meet our research & development team
HYDROPHILLIC TEAM
TEAM LEAD: linh le
The hydrophilic team’s mission is to develop a layer that is a better alternative to cotton. When researching new fibers, we look for characteristics such as biodegradability, comfortability, and flexibility. We also want the materials to be easily accessible in and culturally in line with the region we’re working with. Currently, we are looking into a combination of hemp and flax fiber as well as kenaf fiber. Our long-term goal is to integrate the fibers more effectively and sustainably into the hydrophilic layer.
The hydrophilic layer is the topmost layer that makes contact with the skin. Some specific aspects that we have to considered are biodegradability, substantial wicking capabilities, comfortability, and the accessibility of the materials. From our first prototype to our sixth, we have used non-woven cotton as the hydrophilic layer. However, due to its negative environmental impacts we have looked for alternatives that satisfy the desired identified properties, while being more environmentally conservative.
absorbent team
team lead: jennifer terry
The absorbent layer is the crux of the pad design because it is meant to absorb the fluid transferred from the hydrophilic layer and retain it. The main characteristics of the absorbent layer are high absorbency, low shedding, hygienic, biodegradable, cohesive, durable, and flexible.The absorbent layer should have maximized absorbency in order to maintain dryness and comfort for the user, considering that the pad will be worn for hours. Additionally, to optimize performance, this layer should be thick, yet remaining soft and pliable (Barman, 2017). To address these goals, we examine the fabric thickness, water absorbency, and bursting strength.
hydrophobic team
co-team lead: andrew boland
co-team lead: ankim nguyen
The hydrophobic layer is made from a bioplastic that serves as a barrier to prevent fluids from leaking from the pad. The main characteristics of the hydrophobic layers include being hydrophobic, flexible, durable, and biodegradable. In order to address these goals, we evaluate each layer design against mechanical properties such as tear strength, burst strength, hydrophobicity, elasticity, and flexibility. The desired mechanical properties for a robust hydrophobic layer that resists tearing from friction and pad assembly:
clinical trails
team lead: caroline davies
The purpose of the study is to test the functionality of our 100% biodegradable sanitary pad through a pilot study. WRI’s focus is to determine the pads’: absorbency, comfort, durability, and flexibility. WRI has been working to improve the quality of the product for the past two years; The research and development team has performed a myriad of tests that varied from absorbency tests to microbial tests to ensure that the quality of our pad is comparable to commercial pad products. With prototype 7 just completed, WRI is ready to take steps to investigate the functionality of the pad for users in everyday life. This research and testing will be completed by the clinical trials team! The results of this study will be used to enhance the quality of the product and enable WRI to begin integrating the product in underserved communities around the world.
microbial testing
co-team lead: ivie luu
co-team lead: ankim nguyen
The main application of ATP testing is to determine sanitization effectiveness by quantifying the concentration of ATP present in a sample. While most commonly used in the food and beverage industry ATP testing has also had applications in the indirect measurement of microbes in cosmetics, wood pulp, and hospitals
textiles team
team lead: sienna stolte
The textile tests required specialized machinery, including a Digital Elmendorf Tearing Tester for strength test, a Cantilever Stiffness tester and a clothing iron for cantilever test, a Compressomenter for thickness, the Mightex V.1.2.0 software and a microscope to measure fiber diameter, the Taber Abrasion Tester for flat abrasion resistance, the AATCC Spray Tester for water repellency, a Hydraulic Bursting Strength Tester for the bursting strength test, the AATCC perspiration tester and drying oven for degradation from perspiration, and a digital analytical balance for absorbency.
machine team
team lead: austen tkel
The Machine team is responsible creating and designing machines that will aid in the fabrication and production of our biodegradable pads. Currently the machine team is focused on designing the machines that will create and manufacture our pads. Our primary focus is creating machines that are easy to use, adaptable to all environments, and able to withstand a variety of elements of the climate.