CN100372513C - Liquid management film for absorbent articles - Google Patents

Liquid management film for absorbent articles Download PDF

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Publication number
CN100372513C
CN100372513C CNB971823499A CN97182349A CN100372513C CN 100372513 C CN100372513 C CN 100372513C CN B971823499 A CNB971823499 A CN B971823499A CN 97182349 A CN97182349 A CN 97182349A CN 100372513 C CN100372513 C CN 100372513C
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thin film
groove
liquid handling
handling thin
liquid
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CN1265015A (en
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R·P·约翰斯通
R·T·费尔
J·A·塞尔瓦蒂
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3M Co
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3M Co
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid processing film for rapidly conveying liquid. The film is a thermoplastic film and at least has a microstructure hydrophilic surface with a lot of primary grooves. Each of the primary grooves at least has two secondary grooves; each of the secondary grooves forms at least one groove valley. The groove valleys are basically parallel and are separated by secondary groove peaks; included angles between the groove valleys and the secondary grooves are about from 10 degrees to 120 degrees. The depth one of the secondary grooves, namely the height of the secondary groove peaks to the groove valleys, is at least 5mm; the depth accounts for about 0.5 to 80% of the depth of the primary grooves. The curve radius of the groove valleys is about smaller than 15 micrometres. The depth change and the width change of each of the primary grooves and/or the secondary grooves are smaller than 20% in the length of the given film.

Description

The Liquid Absorption film that is used for absorbent articles
Technical field
The present invention relates in goods (, for example adorning pad, mattress, baby diapers, sanitary towel and the adult-incontinence urine pad of meat plate), be used for the liquid handling film of fluid transfer as absorbent articles.
Background technology
Disposable absorbent article generally includes three layers of basic element of character: the permeability for liquids top layer of pressing close to user skin when goods use; Absorbent core layer; Barrier layer with the liquid impermeable that is positioned at the absorbent core layer opposite side.Usually also use other parts, as elastic cord of fixing band, shank and waist etc.
Absorbent core layer is admitted and is detained the liquid that passes the permeability for liquids top layer, and it is usually by the quilted one-tenth of the fluffy wood fiber.In absorbent core layer, be distributed with ability and the liquid holdup performance of superabsorbent material (normally pulverous) usually to strengthen its receiving fluids.
A problem of absorbent article is to fail to effectively utilize the total absorptivity of absorbent core material.This part has the shape of elongated rectangular or timing hourglass usually owing to absorbent article, and inflow or the liquid that infiltrates and expand concentrate on the middle section of absorbent core layer usually.
Another problem of absorbent article is that absorbent core layer is adsorptive liquid fast enough when a large amount of liquid flow into absorbent article in the short time.This can cause not conforming to the side leakage of demand usually.
For liquid collecting performance and the lateral expansion performance of improving absorbent article, many products adopt the wick effect layer of tissue paper, crape or non-woven fabric.This wick effect layer can be between permeability for liquids top layer and absorbent core layer, be arranged in absorbent core layer central authorities or be positioned at absorbent core layer near the position that does not absorb the barrier layer of liquid.But tissue paper, crape or non-woven fabric can promote liquid isotropically to expand.That is to say that liquid can be with length direction and the width expansion of identical speed along goods.As a result, under sandwich layer was elongated many situations, its can leak from its lateral margin liquid before having an opportunity to extend to the top of absorbent article.United States Patent (USP) 4,643,727 propose a kind of plastic foamed layer wick effect layer (as napkin) on every side that be entangled in.WO 86/02543 has proposed a kind of wick effect layer that covers on the fold laminate that applies super absorbing particles.United States Patent (USP) 5,037,409 (Chen) have proposed a kind of Flow-rate adjustment layer, and it is preferably made by the non-woven micro-fibre fabric of meltblown.Equally, United States Patent (USP) 4,908,026 has proposed a kind of " flow control layer ", and it is placed between the top layer of absorbent core layer and perforation, should " flow control layer " be that melt-blown fabric is made, and better handles through hydrophilic.
Also propose multiple other method and improved the liquid distribution and the absorbent properties of absorbent article.Many research proposals use liquid baths, accumulator, hole etc., and this structure is introduced in the fluffy wood flour absorbent core layer by embossing for example, fold, cutting or method such as folding usually, can introduce sometimes in the napkin wick effect layer.Referring to for example United States Patent (USP) 4,676,786 (Nishino), 4,678,464 (Holtman), 4,655,759 (Romans-Hess etc.), 5,030,229 (Yang), 3,769,978 (DeNight etc.), 4,758,240 (Glassman), 4,795,453 (Wolfe), British patent 2,017,505 (Fitzgerald) and WO86/01378 (Kamstrup-Larson).In WO 91/11161, propose to make the non-woven fabric permeability for liquids top layer that absorbs product to form fold.
United States Patent (USP) 4,735,624 (Mazars) disclose a kind of disposable urine napkin, and it comprises the absorption pad of being made by absorbing material, and described absorbing material is blended into mutually by hydrophilic fibre mainly that cohesive material makes.This absorption pad is narrower in crotch portion, and broadens by branch (branches) at the front and rear of diaper.
Use the plastics Web materials in absorption pad, to promote the unidirectional extended description of liquid in European patent 0 174152B1.Use the fiber (fibre bundle or short fiber shape) of some complicated shape can transmit liquid to be described among european patent application (E.P.A.) No.0 391 814 A2 (Phillips etc.) and the WO91/12949 (Thompson) in absorbent article, Thompson discloses fiber or the sheet material with sizable surface area and ratio of quality.European patent application No.493 728 A1 disclose a kind of fiber with groove, its groove angle α less than (180 °-θ), wherein θ is the contact angle of liquid-fiber.
