JP2955223B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an absorbent article, and more particularly, to a thin absorbent article provided with absorbent paper having excellent liquid absorption permeability and liquid diffusion property.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With respect to absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and pads for incontinent persons, many techniques have been proposed for improving the absorbability of bodily fluids. Has been done. And
Most of these improvements have been in improving the liquid absorption rate, preventing liquid return from the absorber to the surface material, preventing liquid leakage, and reducing the stickiness of the absorbent article to the body.

[0003] For example, regarding the material of the absorber, instead of using hydrophilic absorbent paper or pulp that absorbs and retains the liquid in the physical fine space, the liquid is subjected to a physicochemical action, that is, It has been proposed to use a highly absorbent polymer that improves the liquid absorption capacity by absorbing and retaining the liquid by ionic osmotic pressure and that prevents liquid return after liquid absorption. By using a superabsorbent polymer, the liquid absorptivity is improved, and at present, an absorbent using both pulp and a superabsorbent polymer is used for most absorbent articles.

However, even with such absorbent articles, prevention of liquid leakage is still not sufficient, as suggested by the fact that liquid leakage is the first complaint about absorbent articles.

[0005] That is, in a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs and retains a liquid by ionic osmotic pressure, there is a limit to the liquid absorption rate. Furthermore, since the superabsorbent polymer cannot absorb the liquid unless it is wet with the liquid, the superabsorbent polymer must be used in combination with pulp or absorbent paper having a high liquid absorption rate. However, pulp has a problem in that when a flexible fluff absorbing layer is formed as an absorber, the pulp absorbs liquid locally, and thus has poor diffusivity for efficiently using the entire absorber.

[0006] Further, pulp exhibits some degree of compressive recovery and bending recovery when dry, but has an extremely low strength when wet and hardly exhibits such recoverability. Therefore, when stress is applied to wet pulp, The pulp undergoes compressive deformation (hereinafter referred to as "yoke"), and its liquid absorption space is significantly reduced. As a result, the liquid once absorbed easily returns to the body side with the twist, causing stickiness and liquid leakage.

[0007] In addition, the liquid absorption space is reduced due to the twist, so that the movement resistance when the liquid moves to the polymer increases. As a result, not only does the liquid absorption efficiency of the polymer decrease, but also the resorbing speed of the absorber as a whole after being distorted significantly decreases, often causing liquid leakage.

In order to improve the diffusivity of the fluff pulp and reduce the liquid absorption space due to twisting, a technique for improving the diffusivity and liquid return by compressing / densifying the pulp is also used. Has been reported by However, these technologies do not solve the essential problem that the strength of the pulp is extremely reduced when wet, and conversely, the distance between the fibers of the pulp becomes too close, and the liquid is converted to the polymer. The movement resistance when moving is greatly increased, and as a result, there arises a disadvantage that the liquid absorption efficiency of the polymer is deteriorated. That is, in the absorber made of fluff pulp, the absorption and the diffusion of the liquid are not compatible, and the absorption / leak prevention is still insufficient.

On the other hand, most of the absorbent paper is made of natural pulp by wet papermaking. However, the absorbent paper produced by such a method has a strong interfacial tension between the pulp fibers and a strong tightening force due to hydrogen bonding during the dehydration and drying of the pulp during the dehydration / wet pressure / drying process during papermaking. Works. Due to this tightening force, the pulp fibers become very tight. As a result, in the absorbent paper obtained by wet-making pulp fibers, not only the absorption / permeation of the liquid becomes very slow, but also the pulp fiber space which substantially absorbs the liquid is extremely reduced.

[0010] Further, a method of improving the bulkiness of the absorbent paper by creping or embossing the absorbent paper has been attempted. However, such a method only improves the apparent thickness of the absorbent paper, hardly increases the liquid absorption space composed of pulp fibers, and does not improve the liquid absorption and permeability.

[0011] In addition, absorbent papers mainly comprising bulky cellulose fibers have been proposed. Such an absorbent paper is excellent in liquid absorption speed and liquid permeation speed because the distance between fibers is large, but is inferior in liquid diffusivity. Therefore, the liquid stays on the surface of the absorbent paper, and the surface of the absorbent paper lacks a feeling of salat. Further, when pressure is applied while absorbing the liquid, the liquid returns easily. On the other hand, absorbent papers mainly composed of softwood pulp and hardwood pulp having a small fiber diameter have been proposed. Such absorbent paper has a high density and is excellent in liquid absorbability and liquid diffusivity due to capillary action, but is inferior in liquid permeability, so that the liquid remains on the surface of the absorbent paper, and the surface of the absorbent paper has a salat. Lack of feeling. As described above, it is difficult to develop the liquid absorption and transmission properties and the liquid diffusion properties with only one sheet of absorbent paper.

