EP1242017A1 - Parties centrales absorbantes a gradient de densite y - Google Patents

Parties centrales absorbantes a gradient de densite y

Info

Publication number
EP1242017A1
EP1242017A1 EP00978767A EP00978767A EP1242017A1 EP 1242017 A1 EP1242017 A1 EP 1242017A1 EP 00978767 A EP00978767 A EP 00978767A EP 00978767 A EP00978767 A EP 00978767A EP 1242017 A1 EP1242017 A1 EP 1242017A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stratum
zone
fibers
absorbent
gsm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00978767A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
John P. Erspamer
Jacek K. Dutkiewicz
Brian E. Boehmer
Sanjay Wahal
Ryan K. Hood
Michael Kalmon
John Perry Baker
Alan Jeffrey Campbell
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Georgia Pacific Nonwovens LLC
Original Assignee
BKI Holding Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by BKI Holding Corp filed Critical BKI Holding Corp
Publication of EP1242017A1 publication Critical patent/EP1242017A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/531—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/532—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad
    • A61F13/5323—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad having absorbent material located in discrete regions, e.g. pockets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
    • A61F13/15617—Making absorbent pads from fibres or pulverulent material with or without treatment of the fibres
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/535—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/535—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes
    • A61F13/536—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad, e.g. core absorbent layers being of different sizes having discontinuous areas of compression

Definitions

  • Absorbent structures are used in a wide range of disposable absorbent
  • absorbent articles including baby diapers, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins and the like. These and other absorbent articles are generally provided with an absorbent structure
  • the absorbent core is disposed as a core, to receive and retain body liquids.
  • An absorbent structure which is used as a core for diapers and adult
  • incontinence pads frequently includes fibrous batts or webs constructed of defiberized
  • the core may also include functional particles, such as superabsorbent polymer ("SAP”) particles, granules, flakes or fibers
  • SAP superabsorbent polymer
  • Such an article may be obtained by
  • the low-density ply is typically referred to as an acquisition strata.
  • the storage ply portion of a disposable diaper is generally
  • cellulose material is generally not available in preformed sheet form because it exhibits insufficient web strength, owing to its lack of interfiber bonding or entanglement, to be
  • Some absorbent articles such as ultra-thin feminine napkins are generally produced from
  • Such a roll of preformed absorbent core material is
  • the nonwoven web is typically bonded or consolidated in a fashion
  • absorbent material often is not sufficient to serve as the absorbent core because the liquid
  • Such mechanisms include latex bonding, bonding with thermoplastic or bicomponent fibers or thermoplastic powders, hydroentanglement, needlepunching, carding or the like.
  • bonded materials provide a relatively stiff core which often does not conform well to the shape of the human body, especially in
  • absorbent core can easily conform itself to the shape of the human body or to the shape of
  • a component for example, another absorbent strata, of the absorbent article adjacent to it.
  • Integrity of the absorbent structure used as a core is necessary to ensure that
  • the absorbent core does not deform and exhibit discontinuities during its use by a
  • Prior absorbent structures have been deficient in one or more of pliability, integrity, profiled absorbency and
  • a conventional fluff pulp core has good conformability because of
  • certain bonded cores such as airlaid cores
  • Absorbent structures made from nonwoven webs may contain SAP
  • portions of the core remain unused, and failure (leaking) of the absorbent core can occur.
  • absorbent cores have poor fluid acquisition rates.
  • the absorbent structures used as cores in current commercial disposable, absorbent articles are constructed by combining several plies of material at the converting
  • these multi-ply absorbent cores contain one or more plies of varying
  • the narrow ply are present in these commercial absorbent cores to improve performance and reduce raw-material costs by targeting absorbent material where it is
  • manufacture of absorbent cores which are profiled in basis weight involves merging
  • Typical airlaid forming units for the manufacture of absorbent structures to be used as cores contain mechanical equipment on one side of the full width forming wire
  • a vacuum system that is present to collect the air-suspended absorbent material onto the forming wire.
  • an absorbent structure to be used as a core, which is capable of bearing a SAP particle concentration of about 10 percent to 80 percent by weight, preferably about 30 percent to 80 percent by weight, while maintaining fast fluid acquisition rate and stability of the core. It would also be desirable to provide a
  • wet-stable absorbent core which exhibits improved fluid acquisition and storage
  • the present invention provides for an increase in converting efficiencies by
  • a profiled core can be
  • profiled structure can be obtained by controlling the vacuum system by use of a block for
  • the block can be placed in the airlaid forming unit operation between
  • One object of the invention is to provide a unitary absorbent core
  • strata is profiled in the y-direction.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a process for manufacturing
  • unitary absorbent cores comprising one or more strata in which one or more of the basis weight, functional particle content, or density of at least one of the strata is profiled in the
  • absorbent cores at the converting line by merging several absorbent materials.
  • Another object of the invention is to introduce y-direction density gradients
  • An additional object of the invention is to provide for greater control over
  • Another object of the invention is to form absorbent cores having improved fluid acquisition and containment, as well as reduced leak potential.
  • the present invention is directed to absorbent
  • structures having a y-directional, profile comprising one stratum or a plurality of strata, at
  • the stratum produced by a continuous series of unit operations comprises first and second zones disposed in contact
  • the first zone has one or more of a higher density, a higher
  • the present invention is directed to absorbent structures comprising functional particles and having a fluid storage and acquisition
  • structure has a y-directional profile, and comprises one stratum or a plurality of strata,
  • At least one stratum comprises first and second zones disposed in contact with
  • the first zone has one or more of a higher density, a higher content of
  • the first zone is disposed at the side edge of the absorbent structure.