United States Patent (USP) 4,798,604 (Carter) disclose a kind of thin polymer film with moulding, and it comprises the pattern of hole and projection, is used to form the surface of body contact in absorbent article, i.e. the top layer.W095/00093 also proposes to use in absorbent article thin film as liquid distribution layer, in this patent the liquid distribution bar is used with absorbing bar.The liquid distribution bar is shorter, wideer than absorbing bar.This two strip material is positioned between the top layer and absorbent core layer of absorbent article (as sanitary towel).The liquid distribution bar can be a polyethylene film, and it can have hole, and it has liquid bath in another example.In French Patent (FRP) 2,082, diaper or tampon in 526 have liquid bath, and it is the non-woven fabric sheet that places the fold of absorption pad.
Although had these known technology, still need further to improve so that absorbent core layer is more effective and absorb more quickly and leakage do not take place.
Summary of the invention
The invention provides the liquid handling thin film, it can promote also anisotropy (promptly different with the direction) distribution uniformly fast of required liquid, and provide the absorbent article that uses these thin film, these goods have good liquid acceptance and distributivity, form higher absorbability and make wearer more comfortable.
Briefly, use the goods of liquid handling thin film of the present invention to generally include permeability for liquids top layer, tergite (sometimes preferably liquid impermeable) and place absorbent core layer between top layer and the tergite, these goods comprise that also one deck can promote the liquid handling thin film of liquid slewing expansion.Described liquid handling thin film is a kind of sheet material, and is normally flexible, has the hydrophilic surface of at least one band micro structure, and this surface has many elementary grooves, is nested with secondary groove in the elementary groove.When the preparation absorbent article, this hydrophilic surface is contacted with absorbent core layer.In some instances, this liquid handling thin film is impermeable water preferably, although promptly its surface is hydrophilic, this thin film can not make liquid see through thin-film body from a surface in the mode that does not conform to demand and arrive another surface.In some instances, the liquid handling thin film (as required it can be liquid impermeable or permeation liquid) in have one or more holes so that make liquid controllably see through this thin film by required mode.
Liquid handling thin film of the present invention has the hydrophilic surface of a band micro structure at least, and this surface has many elementary grooves to promote liquid bidirectional (undirectional) expansion, and many described elementary grooves have two secondary grooves at least.Each secondary groove has a trough valley at least, and these trough valleys are substantially parallel, and is separated by the secondary slot peak, and the angle of secondary groove is about 10-120 °.One the degree of depth in the secondary groove (height of the relative trough valley in peak of secondary groove) is at least 5 microns, generally is about about 0.5-80% of elementary depth of groove.The radius of curvature of trough valley is less than about 15 microns.Elementary groove and secondary groove generally can be V-arrangement or rectangle.Generally only secondary groove contains trough valley.
Goods of the present invention can be made into pad, mattress, baby diapers, adult-incontinence urine pad and the feminine hygiene products of dress meat plate.
Description of drawings
Further specify the present invention below with reference to accompanying drawings.In the accompanying drawing
Fig. 1,2 and 3 is profiles of the illustrative example of liquid handling thin film of the present invention;
Fig. 4 is the front view of an example of diaper of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is the profile of Fig. 4 diaper;
Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are the front views of two other examples of diaper of the present invention;
Fig. 8 a and Fig. 8 b are explanation liquid interactional views from the teeth outwards;
Fig. 9-the 11st illustrates the profile of the film portion of the band liquid bath with different sectional patterns;
Figure 12 is the profile of another example of diaper of the present invention;
Figure 13 is the profile of another example of absorbent article of the present invention;
Figure 14 is the profile of the another kind of liquid handling thin film of the present invention.
These accompanying drawings are Utopian and not to scale (NTS), only be used for the explanation but not determinate.
The specific embodiment
Liquid handling thin film of the present invention is flaky or film like, rather than coma.Compare with fibroplastic fabric or fibre bundle, the groove of liquid handling thin film of the present invention can more effectively make liquid flow.The liquid bath that forms in the fiber or the wall of groove are irregular and have complex surfaces, influence flow of liquid and cross liquid bath or groove.On the contrary, each groove of sheet material of the present invention or thin film along its length (preferably from a groove to another groove) be uniform and regular substantially.
Liquid handling thin film of the present invention can be carried liquid along thin film groove axle spontaneous and equably.It is spontaneous and carry two principal elements of liquid (as water, urine or vaginal secretions) to be equably to influence the liquid handling thin film: 1) surface configuration (capillarity, groove shapes) and the 2) performance (as surface energy) of film surface.
The groove of liquid handling thin film of the present invention can be the Any shape with required liquid transportation performance, and this shape is preferably duplicated easily.With reference to Fig. 1, a kind of shape preferably is the elementary groove of linear in flat film 1, and promptly groove 2.Elementary groove 2 comprises secondary groove 3, constitutes a plurality of trough valleys 5.Trough valley 5 (be secondary groove 3, its further groove be V-arrangement and have a straight substantially sidewall) angle (being the α angle) be about 10-120 °, better be about 10-100 °, preferably be about 20-95 °.The trough valley angle generally is the secant angle that 2-1000 micron place obtains on the trough valley side, and this angle is preferably highly located the secant angle that obtains in half of secondary groove side.Observe the narrower trough valley of angle width and generally had bigger vertical wick effect distance.But if the α angle is too little, the effect meeting of wick effect obviously descends.If the α angle is too wide, trough valley or secondary groove can not form required wick effect.When α contends gradual change hour, the contact angle of liquid need not just can carry out same liquid conveying as the bigger trough valley of angle width or groove are like that low.