Attempts have also been made to produce bulky absorbent paper by using a dry method such as the air lay method for producing absorbent paper.
That is, a bulky absorbent paper is manufactured by depositing pulp in a bulky manner and bonding the pulp with an appropriate binder. According to this method, it is possible to obtain absorbent paper having a very low density when dried, a large distance between pulp fibers, and a large liquid absorbing space. Such absorbing paper has a large liquid absorbing space even when absorbing liquid, but has a drawback that the diffusivity is very poor. Further, if the absorbent paper is under pressure while being wet with the liquid, there is also a problem that, like fluff pulp, twisting and settling occur.

[0013] Cellulose-based nonwoven fabrics such as rayon spunbond are also used as absorbent paper. Since the nonwoven fabric is made of a single fiber, the function of the absorbent paper of the nonwoven fabric is such that the diffusibility of the liquid and the absorption and permeability of the liquid are opposite to each other. In other words, the liquid diffusivity tends to improve when the fiber diameter of the single fiber is reduced, but this also decreases the inter-fiber distance, so that the liquid absorbability and permeability deteriorates. Conversely, when the fiber diameter of the single fiber is increased, the liquid absorbability and permeability are improved, but the liquid diffusivity is inferior. As described above, the absorbent paper using the nonwoven fabric cannot satisfy both the liquid diffusivity and the liquid absorption and permeability.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-89053 discloses a high-absorbency and ultra-thin structure in which an absorbent is formed by combining various absorbent papers and a high-absorbency polymer having different liquid absorbency and liquid diffusivity. Are disclosed. However, in such an absorbent article, the temporary absorption / permeation /
Since the respective functions of the absorbent article of diffusion / retention are assigned to the respective constituent members such as absorbent paper and superabsorbent polymer constituting the absorber, there is a disadvantage that the structure of the absorber becomes complicated, and cost is reduced. The problem of up occurs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article comprising absorbent paper having a large liquid absorbing space, high liquid absorption and permeability, and high liquid diffusivity.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article having a high liquid absorbency, a small amount of liquid leakage, an extremely thin and comfortable wearing feeling.

[0017]

Means for Solving the Problems As a result of diligent studies, the present inventors have studied an absorbent paper used for an absorbent body of an absorbent article, in which a specific fiber is combined and an abundance ratio is provided for the absorbent paper. It has been found that paper has both properties of liquid diffusion and liquid absorption and transmission.

The present invention has been made on the basis of the above findings, and has a liquid-permeable surface material, a liquid-impermeable leakproof material, and a liquid-retaining property interposed between the surface material and the leakproof material. In an absorbent article comprising an absorbent, the absorbent comprises absorbent paper and a superabsorbent polymer, and the absorbent paper comprises bulky cellulose fibers and hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fibers. Function of absorption / transmission layer and diffusion layer , including fine powder of
Of a single structure that combines the functions, the hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder, the existing ratio of the one surface side of the absorbent sheet is higher than the existing ratio of the other side, The average fiber length of the bulky cellulose fiber is 1
-20 mm, the average fiber length of the hydrophilic fine fibers is 0.02-0.5 mm, and the average particle size of the hydrophilic fine powder is 0.02-0.5 mm. The above object has been achieved by providing an absorbent article characterized by the above.