  • the structures comprise third and fourth zones, wherein the third zone has a higher density and higher content of
  • the structure comprises a plurality of strata, wherein at least one stratum has a major surface area which
  • inventions may be the result of a single strata having a y-directional profile, or the y-
  • directional profile may be the result of a plurality of strata having a y-directional profile.
  • At least one of the stratum may be of substantially uniform density or basis weight.
  • the structure may also have a z-directional profile.
  • the structures may comprise fibers,
  • Suitable fibers include fibers having a water retention
  • the structures may comprise a binder, including a liquid binder (such as a latex binder), thermoplastic powders, thermoplastic
  • the binder may, for example, be present
  • the invention is also directed to the above embodiments, further comprising an acquisition stratum in fluid communication with the first zone, the second
  • the acquisition stratum may
  • the matrix fibers may have a length of from about 2 to about 15 mm.
  • the basis weight of the first zone is from about 50 gsm to about 1000 gsm.
  • the basis weight of the second zone may be from about 0.1 gsm to about 800 gsm.
  • the density of the first zone may be from about 0.15 g/cm 3 to about 0.25 g/cm 3 .
  • the functional particle content in the first zone may be about 10 per cent to about 90 per cent by weight, and/or
  • the functional particle content in the second zone may be about 0 per cent to about 70 per cent by weight.
  • the FASE value is higher than about 80.
  • the structure may also have a wet integrity higher than about 4.0 mN/gm, a softness higher than about 8.0/J, or a pliability higher than about
  • the structure is
  • each stratum is formed in one unit operation from one or more materials selected from fibers, functional particles,
  • the present invention is also directed to disposable absorbent articles
  • topsheet an absorbent structure as described above, the structure comprising one stratum or
  • the absorbent structure having a y-directional profile comprising first and second zones disposed in
  • the first zone has one or more of a higher density, a higher content of functional particles and a higher basis weight than the second zone, and,
  • the absorbent structure (C) may comprise (1) a y-directionally profiled acquisition stratum;
  • the articles described above may be infant diapers, training pants, adult
  • the articles of the invention may have a FASE of 50 or higher, preferably 80 or higher, more preferably
  • the structures of the present invention can be any structure of the present invention.
  • Typical airlaid forming unit operations contain mechanical equipment on one side of the forming wire designed to accept air-suspended absorbent material and
  • a vacuum system that is present to collect the air-suspended absorbent material onto the
  • the present invention provides for reducing the vacuum in specific zones in
  • the vacuum used to collect air- suspended absorbent material is blocked, essentially reducing the vacuum to zero in specific zones in the CD.
  • the vacuum is blocked in specific zones, the striped strata
  • suspended absorbent material is physically blocked in certain areas, so as to cause
  • This invention provides a process for the production of an absorbent
  • first zone has one or more of a higher density, higher content of functional particles or
  • the y-directional length of B is less than the y-directional length of A;
  • first and second zones disposed in contact with each other are formed, wherein the first zone has a higher density and a higher content of functional particles than the second zone.
  • strata are formed on a forming wire of an airlaid process from fibers and functional particles distributed
  • the invention is also directed to absorbent structures made by the process described above.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a unitary absorbent structure on a forming wire, and depicts the x-direction, y-direction and z-direction in relation to the structure;
  • Fig. 2a depicts a prior art unitary absorbent structure
  • Fig. 2b depicts a unitary absorbent structure of the invention
  • Fig. 2c depicts a unitary absorbent structure of the invention
  • Fig. 3 depicts an absorbent structure of the invention having y-directional structural profile of density and SAP content
  • Figs. 4a-4i depict unitary absorbent structures of the invention with three strata, including striped strata;
  • Fig. 5a-5d depict additional embodiments of unitary absorbent structures of the invention
  • Fig. 6 depicts an absorbent structure of the invention composed of two
  • strata wherein the upper strata has y-directional structural profile of density and SAP content;
  • Fig. 7 depicts an absorbent structure of the invention composed of two strata
  • the lower strata has a y-directional structural profile of density and SAP content
  • Fig. 8 depicts a process of making an absorbent structure according to the present invention
  • Fig. 9 depicts a closeup view of the forming wire of Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 10 is a view along the direction A to B of the forming wire of Fig. 9;
  • Figs. 11A and 1 IB depict a tester used to test absorbency properties of absorbent structures of the present invention
  • Fig. 12 depicts a Gurley Stiffness Tester used to measure the pliability of
  • Figs. 13A and 13B depicts a clamp used to measure the pliability of absorbent structures of the invention
  • Figs. 14A-14C depict basis weight profiles of Samples A through C;
  • Fig. 15 depicts y-direction basis weight profiles for Samples A through C;
  • Fig. 16 depicts y-direction density profiles for Samples A through C;
  • Figs. 17A and 17B depict schematic drawings for Samples D and E;
  • Figs. 18A and 18B depict schematic drawings for Samples F and G.
  • Fig. 19 graphs the rewet properties as a function of the bottom stratum basis weight and width for Samples H and J. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • stratum and in the plural “strata” means the output
  • the process can be wetlaid or airlaid, but preferably is airlaid. Materials deposited on the forming surface by the unit operation
  • fibers include fibers, powders including additives and functional particles, such as SAP and binders.
  • the totality of materials deposited on the forming surface may be referred to as a "web" which
  • profiled stratum means a stratum in which one or more of the basis weight, density or content of functional particles (such as super absorbent
  • polymer particles) of the stratum varies (is profiled) in the y-direction and/or the z-direction.
  • striped stratum means a special case of a profiled
  • the finite length of very low levels or zero basis weight, density or content of functional particles can be distributed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the structure or it can be distributed asymmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the structure.