The angle of elementary groove is not crucial, can not carry the liquid except it should not make elementary groove too greatly.In general, the Breadth Maximum of elementary groove is less than 3000 microns, preferably less than 1500 microns.The angle of the elementary groove of V-arrangement is generally 10-120 °, is preferably 30-90 °.If the angle of elementary groove is too little, not enough at the width of elementary bottom portion of groove, make it to be difficult to hold the secondary groove of right quantity.In general, the angle of elementary groove is better greater than the angle of secondary groove, so that hold two or more secondary grooves in the bottom of elementary groove.The angle of the general secondary groove angle (for the elementary groove of V-arrangement) than elementary groove at least is little by 20%.
The depth d of elementary groove (2,22) (height on the groove peak of the minimum groove trough valley of distance or groove top) is identical substantially, is about the 50-3000 micron usually, better about 75-1500 micron, preferably about 100-1000 micron.Should understand in some instances, can use the groove (2,22) of the degree of depth greater than this scope.If groove is too dark, then the gross thickness of liquid handling thin film will unnecessarily increase, and the hardness of thin film can exceed requirement.Elementary groove is enough to hold two or more secondary grooves at the width of its bottom.
When being used for absorbent article, that the liquid handling thin film preferably approaches and flexible, increase to avoid making absorbent article rigidity conform to demand ground.For example, when the liquid handling thin film is used for baby diapers or adult incontinence product, be about the 25-1500 micron usually, better be about the 125-1000 micron from the thin film average thickness at thin film front to the back side.The liquid handling thin film should be enough thick so that the stress that in use runs into (as tensile stress and bending stress) keeps its structural intergrity down.The liquid handling thin film has a plurality of parallel thin thin film region (for example their thickness can be low to moderate about 10 microns) and thicker thin film regions preferably, and the latter forms the primary and secondary peak.These thin thin film regions are formed with orthogonal secondary groove, and the bottom of these secondary grooves (generally at least 3 microns wide, better at least 5 microns wide) constitute parallel thin zone.It is improved flexible that this makes that thin film has, even its average thickness is positioned at the upper limit of above-mentioned scope.Under the situation of mattress, absorbent article need not high flexible so that dress comfortablely, so the thickness of liquid handling thin film can be up to 3000 microns or thicker.
Liquid handling thin film of the present invention can be made by any thermoplastic that is fit to curtain coating or embossing, and this material comprises, for example polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, polrvinyl chloride etc.Polyolefin is preferably, and especially polyethylene, polypropylene, their blend and/or copolymer, and propylene and/or ethylene and a small amount of other monomeric copolymer are as Ethylene/vinyl acetate.Polyolefin is that reason is its good physical property preferably, processing also has lower cost than other thermoplastic with same performance usually easily.Polyolefin duplicates the picture on surface of curtain coating or dandy roll easily.They are tough and tensile, durable and can keep its shape well, thereby make thin film in curtain coating or the operation easily of embossing processing back.Perhaps, the liquid handling thin film can be by curable resin material (as acrylate or epoxy resin) curtain coating, and places heat, ultraviolet light or electron beam to solidify to make.Be preferably, place after the liquid, the liquid handling thin film keeps its shape and surface characteristic substantially.
In general, the surface of solids represented with contact angle by the moistening sensitivity of liquid, and it is to be seated in liquid on the surface of solids of horizontal positioned and to make it the angle that stable back is formed by liquid and solid.Sometimes be referred to as " static equilibrium contact angle ", only be called " contact angle " in this article sometimes.Shown in Fig. 8 a and 8b, contact angle θ is at tangent straight line of drop and surperficial contact point and this drop and the angle between this surface plane.The contact angle of tangent line and the vertical drop of surface plane is 90 °.Usually, when contact angle is 90 ° or more hour, shown in Fig. 8 a, think that the surface of solids is moistening by this liquid institute.It is hydrophilic that the contact angle of water or water-soluble drop is commonly called less than 90 ° surface.In this article, term " hydrophilic " only refers to the surface characteristic (promptly moistening by aqueous solution institute) of material, does not represent whether this material absorbs aqueous solution.Therefore, material can be called be hydrophilic and no matter this material piece be aqueous solution water permeable solution or impermeable.Therefore, being used for the hydrophilic film of liquid handling thin film of the present invention can be with itself being that the thin film that hydrophilic resin material (as polyvinyl alcohol) makes is made.Think contact angle from the teeth outwards near zero liquid is moistening fully should the surface.But polyolefin itself is hydrophobic, the contact angle of polyolefin (as polyethylene or polypropylene) thin film and water usually shown in Fig. 8 b greater than 90 °.The body fluid that contacts with liquid handling thin film of the present invention is aqueous.Therefore, when with this thin film during as liquid handling thin film of the present invention, must carry out modification to it, for example by surface treatment, applicator surface coating or sneak into selected reagent, make this surface possess hydrophilic property, its contact angle is 90 ° or littler, makes the liquid handling thin film have moistening and the liquid transportation performance.
In liquid handling thin film of the present invention, the surperficial required surface energy of the band micro structure of the liquid handling thin film of v-depression is:
θ≤(90°-α/2)
Wherein θ is the contact angle of liquid and thin film, and α is the average angle of secondary v-depression trough valley.
