What Is Acquisition Time?
Direct Answer
Acquisition time is how many seconds a set volume of liquid takes to fully penetrate into a diaper's core — faster means less surface pooling and leakage.
Key Takeaways
- Acquisition time is how many seconds a set volume of liquid takes to fully penetrate into a diaper's core — faster means less surface pooling and leakage.
- How it works: Standard tests pour a fixed volume (often 5ml per pour) onto the surface and time until it disappears.
- A diaper that absorbs 5ml in under 5 seconds reduces side-leak risk from pooling
- Myth: Fast acquisition means high total absorbency. It measures speed, not capacity — a fast diaper can still hold less overall
How Acquisition Time Works
Standard tests pour a fixed volume (often 5ml per pour) onto the surface and time until it disappears. Multiple pours measure repeat performance. Fast acquisition prevents liquid from pooling on the topsheet and running off the sides. The ADL (acquisition distribution layer) and topsheet design mainly drive this metric.
Examples and Applications
- A diaper that absorbs 5ml in under 5 seconds reduces side-leak risk from pooling
- Second and third pours test whether the core keeps absorbing after saturation
Acquisition Time vs. Related Terms
| Term | What it is | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Rewet rate | Acquisition Time | Acquisition time = speed of penetration; rewet rate = liquid returning under pressure |
Limitations and Common Misconceptions
- Myth: Fast acquisition means high total absorbency. It measures speed, not capacity — a fast diaper can still hold less overall
- Myth: One pour is enough. Repeat pours reveal how the core performs when already wet
Why is fast acquisition important?
It stops liquid pooling on the surface and leaking sideways, keeping skin drier.
How is acquisition time measured?
By pouring a set liquid volume and timing full penetration; multiple pours test repeated use.
References
- BASF - Superabsorbents (HySorb / SAVIVA), how SAP works — BASF (accessed 2026-08-02)
- Pampers Official - What's in a Pampers diaper (component materials) — 品牌官方 (accessed 2026-08-02)