  • the term "ply" refers to a fibrous material which may be used
  • a unitary absorbent core is an example of a ply.
  • Other exemplary plies include a storage and acquisition layer, a liquid pervious topsheet and
  • a series of plies may be assembled into an absorbent article
  • the term "content" means percentage by weight. Thus, the content of functional particles in a given stratum is the percent by weight of functional
  • x-direction refers to the direction along the length
  • the x-direction is the machine direction (MD).
  • y-direction refers to the direction along the width
  • the fibrous material is disposed on a horizontal or flat forming wire 5, the y-direction is the cross-machine direction (CD).
  • the term "z-direction" refers to the direction into the plane of the absorbent article (see Figure 1).
  • the term “width” of a stratum is the distance from one side of
  • Basis weight is the weight of a web per unit area.
  • unitary absorbent structure or "absorbent structure”
  • absorbent core contains a plurality of strata there is no interface between the strata, i.e. once
  • a unitary structure may be formed, for example, in a single
  • airlaid absorbent cores contain a combination of cellulosic fibers, mixed with various functional synthetic fibers, functional particles or granulates and additives.
  • the present invention includes an absorbent structure which may be used as a core, having a profile of basis weight, density or SAP content in its y-direction, the direction pe ⁇ endicular to the longitudinal axis of a finished product.
  • an absorbent structure which may be used as a core, having a profile of basis weight, density or SAP content in its y-direction, the direction pe ⁇ endicular to the longitudinal axis of a finished product.
  • the present invention includes an absorbent structure which may be used as a core, having a profile of basis weight, density or SAP content in its y-direction, the direction pe ⁇ endicular to the longitudinal axis of a finished product.
  • the absorbent structure which may be used as a core, having a profile of basis weight, density or SAP content in its y-direction, the direction pe ⁇ endicular to the longitudinal axis of a finished product.
  • structure may be profiled in both the y- and z- directions.
  • present invention can be used to improve on the existing art by providing a method for
  • the present invention contemplates placement of absorbent material in
  • the present invention contemplates removal of material from the
  • the structure of the invention comprises at least one zone A, having one
  • the zones A have higher basis weight than the zones B.
  • zones A may be located at the edges on the sides of the absorbent
  • a y-directional and/or z-directional profile may be achieved by
  • zones A along the absorbent structure are then separated by lower density lanes of natural or synthetic fibers with lower amount of SAP or no SAP, thus
  • the structures of the invention may have unexpectedly high fluid
  • zones B having one or more of lower basis weight, density or SAP content
  • the high void volume in zones B can be maintained because the liquid is withdrawn from them by capillary forces to denser zones A, where it is retained by SAP particles in higher concentration.
  • absorbent core also enable manufacturers to produce thinner, more absorbent, and more
  • FASE fluid acquisition and storage efficiency
  • the absorbent structures of this invention have a
  • the fluid acquisition rate can be enhanced even further if the structure of the invention comprises a porous upper stratum C having
  • stratum C is a low density
  • acquisition stratum including from between 50 to 99 percent by weight of wettable
  • synthetic fibers preferably from 75 to 90 percent synthetic fibers, the balance of the stratum being binder material. Due to its relatively low density, large pore size, and lower
  • the stratum C has essentially no x,y-aqueous
  • the stratum C would be
  • synthetic fibers having a thickness of from 2 to 35 dtex, preferably of from 6 to 17 dtex.
  • the synthetic fibers have a length of from 2 to 15 mm, preferably
  • the fibers may be crimped and may have a variety of
  • suitable synthetic matrix fibers include polyethylene,
  • polypropylene polyester, including polyester terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polyacetates, cellulose acetate and rayon fibers.
  • PET polyester terephthalate
  • polyolefins should be surface treated with surfactant to improve wettability.
  • a striped stratum is a stratum in which one or more of the basis weight, density or functional particle (such as SAP) content drops to very low
  • zero basis weight, density or functional particle content can be continuous or can be
  • the divided segments can be distributed in a uniform pattern in the y-direction or there can be no uniform pattern.
  • the finite length of very low levels or zero basis weight can be distributed symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the structure, or can be distributed asymmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the structure.
  • FIGS 4a-4i depict representative, three-strata absorbent structure designs
  • Figures 4c, 4e, 4f and 4g depict absorbent structures with more than one striped stratum. As shown by Figure 4g, the striped strata
  • Figures 4a-i depict the absorbent structures in a theoretical manner. In fact, as explained in the discussion of Figures 2b and 2c, the strata
  • FIGS 5a-5d depict still additional embodiments of the absorbent
  • FIG. 5a-5d demonstrate how structures may be constructed stratum-by-stratum. In fact, in the structures of Figures 5a-5d the strata having
  • the vacuum system can be segmented into regions of relatively high vacuum and regions of relatively low vacuum.
  • the vacuum may be
  • a block or mask may be used to shield the vacuum in desired zones, in order to achieve zones of one or more of higher basis weight, density or functional particle
  • absorbent material is physically blocked in certain areas, so as to prevent deposition on the
  • a flow divider or other block may be disposed between the outlet of the forming head or particle applicator and the forming wire, to block the deposition of
  • Figure 5a is an example of an absorbent structure having more than one
  • FIG. 5b depicts an
  • FIG. 5c depicts an embodiment of the invention in
  • Figures 4 and 5 show examples of how the unitary absorbent structures of the present invention may be constructed, stratum by stratum on a typical airlaid line
  • the present invention provides for uniformly compacting or densifying the absorbent material.
  • the compaction may also provide for unitary absorbent structures to be used as cores,
  • the absorbent structure may also be used as cores in absorbent articles.