Can use known any suitable method on liquid handling film surface of the present invention, to form hydrophilic surface.Spendable surface treatment method for example has local applicator surface activating agent, Cement Composite Treated by Plasma, in film surface grafting hydrophilic parts, sol-gel coating, corona or flame treatment etc.Perhaps, surfactant or other suitable reagent can be mixed in resin, when thin film is extruded as internal additives.Usually preferably surfactant is sneaked in the polymer composition of making the liquid handling thin film, and non local applicator surface active agent coating.The coating that the part applies can embed in (being passivation) trough valley groove, the liquid flow that influence the present invention relates to.The illustrative example that can sneak into the surfactant in the polyethylene liquid handling thin film is TRITON TMX-100, a kind of Octylphenoxy multi-ethoxyl alcohol non-ionic surface active agent, its consumption is about 0.1-0.5 weight %.The illustrative method that is used for modification film surface of the present invention is 1% aqueous solution that the part applies a kind of product, and this product comprises 90 weight % or more:
Figure C9718234900091
N=8 (97%) wherein, n=3 (3%), and 10 weight % or still less:
Figure C9718234900092
N=8 (97%) wherein, n=7 (3%).The manufacture method of this reagent is disclosed in United States Patent (USP) 2,915,554 (Ahlbrecht etc.).
In some instances, liquid handling thin film 1 only has elementary groove or liquid bath on an one first type surface as shown in Figure 1.But in other example, shown in Fig. 2 and 3, liquid handling thin film (1,12) all has elementary groove or liquid bath on two first type surfaces.Usually under the situation of absorbent article (as diaper),, then substantially parallel with another lip-deep elementary groove or liquid bath at a lip-deep elementary groove or liquid bath if thin film all has elementary groove or liquid bath on two first type surfaces.Lip-deep elementary groove or liquid bath 22 can laterally be offset certain distance with another lip-deep elementary groove or liquid bath as shown in Figure 2, and perhaps the groove on two sides directly aligns as shown in Figure 3.The groove with skew shown in Figure 2 or the liquid handling thin film of liquid bath provide the maximum surface area that plays wick effect, use minimum material simultaneously.In addition, compare with the align liquid handling thin film of liquid bath of shown in Figure 3 having, the groove that has skew that makes or the liquid handling thin film of liquid bath are more soft sensuously, because its lower thickness and hardboard (boardiness).As shown in Figure 3, have one or more holes 24 in the liquid handling thin film of the present invention, make the positive liquid that contacts of a part and liquid handling thin film be transported to the back side of this thin film, improve control liquid.These holes need not to aim at the trough valley of liquid bath, need not with liquid bath roughly wide.The surface of the liquid handling thin film in hole is preferably hydrophilic.Each elementary groove 2 has two secondary grooves (3,23) and at least two trough valleys (5,25) at least, and trough valley (5,25) or a plurality of trough valley of each secondary groove (3,23) are separated by secondary slot peak (6,26).In general, each secondary groove only has a trough valley usually.But when elementary groove when being orthogonal elementary groove will have two trough valleys.The secondary slot peak (6,26) of the secondary groove of V-arrangement generally characterizes with angle β, and it is generally equal to (α 1+ α 2)/2, wherein α 1And α 2Be the angle of adjacent two v-depressions (3,23), suppose that two sides that form each secondary groove are symmetric and are non-curves.In general, angle β is about 10-120 °, better is about 10-90 °, preferably is about 20-60 °.The secondary slot peak can also be flat (this moment angle be 0 °) in theory or or even curve, for example projection or depression, no definite top or angle.Be preferably, each elementary groove (2,22) has 3 secondary grooves (3,23) and/or at least three trough valleys at least, comprises the trough valley (5,25) of terminal as shown in Figure 1 groove (trough valley 8 or 9).
Along the length of liquid handling thin film, one the degree of depth in the secondary groove (3,23) (height of secondary slot peak 6 relative trough valleys 5) is identical, is at least 5 microns usually.The degree of depth of secondary groove (3,23) is generally the 0.5-80% of elementary depth of groove, is preferably 5-50%.Along the length of liquid handling thin film, preferably also be identical in the spacing of the trough valley of 6 both sides, groove peak.On the length of given liquid handling thin film, for each groove, the degree of depth of elementary and/or secondary groove and wide variety are better less than 20%, preferably less than 10%.The degree of depth of secondary groove and change of shape surpass this scope can be to speed of carrying liquid along the liquid handling thin film and the influence that uniformity produces significant adverse.General primary and secondary groove is continuous and unbroken (undi sturbed).
Available several different methods places disposable absorbent article 10 with liquid handling thin film (1,12).Thin film can be cut into one or more pieces roughly rectangular shapes, and with various arrangement modes place the top, following of absorbent core layer or in the middle of.Some illustrative examples are shown among Fig. 4,6 and 7.Figure 4 and 5 are represented an example of diaper 10, and this diaper comprises liquid handling thin film 12 of the present invention.Diaper 10 also comprises the top layer 14 of liquid permeable, the tergite 16 and the absorbent core layer 18 of liquid impermeable.Diaper 510 among Fig. 6 has three liquid handling thin film 512, and its liquid bath 521 is arranged in parallel in absorbent core layer 518.Diaper 610 among Fig. 7 has two liquid handling thin film 612, and they are that the figure of X is superimposed in absorbent core layer 618 with what intersect.Usually, the cross point is positioned at and will introduces the position of liquid.
If necessary, the liquid handling thin film can be placed on the inner surface of tergite, or even become one with tergite by on this inner surface, forming required micro structure.In this example, the thin film of band micro structure plays two effects: as near the liquid transfer layer below the absorbent core layer and as the liquid barrier layer of absorbent article.Diaper 120 shown in Figure 12 comprises the top layer 1214 of permeation liquid, the tergite 1216 and the absorbent core layer 1218 of liquid impermeable.Liquid handling thin film 1212 (surface 1220 of band micro structure has elementary groove 1222) is placed on the inner surface of tergite 1216.If necessary, groove 1222 can be formed on the surface of tergite 1216, makes liquid handling thin film and tergite have whole structure.
