women out of schools and the labor force. Sanitary napkin solutions to this issue normally focus on supply chain and manufacturing. This study aims to look at solutions from a materials perspective, assessing available materials for the properties needed for a good napkin, and reviewing the literature for comparison between these and other materials. Tests for absorption, comfort, durability, and drying time are measured on materials ranging from foam to traditional cottons both individually and in combination. These tests include microscopy observations, retention and wicking rate, tensile resistance, stiffness, and roughness. Though no single design emerges as the most effective for this application, clear differences emerge across materials that narrow down the options for optimal design. This information, in conjunction with user testing, can be used to inform local designs for sanitary napkins across borders.
Description
Thesis: S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 2014.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. "June 2014."
Includes bibliographical references (pages 38-39).
Subjects
Materials Science and Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Terms of Use
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