  • the structure of the invention comprises two separate absorbent structures (or
  • the surface area of the bottom surface of upper structure 3 is less than 80 percent of the
  • This arrangement has an advantage over single-stratum structures by allowing for better containment and usage of the
  • zones A have one or more of higher basis weight, density or functional particle
  • the lower structure 5 of the two-structure system is a profiled absorbent structure of the
  • structure 6 is less than 80 percent of the surface area of the upper surface of lower structure 5.
  • Yet another example of the two-strata embodiment is a system, in which both the upper stratum and the bottom stratum are y-profiled structures of the invention
  • the structures of this invention can include natural fibers, synthetic fibers or mixtures of both natural and synthetic fibers. Examples of the types of natural fibers
  • fluffed cellulose fibers prepared from
  • keratin fibers such as fibers obtained from feathers, bagasse, hemp, and flax, as well as man-made staple fibers made with
  • Cellulosic fibers include
  • chemically modified cellulose such as chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers by crosslinking agents, fibers treated with mercerizing agents and cellulose acetate.
  • suitable synthetic matrix fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, including polyester terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polyacetates, cellulose
  • hydrophobic synthetic fibers such as polyolefins
  • the final purity of the preferred cellulose fiber of the present invention may range from at least 80 percent alpha to 98 percent alpha cellulose, although purity of greater than 95 percent alpha is preferred, and purity of 96.5 percent alpha cellulose, is most preferred. As used herein, the term " purity" is measured by the percentage of alpha
  • Preferred fibers used in zones having higher levels of basis weight, density or functional particle content are those which have lower
  • Water retention value (WRV) of cellulosic fibers is an
  • the fibers having lower WRV value are in general stiffer than
  • the preferred water retention value (WRV) of the cellulose fibers of the present invention is
  • the WRV refers to the amount of water calculated on a dry fiber basis, that
  • Zones B in Figure 3 are those which have higher
  • Curl is defined as a fractional shortening of the fiber due to kinks, twists and/or blends in the fiber.
  • the per cent curl of the cellulose fibers of the present invention is
  • fiber curl may be measured in terms of a two
  • Curl is defined as a fractional shortening of the fiber due to kinks, twists
  • fiber curl may be measured in terms of a two dimensional field.
  • the fiber curl is determined by viewing the fiber in a two dimensional plane, measuring the projected length of the fiber as the longest dimension of a rectangle encompassing the
  • Curl Factor L (actual) / L (rectangle) - 1
  • a fiber curl index image analysis method is used to make this measurement
  • Fiber curl may be imparted by mercerization.
  • chemically stiffened cellulose fibers means cellulose fibers that have been treated to increase the stiffness of the
  • chemical processing includes intrafiber crosslinking with crosslinking agents while such fibers
  • Fibers stiffened by crosslink bonds in individualized form are disclosed, for
  • Another source of cellulosic fibers for use in the present invention especially, is a source of cellulosic fibers for use in the present invention.
  • fibers obtained from high-yield pulp that is cellulose pulp containing lignin.
  • CMP chemical thermo-mechanical pulp
  • BCTM bleached chemical thermo- mechanical pulp
  • Functional particles for use in the absorbent cores of the invention include
  • particles, flakes, powders, granules or the like which serve as absorbents, odor control
  • the particles may include any functional powder or other particle having a
  • the particles are super absorbent polymer particles ("SAP").
  • “superabsorbent polymer” or “SAP” refers to a normally water-soluble polymer, which has
  • starch carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan salts, gelatin salts, etc. They are not, however,
  • Suitable SAPs yield high gel volumes or high gel strength as measured by the shear modulus of the hydrogel.
  • Such preferred SAPs contain relatively low levels of
  • SAPs are well known and are commercially available from several sources
  • starch graft polyacrylate hydrogel marketed under the name
  • IM1000 Hoechst-Celanese; Portsmouth, VA.
  • SANWET anyo Kasei Kogyo
  • SAP particles of any size or shape suitable for use in an absorbent core may be employed.
  • absorbent structure of the present invention include polymeric binders in a solid or liquid form.
  • polymeric binder refers to any compound capable of creating interfiber
  • the binder may optionally bind fibers and SAP particles to each other.
  • a dispersion of natural or synthetic elastomeric latex may be used as a binder.
  • Thermoplastic fibers or powder which are well known in the art, are also commonly used to provide bonding upon heating of the absorbent structure to the melting point of the thermoplastic fiber or powder.
  • Other binders which can be used for
  • stabilizing the absorbent structure of the present invention include bonding agents used to stabilize the absorbent structure of the present invention
  • These agents include polymers dispersed in water, which are cured
  • SAP particles examples include various cationic starch derivatives and
  • Suitable binders for use in the structures of the invention include binders in
  • Latex binders include vinyl acetate and acrylic ester copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene
  • butadiene carboxylate copolymers and polyacrylonitriles, and sold, for example, under the
  • the binder may be a non-latex binder, such as binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for example, binding agents applied in aqueous solutions (for
  • kymene dialdehyde starch, chitosan or PVA), or epichlorohydrin and the like.
  • thermoplastic binding material fibers or powders
  • Suitable thermoplastic binding material includes thermoplastic fibers, such as bicomponent thermoplastic fibers ("bico"). Preferred thermoplastic binding fibers provide enhanced
  • thermoplastic bico fiber is Celbond Type 255 Bico fiber from Hoechst Celanese.
  • thermoplastic fibers include polypropylenes, polyesters, nylons
  • thermoplastic fiber is FiberVisions
  • the binder in the invention is a binding fiber, which
  • the binder fibers comprise less than about 7 percent by weight of the binder fibers
  • An absorbent structure having improved particle containment may be delivered in roll-goods form, or in other packaging formats such as festooning, and is particularly useful
  • the structure of the present invention is prepared as an airlaid web.