Secondary groove is v-depression or rectangular recess in the micro structure preferably, and promptly each groove is limited by the flat wall that at least one pair of intersects at least one intersection, and this intersection constitutes trough valley.This liquid bath preparation easily also can make liquid carry fast.In another example, it is flat that wall elementary or secondary groove need not, but each secondary groove preferably has the trough valley that an edge and groove longitudinal axis parallel direction are extended at least.In other words, when on section, watching, preferably have the slope sudden change perpendicular to the intersection of the plane of groove axle and groove walls, i.e. geometric discontinuity, perhaps to have the monovalence derivative be many-valued point to groove surfaces.
It is sharp-pointed (although this is best) that trough valley need not.Usually, if the radius of curvature of trough valley is about 15 microns or littler, better about 10 microns or littler, preferably about 5 microns or just can carry out useful liquid handling forr a short time.Observed and make it to have required hydrophilic coating on the surface that is applied to the band micro structure and can assemble or assemble bottom, increased the radius of curvature of trough valley (3,23) at groove.
Fig. 9 is the typical thin film with V-arrangement primary and secondary groove 22, and it has a plurality of trough valleys or slope sudden change 25.Its elementary groove 921 of the thin film that Figure 10 represents has nonplanar wall to intramedullary expansion, and has the bottom or the trough valley 925 of slope sudden change in the secondary groove 923.Liquid handling thin film shown in Figure 10 has big top or pushes up 924 between two adjacent elementary grooves 921.Usually better have narrower top, perhaps have compact arranged elementary groove as shown in Figure 9, make the wall of adjacent liquid bath be in contact with one another, so that improve the groove quantity of per surface width.
The wall of elementary groove and secondary groove better is slick, because the required liquid flow of the excessive coarse meeting influence in surface.Believing that the liquid handling thin film that has the groove walls that expands outwardly as shown in figure 11 can take into account the quick anisotropy of liquid best and flow and vertical wick effect, is preferably in many purposes therefore.Liquid handling thin film 1110 its elementary grooves 1121 that Figure 11 represents have secondary groove 1123 and trough valley 1125 and outwards heave but not collinear groove walls.For ease of making, this wall on the secondary slot top or groove peak 1126 sentence minimum contact area and intersect.
Preferably along the equidirectional orientation, promptly they are substantially parallel on whole length for the primary and secondary groove of liquid handling thin film of the present invention.As long as extend with equidirectional generally and non-intersect, just think that these grooves are substantially parallel, to need not be identical to their lateral spacing on its whole length, but its depth of groove and shape are essentially identical on whole film length.
In typical absorption goods of the present invention as shown in Figure 4, absorbent core layer 18 and liquid handling thin film 12 all are microscler, and along roughly the same direction orientation.The liquid handling thin film is better usually and absorbent core layer is coextensive substantially stretches, and promptly in most of the cases extends to from the about 1-2cm in absorbent core layer edge.The extension of thin film does not preferably exceed absorbent core layer, because this can produce leakage.In these cases, the groove of liquid handling thin film is orientated along the longitudinal axis of thin film and absorbent core layer usually.Fig. 4 again, the lateral spacing of elementary in this case groove 22 preferably changes along its longitudinal axis usually, and is in this spacing minimum of vertical inner region of thin film 12, wide in this minima of outskirt gap ratio of thin film.The structure of this goods makes the zone of lateral spacing minimum near liquid inflow place, and the zone of spacing broad is positioned at the farther place.Under this example, liquid handling thin film 12 has not only improved and has made liquid flow to transportation performance at a distance from inflow, and has improved the performance that liquid distributes in absorbent core layer 18 at a distance.If necessary, the starting point of other elementary groove (not shown) can be between the inner region and longitudinal edge of liquid handling thin film 12.
Figure 13 represents another example of absorbent article 1300 of the present invention, and this absorbent article comprises liquid handling thin film 1302, absorbing material 1306 and the coherent film at least one side 1308 on the surface 1304 with band micro structure.The selection of coherent film 1308 depends in part on the base material that absorbent article will adhere to.Its illustrative example comprises suitable bonding.Other illustrative example comprises and encloses-hook solid parts, i.e. loop material bar and be applied to hook material strips on the base material.
Usually the surface of band micro structure contacts with absorbent core layer.But, in some instances, when for example absorbing material can be subjected to gel blocking, can place the liquid handling thin film and make the surface and the absorbent core layer of band micro structure place the opposing both sides of liquid handling thin film.In this example, the Liquid Absorption thin film is preferably less than absorbent core layer and/or wherein have a hole.In some instances, the Liquid Absorption thin film comprises the surface of the band micro structure that another is as described herein, is in a side identical with absorbent core layer.
Except the absorbent article of band absorbent core layer, absorbent core layer can be absorbing sheet or fabric, as used fabric in headband, binder, rag (wipe) or towel.Liquid handling thin film of the present invention can be used for not directly related with the absorbent core layer fluid removal of general objects or drains or the liquid conveying.Liquid can be delivered to absorber or accept on the surface of liquid (as coated base material).
Liquid handling thin film of the present invention utilizes mould to make by duplicating method, and described mould has the pattern opposite with the groove of liquid handling film microstructure.This thin film is to be formed by coating or hot pressing stricture of vagina by the mould of thermoplastic with opposite video.