[0019]

As described above, the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention has the function of an absorbent permeable layer containing bulky cellulose fibers and hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder.
It is a single structure that also has the function of the diffusion layer . The bulky cellulose fibers form a bulky network structure in the absorbent paper. On the other hand, the presence ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder on one surface side of the absorbent paper is higher than the presence ratio on the other surface side. As a result, the surface side where the content ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder is low is excellent in liquid absorption speed and local liquid absorbability, and also high in liquid permeation. On the other hand, the surface side of the high proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder, because the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder has a high surface area, Excellent liquid diffusivity. Therefore, it is possible to quickly diffuse the liquid that has passed through the surface having the lower proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder. As described above, the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention has both properties of absorbing and transmitting liquid and diffusing liquid even though it has a single structure. As described above, since the absorbent paper has a liquid absorption / diffusion gradient in its single structure, the absorption speed of the liquid is high, and the spot absorption of the liquid and the permeability and diffusion of the liquid are improved. Excellent, resulting in a very high surface salat feeling. Therefore, the absorbent article of the present invention constituted by using the above-mentioned absorbent paper, by the function of the above-mentioned absorbent paper, the liquid from the liquid-permeable surface material to the high-absorbent polymer present in the liquid-retentive absorber. The flow can be idealized, the absorption is extremely high, the liquid leakage is small, and the thickness is extremely thin and the feeling of wearing is excellent.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, an absorbent paper used for an absorbent article according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, together with a preferred method for producing the absorbent paper. Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section in a thickness direction of absorbent paper used for the absorbent article of the present invention, and FIG.
It is a schematic diagram which shows the state of diffusion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent paper 11 has the function and expansion of an absorbing and transmitting layer including bulky cellulose fibers 12 and hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or hydrophilic fine powders 13.
The hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powders 13 are present in a single structure having the function of a diffused layer. Higher than the ratio, the average fiber length of the bulky cellulose fibers 12 is 1 to 20 mm, the average fiber length of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 is 0.02 to 0.5 mm,
The average particle size of the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is 0.02 to 0.5 mm.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hydrophilic fine fibers 1 contained in the absorbent paper 11 used in the absorbent article of the present invention.
3 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 has a gradient in its distribution in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper 11. That is,
In the thickness direction of the absorbent paper 11, the presence ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 on one surface side of the absorbent paper 11 is larger than the presence ratio on the other surface side. Is also higher. In the following description, among the surfaces of the absorbent paper 11, the surface having the lower proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is referred to as “surface”, and the hydrophilic fine particles 13 are referred to as “surfaces”. The surface having the higher percentage of the fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is referred to as the “back surface”.

As shown in FIG. 2, since the absorbent paper 11 used in the absorbent article of the present invention is mainly composed of the bulky cellulose fibers 12 from the above “surface” to the vicinity of the “surface”. , Has a function of quickly absorbing a liquid (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 2) and allowing the liquid to quickly pass through the “back surface”. That is, this region mainly functions as an “absorption / transmission layer” for liquid. On the other hand, from the above “back side” to “back side”
In the vicinity, since the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powders 13 are mainly used, the liquid has a function of quickly diffusing the liquid transmitted from the “surface”. That is, this region mainly functions as a “diffusion layer” of the liquid. As described above, the absorbent paper 11 used in the absorbent article of the present invention is characterized by having both an absorption-permeable layer and a diffusion layer in a single structure, and as a result, has high liquid absorbability, Moreover, the surface is extremely smooth after absorbing the liquid (sarat feeling).

As described above, the above "front surface" and the above "back surface"
There is a great difference in the diffusivity of liquid between and. That is, the liquid quickly diffuses on the “back surface” side (diffusion layer) mainly composed of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder. On the other hand, on the “surface” side (absorbing and transmitting layer) mainly composed of the bulky cellulose fibers, liquid absorption and permeation are quick, but liquid diffusion is not so fast. That is, the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention has a diffusion gradient with respect to the diffusion of the liquid in the thickness direction. Therefore, for example, when the diffusion area when 1 g of physiological saline is absorbed by the absorbent paper is adopted as a measure of the diffusivity of the liquid, the diffusion area on the “back side” side is the diffusion area on the “front side” side. Larger than. In the present invention, the ratio of the diffusion area on the “back” side to the diffusion area on the “front” side in the absorbent paper is preferably 1.2 or more, and more preferably 1.
5-20, particularly preferably 2-20. The details of the method for measuring the diffusion area will be described later.

The content ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder in the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention gradually increases from the “front side” to the “back side”. The thickness may be increased, but may be increased stepwise at a certain thickness.

On the other hand, the bulky cellulose fibers may be present uniformly in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper, but more preferably on the "front" side of the "absorbent paper" than on the "back" side. The higher the proportion, the higher. That is, it is preferable that the presence ratio of the bulky cellulose fiber has a gradient in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper.
The presence ratio may gradually increase from the “back surface” to the “front surface”, or may increase stepwise at a certain thickness.