  • the airlaid web is typically prepared by disintegrating or defiberizing a cellulose pulp sheet or sheets, typically by hammermill, to provide individualized fibers.
  • the individualized fibers are typically prepared by disintegrating or defiberizing a cellulose pulp sheet or sheets, typically by hammermill, to provide individualized fibers.
  • a stratum may contain, for example, cellulose fibers, SAP and other functional particles, and bicomponent fibers.
  • the structures of the invention contain a carrier tissue.
  • each of the forming heads Through the use of flow dividers or vacuum blocks, each of the forming heads
  • Unit operations involve the use of multiple elements, e.g., SAP, content.
  • Unit operations involve the use of multiple elements, e.g., SAP, content.
  • forming heads for example, up to four, five, six or seven forming heads may be used to
  • any one or more than one of the strata may comprise zones of one or more of higher basis weight, density or functional particle, e.g., SAP, content.
  • the zones may be obtained by
  • zones thereby resulting in an absorbent product with profiled strata.
  • Vacuum segmentation may be used to control the width
  • the vacuum segmentation may be achieved by the use of a
  • the forming heads include rotating
  • drums, or agitators generally in a racetrack configuration, which serve to maintain fiber
  • the forming head includes a rotary agitator above a screen.
  • Other fibers such as a synthetic thermoplastic fiber, may also be introduced to the forming head through a fiber dosing system, which includes a fiber opener, a dosing unit and an air conveyor.
  • the airlaid web is transferred from the forming wire to a calender or other
  • fibers of the web may alternatively, or additionally, be bonded by application of a binder or foam addition system, followed by drying or curing. As a result, heat seals between the
  • thermoplastic material and the fibers of the various strata are formed.
  • the finished web is then rolled for future use.
  • Figure 8 depicts a process of making a fibrous web according to the present invention.
  • a carrier tissue 20 may be unwound from the supply roll 21.
  • the tissue 20 is rolled on to forming wire 18.
  • the tissue may alternatively be used as a carrier or as the lower stratum of the absorbent structure.
  • a forming is contemplated for the present invention.
  • head 24 of the airlaid web-forming machine distributes the desired fiber to form the lower
  • the stratum 23 of the absorbent structure may comprise further fibers, such as
  • thermoplastic fibers cellulosic fiber, thermoplastic fibers, and functional particles.
  • one or more forming heads of the airlaid web forming machine distributes the desired fiber for the various strata of the
  • a first forming head may be used to provide a first
  • fibrous stratum for example a stratum comprising a cellulose fiber, bicomponent fiber, and
  • the first stratum may be a wicking stratum.
  • Functional particles may optionally (or additionally) be applied to the lower strata by particle applicator 28.
  • SAP particles or other functional particles are thus advantageously (or additionally) be applied to the lower strata by particle applicator 28.
  • the deposition of fibers and particles in each strata is controlled in order to control
  • forming wire 40 has flow dividers above or blocks 41, which are disposed over the forming wire, and below the outlet of the forming head.
  • flow dividers above or blocks 41, which are disposed over the forming wire, and below the outlet of the forming head.
  • the flow dividers 41 may be attached to a carriage or other device which is located above the
  • Fibers or particles which are deposited from the forming head are blocked from
  • the stratum contains zones of one or more of higher basis weight, density or functional particle content.
  • the zones can be varied by manipulation of the
  • Figure 10 depicts the flow dividers 41 located above forming wire 40, along
  • the flow dividers are tapered so
  • vacuum blocks 42 which may be located below the forming wire in order to block the vacuum.
  • the strata is compacted or densified in a nip
  • the fibers may be compressed to the desired thickness
  • the lower stratum 23 may be compacted at this point in the manufacturing
  • Additional strata 27 and 28 can then be formed on top of lower strata 23 in the
  • particle applicators 33 and 34 and optionally nips formed by calender rolls at 35 and 36.
  • the airlaid web is transferred from the forming wire 18 and is compacted or densified, for example, by use of a calender 37 or to increase its strength and control web
  • Preferred ranges of densification are from about 0.035 to about 0.50 g/cc, more
  • the web is then subjected to further treatment including pressure, heat and/or the application of a binder.
  • a binder such as a spray or foam binder
  • a binder applicators may be applied at binder applicators
  • a series of ovens also may be used in processes of the invention, after application of the binder, for drying, curing or thermal bonding.
  • airlaid structure may be heated to a temperature in the range of from 125 to 180 °C.
  • a further overall binder may then be applied to the structure. This binder can be applied by spray, foam or mist, and is applied to reduce dust-off on the surface of the structure.
  • the air laid structure may be heated in additional ovens at a temperature in the
  • the airlaid structure may be treated at pressure in the range
  • This continuous band of fibrous web can be slit or cut to form individual absorbent articles in a cutting
  • the finished web may be slit or perforated at the heat seal to yield
  • the heat seals to be slit must be of sufficient width to provide two effective seals after slitting.
  • the absorbent article may contain also a fluid previous top sheet and a fluid impervious backsheet.
  • absorbent cores of the invention include diapers, feminine sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products.
  • the Acquisition Time the time for a given volume of saline solution to be
  • sample is a commercial diaper, simply cut elastic legbands so that diaper
  • the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult can be done after the Acquisition test, the 20-minute interval following the third insult.
  • the Rewet and Retention Test is designed to be performed immediately
  • the Acquisition Test procedure must be followed before starting this test. If no acquisition information is needed, acquisition times do not have to be recorded, however the pattern of 3 insults separated by 20-minute intervals must be followed.
