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LABORATORY TEST METHOD NO. H-4
TOTAL ABSORBENCY AND ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY PERSONAL HYGIENE
PRODUCTS
1. PURPOSE:
To determine total absorbency and absorptive capacity of
personal hygiene products. Absorbency reflects the ability of a
specimen to absorb and hold moisture, while absorptive capacity
reflects the ability of a specimen to absorb and hold moisture in
relation to its own dry weight. Greater absorbency and absorptive
capacity are desirable for comfort and hygienic reasons.
2. PRINCIPLE:
Test specimen is weighed then immersed in saline solution under
controlled conditions and weighed again.
3. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS:
3.1 Mettler PE 24 scale, or its equivalent.
3.2 Bull clips or similar clips, as many as needed.
3.3 1% saline solution at 38°C (100°F).
3.4 Digital countdown timer.
3.5 Preferably stainless steel sink. 4.6 20 by 43 mm (8 by 17
in. ) wire screen rack with 6 to 12 mm (1/4 to 1/2 in. ) openings.
4. PROCEDURE:
4.1 Weigh 10 specimens individually and record the weight of
each specimen.
4.2 Fill the sink with 1% saline solution at 38°C (100°F) so
that the specimen can be submerged completely in the solution.
4.3 Maintain the temperature of the saline solution at 38°C (100°F) .
4.4 Mount the specimen tightly on wire rack (liner facing up),
and fasten each corner with a clip.
4.5 Place the assembly (rack with specimen mounted) on the
scale platform. Adjust the scale to read zero.
4.6 Submerge the specimen assembly in the saline solution for 5
minutes.
4.7 Remove the specimen assembly and drain at 45° angle for 3
minutes.
4.8 Weigh the specimen assembly again. Record the weight. This
weight represents total absorbency.
5. EVALUATION:
Net absorbency divided by weight of dry personal hygiene
product = absorptive capacity.
6. REPORT
6.1 Total absorbency is the same as that in step 4.8.
6.2 The absorptive capacity is calculated as follows:
|
Total Absorbency |
| Absorptive Capacity = |
__________________________ |
|
Dry weight of the specimen |
_HARDLINES
TEST METHOD_
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