More specifically, the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder are reduced to a total depth of about 1/3 in the thickness direction from the “back side” of the absorbent paper. Preferably about 5 to about 70% by weight, more preferably about 10 to about 70% by weight.
The diffusion layer is present at about 50% by weight and mainly composed of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder. On the other hand, from the “front” side of the absorbent paper,
At a depth of up to / 3, the bulky cellulose fibers are preferably present in an amount of about 60 to about 100% by weight, more preferably about 70 to about 97% by weight, based on the total amount thereof. The above-mentioned absorption / transmission layer serving as a main component is formed.

As described above, the distribution of the bulky cellulose fibers and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper may gradually increase. The thickness may be increased stepwise from the thickness. A particularly preferred embodiment of the absorbent paper wherein both the bulky cellulose fibers and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder have a gradient in the distribution in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper. In the form, the absorption and permeability of the liquid and the diffusivity of the liquid can be more remarkably expressed.

As described above, the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention mainly has a liquid absorbing and transmitting property on the "front" side and a liquid diffusing property on the "back" side. Therefore, when using the absorbent article of the present invention, it is preferable that the “front” side of the absorbent paper be the side that comes into contact with the liquid first.

The mixing ratio of the bulky cellulose fibers and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder in the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention is not particularly limited. The bulky cellulose fiber is preferably contained in an amount of 50 to 97 parts by weight, more preferably 70 to 95 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent paper. When the mixing ratio of the bulky cellulose fiber is 5
If the amount is less than 0 parts by weight, the bulky network structure is insufficient, and an absorbent paper having both transmission and diffusion may not be obtained.
If the amount exceeds the weight part, the mixing ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder becomes low, and the diffusivity becomes insufficient.

The hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder may be used in an amount of 3 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent paper.
It is preferably contained in an amount of from 50 to 50 parts by weight, more preferably from 5 to 30 parts by weight. If the mixing ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder is less than 3 parts by weight, the diffusivity becomes insufficient, and the mixing ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder is reduced. Exceeds 50 parts by weight, the mixing ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder on the “surface” side increases, and the permeability becomes insufficient.

The absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention may be added, if necessary, with heat-meltable adhesive fibers which are melted by heating and adhere to each other. By adding such hot-melt adhesive fibers, the absorbent paper can maintain its structural stability when wet.

The hot-melt adhesive fiber is made of the absorbent paper 10
It is preferable to add 2 to 30 parts by weight, more preferably 3 to 20 parts by weight, based on 0 parts by weight. When the addition amount is less than 2 parts by weight, the strength when the liquid is actually absorbed becomes insufficient, or the bulky cellulose fibers and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine fibers in the absorbent paper are used. In some cases, the state of mixing with the powder changes and the diffusion gradient cannot be maintained. On the other hand, if the addition amount exceeds 30 parts by weight, the hydrophilicity of the entire absorbent paper is reduced, and the liquid absorption speed and liquid diffusion ability may be insufficient.

Other optional components that can be added to the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention include, for example, other pulp such as softwood pulp, hardwood pulp and straw pulp, and dialdehyde as a strong adjuvant. Examples include starch, sponge and carboxymethyl cellulose. These components can be added in an amount of 0 to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent paper.

[0035] No particular limitation is imposed on the basis weight of the absorbent sheet used in the absorbent article of the present invention, is preferably from 10 to 200 g / m ^2, and still more preferably from 20 to 150 g / m ^2. If the grammage is less than 10 g / m ² , the absorbent paper may be too thin to exhibit the respective functions of transmission and diffusion, and if the grammage exceeds 200 g / m ² , on the contrary, the absorbent paper Is too thick, and smooth transmission of liquid, such as transmission and diffusion, may be difficult to occur.

The thickness of the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention is not particularly limited, but the thickness under a load of 2.5 g / m ² is preferably 0.2 to ² mm, ~ 1m
m is more preferable. If the thickness is less than 0.2 mm, the absorbent paper may be too thin to exhibit the respective functions of transmission and diffusion, and if the thickness exceeds 2 mm, smooth transmission of liquid such as transmission and diffusion may occur. Is less likely to occur, so that the above range is preferable.

