Technical Absorbents advances washable fabrics with SAF

Reusable hygiene products such as baby nappies and continence items are gaining wider acceptance as practical alternatives to single-use disposables. UK-based Technical Absorbents, headquartered in Grimsby, is actively supporting this shift through the development of washable fabrics containing its superabsorbent fiber (SAF).

Technical Absorbents’ SAF is derived from acrylic acid and produced using a proprietary blend of polymers through a water-based manufacturing process. The resulting solution is extruded into filaments using hot air, then dried, cured and crosslinked to achieve controlled absorbency levels.

The fiber offers very high absorbency, capable of absorbing up to 200 times its own weight in water, although lower levels are typically used to balance absorbency with gel strength. Compared to superabsorbent powders, SAF absorbs liquid much faster due to its cylindrical shape and large surface area, forming a strong bond with water that makes it well suited for absorbent hygiene products such as nappies.

Unlike powder-based systems, SAF is fully integrated into nonwoven fabrics and does not shed, removing the need for heat sealing. Its polyacrylate structure makes it safe for use, and it is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for food-related applications.