Research Projects

Sanitary products, including napkins and diapers, are 90% plastic and have a high environmental impact due to their high plastic content and wet nature. The market for these products is expected to grow at an average CAGR of 5.8% by 2030. To address this issue, a project aims to design a biodegradable non-woven superabsorbent layer with antimicrobial properties for use in sanitary napkins and diapers. The absorbent layer will consist of Polylactic acid (PLA) as the structural component, Dextran and Neem Gum Polysaccharide (NGP), which are known for their hydrophilic nature and antimicrobial activity. The study will focus on understanding the effect of molecular weight on polymer porosity, absorption capacity, and water holding capacity. The project will optimize PLA polymerization using Plackett Burman Design (PBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Dextran synthesis from Lactobacillus Sakei will be optimized using Sugarcane bagasse as feedstock, and the produced dextran will be compared to commercially available carboxymethyl dextran for water absorption and retention capacities. The project will also utilize synthesized PLA and dextran along with NGP to design and assess the superabsorbent layer with antimicrobial properties. Three matrix designs will be used for functionality assessment: PLA-Dex-NGP composite, NGP-Dex composite sandwiched between PLA bilayers, and NGP-Dex composite solubilizing in PLA solution. All synthesized superabsorbent layers will be evaluated for their water absorption capacity, water retention ability, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradability.