Virtual Conference Speakers

The Fallacies in Our Testing

In the late 80’s, an emerging industry depended on simple tests befitting new technology and product design. Simple tests determined the most basic properties of superabsorbent polymers, newly introduced to the absorbent hygiene industry. Simple tests determined what consumer disposable hygiene products contained SAP with rudimentary ways of comparing one product to another. Fast forward to 2020 and the products are much more complex, both for raw materials and finished products. Core construction has gone from 5% of a basic superabsorbent polymer to current designs that may contain as much as 98% of an advanced polymer. Nonwovens are no longer simple polypropylene sheets to be soft against the skin but are advanced, functional materials that take on the role of fluid addition and distribution. Yet, we are still using the simple tests that were introduced over 30 years ago while trying to establish new technologies. This presentation will discuss the fallacies in our testing and will propose some new testing concepts that are better matched to developing and evaluating the technology of a new century.