In simple example, absorbent article can mainly be made by absorbent core layer and liquid handling thin film of the present invention.
Under the situation that does not depart from the scope of the invention and spirit, various improvement of the present invention and variation are conspicuous to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Table 1
Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 5 Pattern 6
Elementary groove angle width (31) 10° 10° 10° 10°
Elementary flute pitch (32) 330 microns 330 microns 229 microns 229 microns
Elementary depth of groove (33) 635 microns 635 microns 203 microns 203 microns
Trough valley angle (34) 95° 95° 95° 95°
Secondary groove angle width (35) 10° NA 95° 112.5°
Secondary flute pitch (36) 81 microns NA 50 microns 50 microns
Secondary depth of groove (37) 127 microns NA 41 microns 41 microns
Elementary groove jag part width (38) 29 microns 29 microns 29 microns 29 microns
Secondary slot jag part width 29 microns 29 microns 29 microns NA
Elementary bottom portion of groove width (40) 190 microns 190 microns 163 microns 163 microns
Secondary bottom portion of groove width (41) 29 microns NA 13 microns 16 microns
Elementary groove walls angular breadth (42) 10° 10° 10° 10°
Embodiment
Embodiment 1 and comparative example 1
Preparation liquid handling thin film, it has three little rectangular recess in the bottom of large rectangle groove.For comparing, make liquid handling thin film, but do not have secondary groove at this bottom portion of groove with rectangular recess.
With the nickel mould of the band micro structure that has the pattern opposite with groove shapes with required pattern on the surface, thick low density polyethylene (LDPE) (LDPE) sheet of compacting 15mil (0.38mm) makes each liquid handling thin film.Described nickel mould is following making: form required micro structured pattern with the diamond icking tool on slick acryhic material surface, electroplate this structure subsequently and form suitable little nickel mould that duplicates.The profile of embodiment 1 is shown in Figure 14 generally, except three secondary grooves.The mould specification that is used to form the liquid handling thin film of embodiment 1 and comparative example 1 is respectively the pattern 1 and the pattern 2 of table 1, and its label is seen Figure 14.The LDPE that is used to suppress sample is available from Eastman Chemical Co., TENITE TM1550P, its density is 0.918g/cm 3(ASTMD1505), melt flow index is 3.5g/10 minute (ASTM D1238, a condition 190/2.16).When extruding, thin film in polyvinyl resin, adds the TRITON of 0.3 weight % available from Union Carbide TMThe X-100 surfactant is as additive.In a flat press at 149 ℃ and 250psi with the nickel mould of band micro structure with LDPE mould system 30 seconds, cooling immediately.The pattern of the complete substantially replicating microstructured mould of liquid handling thin film that obtains, making does not have significant change along the length direction upper groove degree of depth, width and the overall shape of thin film.
Handle the vertical wick effect of thin film according to DIN 53924 (Deutsches Institut Fuer Normung) test liquid.The vertical height that determination test liquid reached in 3 minutes.The test(ing) liquid that uses is the deionized water that contains 0.1 weight % fluorescent dye (2-(6-hydroxyl-3-oxygen-3H-9-ton base) Benzene potassium acid disodium salt, a kind of fluorescence disodium salt available from Kodak company).The surface tension of using Wilhelmy balance technology (BalanceTechnique) to record this liquid is about 74-75 dyne/cm.
Obtain the result of following vertical wick effect.The unit of these data is centimetre, and is the meansigma methods of four tests of every kind of liquid handling thin film.
Sample pattern number vertical wick effect
1 1 12.4
Comparative example 12 4.3
Data show, compare with the liquid handling thin film that has the elementary groove of rectangle but do not have a secondary groove, have obviously improved vertical wick effect at the liquid handling thin film that has the secondary groove of less rectangle than the elementary bottom portion of groove of large rectangle.
Embodiment 2 and comparative example 2
Preparation liquid handling thin film, it has two 40 ° of little secondary grooves of V-arrangement in the bottom of 60 ° the elementary groove of V-arrangement.For comparing, make and have 60 ° of elementary grooves of V-arrangement but do not have the liquid handling thin film of secondary groove.
Make the liquid handling thin film with top method.The mould specification that is used to form v-depression is as (pattern 3 and pattern 4) as described in the Table II.The liquid handling thin film as shown in Figure 9, except two secondary grooves are only arranged.As embodiment 1 thin film, along the length direction of thin film, the degree of depth of groove, width and overall shape no change.
Handle the vertical wick effect of thin film as test(ing) liquid as described in the embodiment 1.Obtain the result of the test of following wick effect.The unit of these data is centimetre, and is the meansigma methods of four tests of every kind of liquid handling thin film.
Sample pattern number vertical wick effect
2 3 9.6
Comparative example 24 5.7
Data show, compare with the liquid handling thin film that has the elementary groove of V-arrangement but do not have a secondary groove, and the liquid handling thin film that has the secondary groove of less V-arrangement at the big elementary bottom portion of groove of V-arrangement has obviously improved vertical wick effect.
Table II
Pattern 3 Pattern 4
Elementary groove angle width 60° 60°
Elementary flute pitch 796 microns 796 microns
Elementary depth of groove 635 microns 635 microns
The trough valley angle 40° 60°
Secondary groove angle width 40° NA
Secondary flute pitch 63 microns NA
Secondary depth of groove 178 microns NA
Elementary groove walls angular breadth 60° 60°
Embodiment 3 and 4
Use mould pattern 5 and 6 (seeing Table 1) preparation liquid handling thin film, as shown in figure 14, it has four little rectangle liquid baths (embodiment 3) in the bottom of large rectangle liquid bath.For embodiment 4, secondary peak is the V-arrangement peak but not is the taper type peak as shown in figure 14.
