Reduced dispersibility of flushable wet wipes after wet storage

Abstract Scientific publications and newsfeeds recently focused on flushable wet wipes their role in sewage system blockages. It is stated that although products are marked as flushable, they do not disintegrate after being disposed of via the toilet. In this work it shown wetlaid hydroentangled lose initially good dispersive properties during storage condition. As a consequence, we suggesting to add tests defined times when assessing flushability wipes. Loss dispersibility found for both, from industrial pilot production produced laboratory facilities. We quite surprising wipes’ deteriorating exactly same liquid dispersed in, i.e. water. This probably why effect has been investigated earlier. demonstrated these linked used type short cellulosic fibres — only containing unbleached softwood pulp fibre component were preserving storage. Possible mechanisms might be responsible discussed, e.g. long term fiber swelling causing tightening network, or surface interdiffusion.