In the thesis, a simple method for evaluating the quality of disposable baby diapers
was developed. For this purpose, information on users' experiences with baby
diapers was obtained, a thorough analysis of disposable diapers in Slovenian online
shops was conducted, the composition of materials from which disposable diapers
are made and the biodegradability of two diaper samples in soil were determined. A
large proportion of parents (96%) use disposable diapers, with Pampers, Babylove
and Violeta being the most reliable brands. Poor absorbency and poor sealing of
diapers are the main reasons for dissatisfaction with diaper use. It is not statistically
proven that the retail price of diapers is affected by the choice of an online retailer,
but the price depends on the brand, the type of diaper and the weight of the baby,
which determines the size specification of the diaper. Among the samples studied,
the diaper Babylove Premium Windeln stands out the most in terms of quality rated
by Spearman, it is the cheapest, very absorbent, quite thin and not the heaviest
among the samples. The width and thickness of the absorbent core do not depend
on the size of the diaper, and there is also no correlation between the mass
proportion of absorbent core and absorbency. A detailed comparison of the
Pampers diaper with the Kit & Kin bio-diaper revealed significant differences not
only in the higher price of the Kit & Kin diaper, but also in the structure of the
absorbent core, which in the Kit & Kin diaper is a mixture of fibres and
superabsorbent polymer, whereas in the Pampers diaper these absorbent
components are separated by a nonwoven fabric. The Kit & Kin diaper was found
to be more biodegradable compared to the Pampers diaper, with a 23% weight
reduction during a five-week burial in soil, due to the degradation and rotting of the
absorbent core fibres by the action of microorganisms. Based on the results,
customers were advised to choose diapers with a lighter weight as they are cheaper,
fit better, and seal better while providing better material utilization, which contributes
to a lower environmental impact. The burial test is a suitable and relatively quick
method that provides the user with information on the possible presence of
potentially toxic substances.
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