  • Fluid Acquisition and Storage Efficiency FASE
  • FASE Fluid Acquisition and Storage Efficiency
  • percent SAP is weight per cent content of SAP particles in an absorbent structure or in
  • Fluid Acquisition Efficiency is
  • the structures of this invention have FASE higher than 80, preferably higher than 120 and most preferably higher than 160.
  • This method is used to test diapers and adult incontinence structures that
  • This test is used to evaluate an absorbent structure' s ability to absorb and retain fluid after being submerged in a pool of saline solution. It is performed under load in order
  • diapers - 0.7 kPa low capacity
  • medium size diapers - 2.7 kPa medium size diapers - 2.7 kPa
  • Absorbent Capacity (g) Wet Weight Post Blotting (g) - Dry Weight (g)
  • Absorbent Capacity (g) Wet Weight Post Blotting (g) - Dry Weight (g)
  • the apparatus used to measure absorbency and retention is depicted in Figures
  • the Absorbency Tester consists of two parts. Part A ( Figure 11 A) is a container to hold saline solution. A drain nozzle, which is located in the bottom of the
  • a support cylinder should be about 2.5 cm long, and about 1 cm in diameter.
  • Part B ( Figure 1 lB)has a fine screen (for
  • the screen is designed to hold a weight of up to 11.35 kg.
  • the sample and weight plates are placed on top of this screen.
  • Part B is placed inside
  • the foam is used during the test for placing between the absorbent core and the
  • This foam is covered with plastic film (at least 4 mm thickness) and sealed in any appropriate way (heat seal, seal tape, etc.) such that a wate ⁇ roof barrier is created around the foam.
  • integral is a measure of the tensile strength of a fibrous
  • the Wet Integrity as used herein is defined as the Force at Peak as
  • the present invention are higher than 4.0 mN/gsm, and preferably higher than 6.0 mN/gsm.
  • the softness of the absorbent structure is an important factor contributing to the softness of the absorbent structure.
  • absorbent structure The greater the amount of energy necessary to compress a sheet, the less soft it is.
  • Program modified compression test for example, a Thwing- Albert LT-
  • the clamp may be formed of .16 cm thick aluminum, and is 2.5 cm wide x 20 cm long.
  • the U-shape simulates the shape a diaper will take when placed on a baby.
  • the function of the clamp is two fold. First, it facilitates the testing of a full width core.
  • d max are the deflections at the start of the test and at the end of the test, respectively.
  • the pliability of the absorbent structure is also an important factor
  • Pliability can be measured by the following procedure, using a Gurley tester
  • the custom clamp was designed in such a way that it does not change the thickness of the tested material, where the
  • the existing Gurley clamp allows for testing of samples having a maximum thickness of about
  • Examples of structures tested using the custom clamp are commercial and prototype diapers and diaper cores, and commercial and prototype adult incontinence structures. This is
  • custom clamp allows the sample to be tested without any z-directional structural compression
  • lever arm Ensure that lever arm is not moving. Press motor button to move sample towards lever arm. Continue pressing motor button until sample clears lever arm. While doing this,
  • tested using the custom clamp corresponds to a 2.5 cm x 8.3 cm sample tested without using the custom clamp.
  • 0.6 cm of sample is in the original clamp, 0.6 cm extends below the top of the lever arm, and 2.5 cm is the gap between.
  • the custom clamp the same 0.6 cm in the custom clamp is used; the other 4.4 cm in the custom clamp secures the thicker sample in place. The same 0.6 cm extends below the top of the lever arm and the same 2.5 cm gap is in between.
  • absorbent structure of the present invention is higher than 60/N, preferably higher than 80/N.
  • high levels of softness, pliability and wet integrity may be achieved by applying one or a combination of the following features in the preparation
  • binder systems such as for example fine or crimped binding fibers, elastic latex binders or
  • water-soluble bonding agents by minimizing the amounts of binder, applying relatively low pressure during compaction before curing, and using relatively low pressure during the
  • Thickness is measured using an analog thickness gauge (B.C. Ames Co.;
  • the gauge has a 4.1 -cm diameter foot and is equipped with a 150-gram weight so that the pressure applied to the sample is 11.4 g/cm 2 . Thickness is measured in
  • Equipment involved in this test includes the following materials: Electronic balance ( ⁇ 0.01 g precision)
  • Fluid intake tester (FIT, Buckeye "B 144-97” design) Grade S22 blotter paper, 10.16 cm x 24.13 cm (4 in. x 9.5 in.)
  • Latex foam 10.16 cm x 24.13 cm x 3.81 cm (4 in. x 9.5 in. x 1.5 in.)
  • Topsheet spunbond polypropylene, 22 gsm, 25.4 cm x 10.16 cm (10 in. x 4 in.)
  • Latex foam can be obtained from Scott Fabrics; Memphis, TN. Blotter paper
  • the topsheet material can be obtained from Buckeye Technologies; Memphis, TN.
  • the topsheet material can be obtained from Buckeye Technologies; Memphis, TN.
  • the topsheet material can be obtained from Buckeye Technologies; Memphis, TN.
  • Buckeye design consists of a top plate and a bottom plate.
  • the top plate is a 29.7 cm x 19.0 cm x 1.3 cm plate of polycarbonate plastic.
  • the plate has a hole cut out of its center and a
  • the hollow intake cylinder is mounted in the hole.
  • the inner diameter of the intake cylinder is 2.5
  • the bottom plate of the FIT is essentially a 29.7 cm x 19.0 cm x 1.3 cm monolithic plate of polycarbonate plastic.
  • the synthetic menstrual fluid used in the combination acquisition and rewet test contains the following ingredients in the designated amounts: Deionized water 903.3 g
  • Biebrich Scarlet (red dye) can be obtained from Sigma Chemical Co.; St. Louis, MO.
  • Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, weight-average molecular weight approximately 55,000) can be used.
  • the chamber and the viscometer speed is set to 30 ⁇ m.
  • the target viscosity is between 9 and
  • Viscosity can be adjusted with additional water or PVP.
  • the sample is cut to 7 cm x 20 cm with the longer dimension in the machine
  • the sample is centered on the FIT bottom plate.
  • the topsheet is centered on the sample and the FIT top plate is lowered on top
  • topsheet The top plate is centered on the sample so that the intake cylinder is centered on the "X" marked on the sample.
  • a 10-ml insult of the synthetic menstrual fluid is poured into the intake cylinder and the amount of time taken for the sample to acquire the fluid is
  • the foam is placed on the paper and the weight is placed on top of the foam (the foam and the paper constitute a 3.4 kPa pressure on the sample) for two minutes.
  • the rewet reported in
  • grams (g) is calculated by subtracting the initial weight of the stack of papers from the final
  • weight, density and SAP content may be employed in any disposable absorbent article
  • Disposable absorbent articles include infant diapers, adult incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins and other feminine hygiene products.
  • the invention is illustrated here by performing a series of experiments in which unitary absorbent structures are produced and tested.
  • Example 1 (Samples A through C)
  • Samples A through C are three-strata, unitary absorbent cores that were manufactured on an airlaid pilot line containing three forming heads.
  • the second forming head of the pilot line was modified to form the striped strata of the present invention.
  • the first or bottom wicking stratum comprised 70 gsm of Grade ND-416 pulp (Weyerhaeuser Co.; Tacoma WA), 7 gsm of bicomponent binder fiber (Grade AL-Adhesion-C, 1.7 dtex x 4 mm, FiberVisions; Covington, GA) and
  • carrier tissue absorbent core wrap, 18 gsm, Cellu Tissue Co ⁇ oration; East Hartford, CT.
  • polyester staple fiber (15 dpf x 6 mm, Grade 376X2, Wellman, Inc.; Johnsonville, SC)
  • Sample A serves as the control for this group because it was not produced by
  • the middle storage stratum comprised 50 gsm
  • Adhesion-C bicomponent binder fiber (1.7 dtex x 4 mm).
  • the present invention was used to construct the second or middle storage strata
  • Example B to 55 mm (Sample B) to 40 mm (Sample C).
  • Sample A control
  • the target basis weight was 243 gsm and the target caliper was 2.85 mm, resulting in a target density of 0.085 g/cc.
  • Samples B and C were also
  • Figure 14 is a schematic drawing indicating how samples A through C were
  • samples B and C should have regions of higher basis weight and density at their
  • Figure 15 shows the y-direction basis weight profiles that were measure for
  • edges for samples B and C are the same, indicating the absence of a contribution to the overall
  • basis weight from the second or middle storage stratum. As indicated by the schematic drawings of Figure 14, the basis weight is the center of the unitary absorbent cores increased
  • Samples A through C were compacted to the same thickness on the airlaid pilot
  • Figure 16 shows y-direction density profiles for Samples A through C.
  • Figure 14 shows
  • Figure 16 shows the decrease in density in the edges as the basis weight decreased in the edges at fixed thickness.
  • Samples D to G show how the present invention can be used to improve product performance over the conventional technology.
  • Samples D and E are three-strata, unitary absorbent cores that were
  • wicking stratum for these examples comprised 101.8 gsm of Grade ND-416 pulp
  • the second or middle storage stratum comprised 50 gsm of Grade HPF pulp
  • the third or top acquisition stratum comprised 35 gsm of
  • polyester staple fiber (15 dpf x 6 mm, Grade 376X2, Wellman, Inc.; Johnsonville, SC) to
  • the first forming head of the pilot line was modified to form the striped strata of the present invention.
  • the standard product footprint is 70 mm by 200 mm.
  • the first strata was formed in two 22.3 -mm stripes with a 25.4-mm gap
  • Sample E was constructed in the conventional way to serve as a control.
  • Figure 17A is a schematic drawing indicating how sample was formed, stratum-by-stratum, and Figure 17B is a schematic drawing indicating how Sample E was
  • Figures 17A and 17B the longitudinal axis of the product is normal to the plane of the drawing. Figures 17A and 17B do not indicate the end-view profiles of the actual finished products after they were uniformly compacted to target
  • Table 1 shows acquisition and rewet data for samples D and E. Acquisition
  • sample D was faster and rewet was lower for sample D compared to control, sample E. It is well known
  • acquisition time can be a strong function of absorbent-core
  • Samples F and G are two-strata, unitary absorbent cores that were
  • Sample G serves as the control for this pair of samples.
  • a top stratum was
  • topsheet material that also functioned as a carrier (polypropylene spunbond with durable hydrophilic finish, 22 gsm, Avgol Nonwoven Industries; Holon, Israel).
  • This stratum comprised 92 gsm of fluff pulp (Foley Fluffs, Buckeye Technologies; Memphis, TN) and 10 gsm of bicomponent binder fiber (Grade AL-Adhesion-C, 1.7 dtex x 4 mm, FiberVisions;
  • the present invention was used to construct the top stratum for sample F.
  • the bottom stratum comprised 59 gsm of fluff pulp (Foley
  • Adhesion-C 1.7 dtex x 4 mm, FiberVisions; Covington, GA
  • 50 gsm of Favor SXM 70 superabsorbent powder (Stockhausen, Inc.; Greensboro, NC).