In a preferred embodiment of the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention, the bulky cellulose fiber is contained in an amount of 50 to 97 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent paper, and the hydrophilic fine particles are used. The fiber or the hydrophilic fine powder is contained in an amount of 3 to 50 parts by weight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention, the bulky cellulose fiber is used in an amount of 70 to 100 parts by weight based on the absorbent paper.
95 parts by weight, 5 to 30 parts by weight of the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder, and 2 to 30 parts by weight of the hot-melt adhesive fiber;
200 g / m ² .

The absorbent paper is preferably produced by the method described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent paper comprises the bulky cellulose fibers 12 having an average fiber length of 1 to 20 mm and the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 having an average fiber length of 0.02 to 0.5 mm. Or, the average powder particle size is 0.
A step of dispersing the hydrophilic fine powder 13 having a size of 02 to 0.5 mm in water to form a slurry 14, and dispersing the slurry 14 on a papermaking wire 15 to form a paper layer on the papermaking wire 15; It is suitably manufactured by a method comprising a step of forming the paper layer 16 and a step of dehydrating and drying the paper layer 16.

As described above, the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention is preferably produced by a wet papermaking method. There is no particular limitation on the wet paper machine, and for example, a round mesh machine, a former machine, a fourdrinier machine and the like can be used.

The papermaking method will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4 which is an enlarged view of the portion (a) of FIG. When the slurry 14 is sprayed on the papermaking wire 15, water in the slurry 14 is removed through the papermaking wire 15 and at the same time, a paper layer 16 is formed on the papermaking wire 15.
Is formed. In the paper layer 16, the bulky cellulose fibers 12 form a bulky network structure 17 in the thickness direction as shown in FIG. On the other hand, since the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 in the slurry 14 are finer than the bulky cellulose fibers 12, they pass through the network structure 17 together with water, It is deposited on the papermaking wire 15. As a result, the distribution of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 has a gradient in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper 11. That is, as shown in FIG.
The hydrophilic fine fibers 1 on the surface in contact with 5.
3 or the presence ratio of the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is higher than the presence ratio on the other surface.

As described above, in the preferred method for producing the absorbent paper, the bulky cellulose fibers 12 and the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powders 13 are used.
By utilizing the difference in fiber length and fiber diameter from the above, a gradient is provided in the existing ratio of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper.

The concentration of the bulky cellulose fibers 12 in the slurry is preferably from 0.02 to 1% by weight, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.7% by weight, based on the total amount of the slurry. It is. If the concentration of the bulky cellulose fiber 12 is less than 0.02% by weight, the desired permeation rate becomes insufficient, or the amount of wastewater for obtaining the desired basis weight becomes too large, resulting in energy When the concentration of the bulky cellulose fiber 12 exceeds 1% by weight, the dispersibility of the fiber deteriorates,
Since the paper layer unevenness or the like may occur, the above range is preferable.

On the other hand, the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 in the slurry is preferably 0.001 based on the total amount of the slurry.
2 to 0.5% by weight, more preferably 0.003% by weight.
~ 0.3% by weight. The concentration of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is 0.002% by weight.
If the concentration is less than 0.5% by weight, the desired diffusivity may not be obtained. If the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 exceeds 0.5% by weight, the "surface" Since the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 exist also on the side, and a desired diffusion gradient may not be obtained, the above range is preferable.

Preferably, the concentration of the hot-melt adhesive fiber optionally used in the absorbent paper is 0.001 to 0.3% by weight in the slurry.
More preferably, it is 0.002 to 0.2% by weight.
If the concentration is less than 0.001% by weight, the purpose of keeping the structure of the absorbent paper stable may not be achieved,
If the concentration exceeds 0.3% by weight, the hydrophilicity of the entire absorbent paper may decrease, so that the concentration is preferably in the above range.

As described above, in the preferred method for producing absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention, when the slurry 14 is sprayed on the papermaking wire 15, the bulkiness comprising the bulky cellulose fibers 12 is increased. Network structure 17 is formed, and the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 pass through the space in the bulky network structure 17 and the papermaking wire 15 passes.
Deposit on top. For this purpose, it is important that the average fiber length of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the average powder particle size of the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is larger than the mesh of the papermaking wire 15. The above-mentioned hydrophilic fine fiber 1
If the average fiber length of 3 or the average powder particle size of the hydrophilic fine powder 13 is smaller than the mesh 15 of the papermaking wire, the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 Since the paper passes through the papermaking wire 15, it is impossible to provide a gradient in the proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder 13 in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper, which is not preferable. .
On the other hand, if the mesh of the papermaking wire 15 is too small, the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powders 13 are undesirably clogged on the papermaking wire 15. Accordingly, the opening diameter of the papermaking wire is 22 to 300 μm (58
0 to 50 mesh), preferably 45 to 25
More preferably, it is 0 μm (330 to 60 mesh) (based on New JIS (1987)).