The following film sample that makes: with the standard single screw extruder LDPE resin curtain coating is extruded on the rotary forming roller, thereby duplicated forming rolls picture on surface (this pattern is opposite with required groove pattern and pattern).With the standard method of circulation internal water cooling the temperature of forming rolls is remained on 49 ℃.The LDPE resin that uses is the TENITE available from Eastman Chemical Co. TM18BOA, density is 0.923g/cm 3(ASTM D1505), melt flow rate (MFR) is 20g/10 minute (ASTM D1238, a condition 190/2.16).When extruding, thin film in polyvinyl resin, adds 0.3 weight %TRITON TMThe X-100 surfactant is as additive.
Be the download fidelity of the secondary groove structure of estimating the liquid handling thin film, measure the trough valley radius of curvature of each sample along the length direction of three of each liquid handling thin film independent elementary grooves.Longitudinal pitch between each groove radius of curvature measuring point is 20-25cm.
The trough valley angle (34) that is used to measure radius of curvature (43) as shown in figure 14, this trough valley is near elementary recess sidewall.The trough valley radius of curvature of liquid handling thin film is to obtain after taking the microphotograph of groove section with scanning electron microscope.The liquid handling thin film is placed the dental modeling resin and make it curing.Sample is thinly sliced the groove cross section that obtains exposing with blade.Shooting makes the microphotograph of sample.Along the vertical several points of the groove tangent line that draws.Draw each tangent line with the normal of fillistered joint contact, the intersection point of each normal is the center of curvature of groove.Average this vertex curvature of arc radius match in angle, its center of circle is the intersection point of normal.The radius length of circular arc is recorded as radius of curvature.
Radius of curvature data (micron) are listed in Table III and IV.
Table III
Embodiment 3 (pattern 5) Groove 1 Groove 2 Groove 3
Measure 1 3.1 1.0 2.6
Measure 2 1.0 1.2 2.2
Measure 3 2.5 1.7 1.3
Table IV
Embodiment 4 (pattern 6) Groove 1 Groove 2 Groove 3
Measure 1 2.6 3.2 2.4
Amount 2 3.2 3.2 2.8
Measure 3 3.2 2.2 Undetermined
Before different temperature is heat-treated or record the trough valley radius of curvature and vertical wick effect data of embodiment 3 liquid handling diaphragm samples later on.In baking oven, the sheet sample was heated 50 minutes at 90 ℃, 95 ℃, 100 ℃, 105 ℃ and 110 ℃.After the air cooling, each is measured two or three trough valley radius of curvature data through heat treated sample.Also measure each vertical wick effect data through heat treated sample.Vertical wick effect is as mensuration as described in the embodiment 1, but test fluid contains the fluorescent dye of 0.5 weight % sodium chloride and 0.1 weight %.The result who provides is three meansigma methodss of measuring.The radius of curvature data are listed in Table V with vertical wick effect data.
Table V
Sample Trough valley radius of curvature (micron) Vertical wick effect (cm)
Embodiment 3 (contrast) 1.7,1.2 (average 1.5) 8.2
Behind 3,90 ℃ of the embodiment 4.2,4.0 (average 4.1) 5.4
Behind 3,95 ℃ of the embodiment 4.0,4.1,6.3 (average 4.8) 5.1
Behind 3,100 ℃ of the embodiment 4.4,6.9,6.3 (average 5.9) 4.4
Behind 3,105 ℃ of the embodiment 5.8,6.7 (average 6.3) 4.5
Behind 3,110 ℃ of the embodiment 13.0,6.4 (average 9.7) 4.3
In another group heat treatment, the liquid handling diaphragm sample of embodiment 3 is existed handle under 110 ℃ the temperature.In baking oven, sample was heated 50 minutes at 11l ℃, 112 ℃, 113 ℃, 114 ℃ and 115 ℃.After the air cooling, as above measure trough valley radius of curvature and vertical wick effect data.The results are shown in Table VI.
Table VI
Sample Trough valley radius of curvature (micron) Vertical wick effect (cm)
Behind 3,111 ℃ of the embodiment 10.9,10.8,12.2 (average 11.3) 6.9
Behind 3,112 ℃ of the embodiment 13.1,12.3,13.1 (average 12.8) 6.8
Behind 3,113 ℃ of the embodiment 12.0,13.8,13.2 (average 13.0) 6.6
Behind 3,114 ℃ of the embodiment 12.0,9.7,9.2 (average 10.3) 3.7
Behind 3,115 ℃ of the embodiment 78.4,32.8,78.9 (average 63.4) 2.2
Before under several different temperatures, heat-treating with heat treatment after the same trench radius of curvature and vertical wick effect of measuring embodiment 4 liquid handling film samples.In baking oven, sample was heated 50 minutes at 90 ℃, 95 ℃, 100 ℃, 105 ℃ and 110 ℃.After the air cooling, record two or three trough valley radius of curvature data of each heat treated sample.Obtain the meansigma methods of these data.。Also record the data of the vertical wick effect of each heat treated sample according to embodiment 3 described methods.The result who provides is three meansigma methodss of measuring.The radius of curvature data are listed in Table VII with vertical wick effect data.