  • the target basis weight was 240 gsm and the target
  • Figure 18 is a schematic drawing indicating how samples F and G were formed, stratum-by-stratum. Samples F and G were formed upside down in the laboratory former, but their profiles are depicted right side up in Figures 18 A and 18B, respectively. In
  • sample F dryness
  • Example 3 (Samples H and ): The next several samples show how the present invention can be used to
  • Samples H and J are three-strata, unitary absorbent cores that were manufactured on an airlaid pilot line containing three forming heads.
  • wicking stratum for these samples comprised specified amounts of Grade ND-416 pulp
  • the first stratum for samples H and J contained 60 gsm of ND-416 pulp. See Table 4. The first stratum for these examples also contained 7 gsm of bicomponent binder fiber (Grade AL-Adhesion-C, 1.7 dtex x 4 mm, FiberVisions, Covington; GA) and carrier tissue (absorbent core wrap, 18 gsm, Cellu Tissue Co ⁇ oration; East Hartford,
  • the second or middle storage stratum comprised 50 gsm of Grade HPF pulp
  • binder fiber (1.7 dtex x 4 mm).
  • the third or top acquisition stratum comprised 35 gsm of polyester staple fiber (15 dpf x 6 mm, Grade 376X2, Wellman, Inc.; Johnsonville, SC) to which was applied an
  • emulsion binder (6 gsm, Airflex 192, Air Products Polymers; Allentown, PA).
  • the standard product footprint is 70 mm by 200 mm.
  • the first stratum was formed in one 55-mm wide stripe centered
  • Table 3 shows the basis weights and widths for the bottom strata for samples H and J. Samples H and J were uniformly compacted to a target density of 0.085 g/cc. The target basis weight in the central portions of samples H and J was 233 gsm.
  • Figure 19 shows rewet data for Samples H and J as a function of the basis
  • Example 5 The absorbent samples tested in Example 4 were used for reference to compare
  • PET Polyethylene terephthalate
  • LicontrolTM nonwoven acquisition stratum having basis weight of 48 gsm, reference number 381002-0000 from Jacob Holm Industries; Alsace, France SAS;
  • AirFlexTM 124 latex emulsion available from Air Products Polymers, L. P.; Allentown,
  • each upper stratum was 10 cm wide and 20 cm long, whereas each lower stratum was 10 cm wide and 40.6 cm long.
  • the upper stratum was placed
  • Example 6 was produced on an M&J commercial air laid machine by forming an absorbent
  • a homogeneous stratum comprised of 37 gsm ND416 pulp fibers, 92.3 gsm of FavorTM SXM 3950, and 4.0 gsm T-255TM (2.3dtexpf) bicomponent staple fiber.
  • a second homogeneous stratum comprised of 37 gsm ND416 pulp fibers, 92.3 gsm of FavorTM SXM 3950, and 4.0 gsm T-255TM (2.3dtexpf) bicomponent staple fiber.
  • stratum comprised of 37 gsm ND416 pulp fibers, 92.3 gsm of FavorTM SXM 3950, and 4.0
  • a third homogeneous stratum comprised of 38.5 gsm
  • Sample L was made using an upper stratum material produced on a Danweb pilot air laid machine in the following manner: The nonwoven acquisition stratum type
  • LicontrolTM 48 gsm was used as a forming sheet.
  • the absorbent structure was formed on the
  • Sample M was made using an upper stratum material produced on a Danweb
  • the nonwoven acquisition stratum type LicontrolTM 48 gsm was used
  • the absorbent structure was formed on the spunbond side of the two-strata nonwoven.
  • the raw materials consisting of 144 gsm CS fibers, 150 gsm FavorTM SXM 9100
  • Sample N consisted of DX119 material as an upper ply and DX122 material as a lower ply.
  • DX119 material was made in the following manner:
  • Vision bicomponent fiber 1.7 dtexpf/ 4mm cut.
  • the last or top stratum was 42 gsm poly
  • the total basis weight of the material was 547 gsm.
  • DX122 material was made in the following manner:
  • polypropylene core and polyethylene sheath (Fiber Visions 1.7 dtexpf/ 4mm cut).
  • the next stratum consisted of a uniform blend of 117 gsm of ND416, 201 gsm of Kolon MG 2600, and
  • Example 6 The absorbent samples tested in Example 6 consisted each of an upper stratum
  • Each upper stratum had a y-

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Abstract

L'invention concerne des structures absorbantes possédant un profil directionnel y de densité et de teneur en particules polymères superabsorbantes. Ces structures comprennent des zones à densité plus élevée et à teneur en particules polymères superabsorbantes plus élevée, et des zones à faible densité et à teneur en particules polymères superabsorbantes moins élevée. L'invention concerne également des procédés permettant de préparer ces structures absorbantes.
EP00978767A 1999-11-19 2000-11-17 Parties centrales absorbantes a gradient de densite y Withdrawn EP1242017A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16648999P 1999-11-19 1999-11-19
US166489P 1999-11-19
US21109100P 2000-06-12 2000-06-12
US21109000P 2000-06-12 2000-06-12
US211090P 2000-06-12
US211091P 2000-06-12
PCT/US2000/031627 WO2001035886A1 (fr) 1999-11-19 2000-11-17 Parties centrales absorbantes a gradient de densite y

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AR (1) AR026549A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU1619201A (fr)
CA (1) CA2391528A1 (fr)
CO (1) CO5200786A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA02005020A (fr)
PE (1) PE20010655A1 (fr)
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CO5200786A1 (es) 2002-09-27
WO2001035886A8 (fr) 2001-10-11
CA2391528A1 (fr) 2001-05-25
AU1619201A (en) 2001-05-30
WO2001035886A1 (fr) 2001-05-25
TW567061B (en) 2003-12-21
AR026549A1 (es) 2003-02-19
PE20010655A1 (es) 2001-06-19
MXPA02005020A (es) 2003-05-23

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