The absorbent used in the absorbent article of the present invention described above.
According to a preferred method of manufacturing the paper, the thickness of the absorbent paper
In the direction, the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine fibers 13
It is particularly easy to provide a gradient in the distribution of fine powder 13
it can. The degree of such a gradient is determined on the papermaking wire 15.
Speed when dewatering the paper layer 16 (water drainage)
Speed). That is, the papermaking speed and the basis weight of the absorbent paper
However, if the dehydration rate is low, the degree of the gradient is small.
As a result, in the thickness direction of the absorbent paper,
And the hydrophilic fine fibers 13 or the hydrophilic fine powder
The body 13 may be distributed almost uniformly. on the other hand,
The higher the dehydration rate, the greater the gradient
But with a large energy to increase the rate of dehydration
I need ghee. Considering these, the present invention
The dehydration rate is 2 ml / cm ^Two・ Sec) or more
Preferably 3 to 30 ml / [cm^Two· Sec]
Is more preferred. For dehydration, for example,
Using the suction box used in wet paper machines
Can be

According to the above-described method, it is possible to manufacture an absorbent paper capable of exhibiting liquid absorption and permeability and liquid diffusion in a single papermaking process, thereby simplifying the papermaking process. .

Although the method for producing the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiment, the method for producing the absorbent paper is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may be applied to other embodiments. The absorbent paper can also be produced in any form, for example, by a dry papermaking method.

As another manufacturing method, a fibrous web is formed from bulky cellulose fibers, and then hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder are sprayed on the web, and then dried and integrated. By doing so, an absorbent paper having a bulky cellulose fiber layer on one side and a layer mainly composed of hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder on the other side can be obtained. According to this method, it is possible to manufacture absorbent paper in which the proportion of the bulky cellulose fibers and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder in the thickness direction changes stepwise.

Next, the bulky cellulose fiber used in the absorbent paper will be described in detail.

In the absorbent paper, it is preferable that a network structure is formed by the bulky cellulose fibers. Such a network structure is a particularly preferable structure for quickly absorbing the liquid and quickly transmitting the liquid to the “back side”. For this purpose, the bulky cellulose fibers 13 need to have an average fiber length of 1 to 20 mm, preferably 2 to 10 mm.
The more preferable average fiber length is 2 to 5 mm. If the average fiber length is less than 1 mm, the bulky network structure cannot be formed, and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder may pass between the bulky network structures. Can not. If the average fiber length exceeds 20 mm, the dispersibility in water becomes poor, and a uniform network structure cannot be formed.

As the bulky cellulose fiber, any cellulose fiber may be used as long as it is bulky.
As the cellulose fiber, for example, natural cellulose such as wood pulp and cotton, and regenerated cellulose such as rayon and cupra can be used. From the viewpoint of cost, wood pulp is preferably used, and coniferous kraft pulp is particularly preferably used. One or more of these cellulose fibers can be used.

Preferred examples of the bulky cellulose fibers include crosslinked cellulose fibers obtained by crosslinking the inside and / or between the molecules of the cellulose fibers. Such a crosslinked cellulose fiber is preferable because it can maintain a bulky structure even in a wet state. More preferred bulky cellulose fibers,
It is a crosslinked pulp, and a more preferable bulky cellulose fiber is a crosslinked pulp obtained by crosslinking a pulp having an average fiber length of 2 to 5 mm.

The method for crosslinking the cellulose fibers is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a crosslinking method using a crosslinking agent. Examples of such crosslinking agents include N-methylol compounds such as dimethylol ethylene urea and dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea; polycarboxylic acids such as citric acid, tricarballylic acid and butanetetracarboxylic acid; polyols such as dimethyl hydroxyethylene urea ;
A cross-linking agent for a polyglycidyl ether compound may be used. In particular, a crosslinking agent of a polycarboxylic acid or a polyglycidyl ether compound which does not generate formalin or the like harmful to the human body at the time of crosslinking is preferable.