Table VII
Sample Trough valley radius of curvature (micron) Vertical wick effect (cm)
Embodiment 4 (contrast) 1.7 7.2
Behind 4,90 ℃ of the embodiment 2.3 6.3
Behind 4,95 ℃ of the embodiment 2.8 6.2
Behind 4,100 ℃ of the embodiment 2.0 6.1
Behind 4,105 ℃ of the embodiment 4.6 5.5
Behind 4,110 ℃ of the embodiment 4.7 5.3
The heat treatment of liquid handling thin film causes the radius of curvature value to rise (decline of trough valley sharpness), has correspondingly reduced the vertical wick effect of liquid bath.At 115 ℃, embodiment 3 deformation of thin membrane obviously descend the fidelity of trough valley, and the degree of depth, width and the overall shape of primary and secondary groove obviously are out of shape.
Comparative example 3
When preparing the liquid handling thin film with the section bar extrusion molding, extruding blending by die head has 0.5 weight %TRITON TMThe TENITE of X-100 TM1550P LDPE is attached with the nickel mould of the band micro structure of the sample that once was used to prepare embodiment 2 on die lip.The spiro rod rate of the single screw extrusion machine that uses is 40rpm, makes the output speed of extruding strip be about 6.5m/min.The strip of extruding is used psychrolusia (about 10 ℃) quenching immediately.
As described in embodiment 3 and 4, test the vertical wick effect that abnormity is extruded strip.This sample can vertical wicking liquid.Show that the liquid handling thin film that makes with The tape casting compares, the blunt trough valley that makes with this method has significantly reduced vertical wick effect.

Claims (24)

1. liquid handling thin film that is used for carrying fast liquid, it comprises the thermoplastic film of the hydrophilic surface that has a band micro structure at least, have many elementary grooves on this surface to promote the liquid bidirectional expansion, many described elementary grooves have two secondary grooves that are nested in wherein at least, each described secondary groove is formed with at least one trough valley, these trough valleys are substantially parallel and separated by the secondary slot peak, the angle of trough valley or secondary groove is 10 °-120 °, the trough valley angle of described secondary groove is by the secant angle of trough valley to half place of secondary recess sidewall, one the degree of depth in the described secondary groove, be the height of secondary slot peak to trough valley, be at least 5 microns, and the described degree of depth accounts for the 0.5-80% of described elementary depth of groove, the radius of curvature of described trough valley is less than 15 microns, on given film length, each groove, the degree of depth of elementary groove and/or secondary groove and the variation of width are less than 20%.
2. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 1, the degree of depth that it is characterized in that elementary groove is the 50-3000 micron, the degree of depth of secondary groove is the 5-50% of elementary depth of groove.
3. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described elementary groove is V-arrangement or orthogonal.
4. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described elementary groove is a V-arrangement, and angle is 10 °-120 °.
5. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described elementary groove is orthogonal
6. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2, the angle that it is characterized in that described secondary groove or trough valley are 10 °-100 °.
7. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2, the angle that it is characterized in that described secondary groove or trough valley is 20-95 °.
8. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2, the variation that it is characterized in that the width of each described elementary groove on the length of described thin film and the degree of depth is less than 10%.
9. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that the dark 75-1500 micron of described elementary groove.
10. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that the dark 100-1000 micron of described elementary groove.
11. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 4, the angle that it is characterized in that described elementary groove are 30 °-90 °.
12. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2, the radius of curvature that it is characterized in that described trough valley is 10 microns or littler.
13. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2, the radius of curvature that it is characterized in that described trough valley is 5 microns or littler.
14. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described secondary groove has a plurality of sidewalls of outwards heaving.
15. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described thin film is a liquid impermeable.
16. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2, the average thickness that it is characterized in that described liquid handling thin film is the 25-1500 micron.
17. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 16, the average thickness that it is characterized in that described liquid handling thin film is the 125-1000 micron.
18. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that having one or more holes in the described liquid handling thin film.
19. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described liquid handling thin film made by one or more polyolefin.
20. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that each described elementary groove has three or more trough valleys.
21. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described thin film is flexible.
22. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that the angle of the angle of described elementary groove greater than secondary groove.
23. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that elementary groove is orthogonal substantially, has two trough valleys separately.
24. liquid handling thin film as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that described elementary groove is orthogonal substantially, has two trough valleys separately, at least 3 microns of the bottoms of rectangular recess are wide, form parallel thin thin film region.
CNB971823499A 1997-08-25 1997-08-25 Liquid management film for absorbent articles Expired - Fee Related CN100372513C (en)

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EP0117351A2 (en) * 1983-01-31 1984-09-05 JOHNSON & JOHNSON Absorptive products
EP0178108A2 (en) * 1984-10-02 1986-04-16 SMITH & NEPHEW plc Hygienic absorbent pads
US4842794A (en) * 1987-07-30 1989-06-27 Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc. Method of making apertured films and net like fabrics
CN1041310A (en) * 1988-09-30 1990-04-18 普罗格特-甘布尔公司 Basically liquid-tight microvesicle fluidized polymer tablet and preparation method thereof and equipment
US5514120A (en) * 1991-12-18 1996-05-07 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Liquid management member for absorbent articles

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4414255A (en) * 1979-05-09 1983-11-08 Kao Soap Co., Ltd. Water absorbing sheet assembly
EP0117351A2 (en) * 1983-01-31 1984-09-05 JOHNSON & JOHNSON Absorptive products
EP0178108A2 (en) * 1984-10-02 1986-04-16 SMITH & NEPHEW plc Hygienic absorbent pads
US4842794A (en) * 1987-07-30 1989-06-27 Applied Extrusion Technologies, Inc. Method of making apertured films and net like fabrics
CN1041310A (en) * 1988-09-30 1990-04-18 普罗格特-甘布尔公司 Basically liquid-tight microvesicle fluidized polymer tablet and preparation method thereof and equipment
US5514120A (en) * 1991-12-18 1996-05-07 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Liquid management member for absorbent articles

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