Investigating mechanisms deteriorating the dispersibility of biodegradable and flushable wet wipes

Abstract Wet wipe dispersibility is broadly discussed since they have been detected in massive fatbergs that were found sewer systems of big cities, e.g., London. Dispersibility describes a wet wipe’s ability to disintegrate into its fibres after being flushed the toilet. Recently it has this pilot-scale produced wipes can reduce when stored condition. This phenomenon called ageing. With work we give first approach on analysing underlying mechanisms causing solidification by measurement water-fibre-interactions and mechanical strength wipes. Long-term swelling wood pulp as possible root cause for observed loss dispersibility. theory was used find three are able explain increased result swelling: knot-tightening, friction interdiffusion. To investigate behaviour over storage time, tensile testing new measure disintegration energy these fabrics time-dependent characteristic. Surprisingly no increase or energy—measured short span, low test speed absorption—over time found. The ageing effect seemingly not measurable using testing. It seems methods representative loading situation during system standard tester. Graphical abstract