The amount of the crosslinking agent used is preferably 0.2 to 20 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the cellulose fiber. If the amount used is less than 0.2 parts by weight, the crosslink density of the cellulose fibers is low, so that the elastic modulus may be significantly reduced when wet. The above range is preferable because the cellulose fibers become too rigid and may become brittle when stress is applied.

In order to crosslink the above-mentioned cellulose fibers using the above-mentioned crosslinking agent, for example, an aqueous solution of the above-mentioned crosslinking agent to which a catalyst is added as necessary is impregnated with the above-mentioned cellulose fibers, and the aqueous solution of the crosslinking agent is designed. The cellulose fibers are dehydrated so as to have an adhesion amount, and then heated to a crosslinking temperature,
Alternatively, an aqueous solution of a crosslinking agent is sprayed on the cellulose fiber so as to have a designed adhesion amount by spraying or the like, and then heated to a crosslinking temperature to cause a crosslinking reaction.

The bulky cellulose fiber preferably has an average fiber length of 1 to 20 mm and a fiber roughness of 0.3 mg / m or more. Such a cellulose fiber is preferable because the cellulose fiber accumulates in a bulky state and the bulky network structure is easily formed.

In the present invention, the term “fiber roughness” refers to a fiber having a non-uniform fiber thickness, such as wood pulp.
It is used as a scale representing the thickness of the fiber. For example, a fiber roughness meter (FJ manufactured by KAJANNI ELECTRONICS LTD.)
S-200).

As described above, with respect to the fiber roughness, the bulky cellulose fiber preferably has a fiber roughness of 0.3 mg / m or more, more preferably 0.3 to 0.3 mg / m.
2 mg / m, and a more preferable fiber roughness is 0.32 to 1
mg / m.

Examples of cellulose fibers having a fiber roughness of 0.3 mg / m or more include softwood kraft pulp [Federal Pa
"ALBACEL" (trade name) manufactured by Per Board Co. and PTI
"INDORAYON" (product name) manufactured by ntiIndorayon Utama]
And the like.

The bulky cellulose fiber preferably has a roundness of the fiber cross section of 0.5 to 1. Cellulose fiber having a roundness of the fiber cross section of 0.5 to 1,
This is preferable because the liquid has low resistance to movement and increases the liquid permeation speed. More preferably, the roundness is 0.55 to 1. The method for measuring the roundness of the fiber cross section will be described later.

As described above, in the present invention, it is preferable to use wood pulp as the cellulose fiber.
Generally, the cross section of wood pulp is flat due to delignification treatment, and most of its roundness is less than 0.5. In order to make the roundness of such wood pulp 0.5 or more, for example, the wood pulp having an average fiber length of 1 to 20 mm may be mercerized to swell the cross section of the wood pulp.

As described above, the roundness of the fiber cross section is 0.5 to
As the cellulose fiber of No. 1, mercerized pulp having a roundness of 0.5 to 1 obtained by mercerizing wood pulp is preferable. Examples of commercially available mercerized pulp that can be used in the present invention include ITT Rayoni
"FILTRANIER" (trade name) manufactured by er Inc. and "PO
ROSANIER "(product name).

In the present invention, it is also preferable to use a crosslinked mercerized pulp obtained by crosslinking the above mercerized pulp by the above-mentioned method.

In the present invention, the average fiber length is 2
Cellulose fibers (pulp) having a fiber roughness of 0.3 to 5 mm, a fiber roughness of 0.3 mg / m or more, and a roundness of the fiber cross section of 0.5 to 1 are also preferable.

More preferably, the bulky cellulose fiber has an average fiber length of 2 to 5 mm and a fiber roughness of 0.3 mg.
/ M or more, and a pulp having a roundness of a fiber cross section of 0.5 to 1 is crosslinked by the above-mentioned method.

Particularly preferable bulky cellulose fibers have an average fiber length of 2 to 5 mm and a fiber roughness of 0.3.
The pulp of mg / m or more is made into a mercer to make the roundness of the fiber cross section 0.5 to 1, and then crosslinked by the method described above.

Next, the hydrophilic fine fibers and the hydrophilic fine powder used in the absorbent paper will be described in detail.

The surface of the hydrophilic fine fibers is hydrophilic, and the average fiber length is 0.02 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.3 mm. On the other hand, the hydrophilic fine powder has a hydrophilic surface and an average powder particle size of 0.02 to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.3 mm.
mm. The average fiber length of the hydrophilic fine fibers is 0.0
When the average particle size of the hydrophilic fine powder is less than 0.02 mm or less than 2 mm, the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder may be used in the above-described preferred method of producing absorbent paper. And the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder cannot be deposited on the papermaking wire. Further, when the average fiber length of the hydrophilic fine fibers exceeds 0.5 mm or the average powder particle size of the hydrophilic fine powder exceeds 0.5 mm, the above-described preferred method of manufacturing an absorbent paper. The hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder cannot pass through the network structure formed by the bulky cellulose fibers and cannot be deposited on the papermaking wire. In the present invention, since the above-mentioned hydrophilic fine fibers and the above-mentioned hydrophilic fine powder are not generally clearly distinguished and used, both expressions are used for convenience.

As long as the above requirements are satisfied, the hydrophilic fine fibers and the hydrophilic fine powder are not particularly limited. For example, cellulose fibers and cellulose powders such as pulp, cotton and rayon; hydrophilic synthetic fibers such as polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl alcohol; inorganic fibers and powders such as kaolin, bentonite and hydrotalcite can be used. . These hydrophilic fine fibers and the hydrophilic fine powder can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Further, the hydrophilic fine fibers and the hydrophilic fine powder may be mixed and used.

As the hydrophilic fine fibers and the hydrophilic fine powder, commercially available ones can be used.
For example, pulp flocks (trade name) manufactured by Sanyo Kokusaku Pulp Co., Ltd., obtained by beating wood pulp such as softwood pulp and hardwood pulp, then mechanically pulverizing and then separating the resulting pulp with a sieve of 0.5 mm or less. Can be As another example, cellulose fibers such as wood pulp are mechanically pulverized, then hydrolyzed with an acid, and then mechanically pulverized cellulose fine fibers (powder) [manufactured by Sanyo Kokusaku Pulp Co., Ltd.] K
C-floc (trade name) and Avicel (trade name) manufactured by Asahi Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd.]. In addition, as commercially available inorganic fine fibers, hydrous magnesium silicate fibers [Eateplus ML-30 (trade name) manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.]
And the like. Among these commercially available products, cellulose fine fibers and cellulose fine powder obtained by pulverizing and pulverizing pulp are available at lower cost and can be preferably used.

Next, the hot-melt adhesive fiber optionally used for the absorbent paper will be described in detail.

Examples of the hot-melt adhesive fibers include polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl alcohol, polyester fibers, polyethylene-polypropylene composite fibers, polyethylene-polyester composite fibers, low-melting polyester-polyester composite fibers, Examples thereof include polyvinyl alcohol-polypropylene conjugate fibers having a hydrophilic fiber surface and polyvinyl alcohol-polyester conjugate fibers.
When using a conjugate fiber, any of a core-sheath type conjugate fiber and a side-by-side type conjugate fiber can be used. These heat-meltable adhesive fibers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.
Examples of the heat-meltable adhesive fibers preferably used in the present invention include polyvinyl alcohol fibers soluble in hot water, and core-sheath type polyester fibers.

The average fiber length of the hot-melt adhesive fiber is preferably 2 to 60 mm, particularly preferably 3 to 20 mm. If the average fiber length is less than 2 mm, the strength of the absorbent paper will be insufficient, and if the average fiber length exceeds 60 mm, it will not be uniformly dispersed in water and the strength will be non-uniform. The diameter of the hot-melt adhesive fiber is preferably 0.1 to 3 denier, particularly preferably 0.5 to 2 denier. If the fiber diameter is less than 0.1 denier, the strength of the fibrous body becomes insufficient, and the strength of the entire absorbent paper cannot be exhibited. If the fiber diameter exceeds 3 denier, the strength of the absorbent paper decreases due to the decrease in the number of bonded fibers. Since it becomes insufficient, it is preferable to set the above range.

Next, the absorbent article of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a cross section in the width direction of a sanitary napkin as one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram (corresponding to FIG. 5) showing a cross section in the width direction of a sanitary napkin as another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention.

The sanitary napkin 10 as one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention shown in FIG.
1. It comprises a liquid-impermeable leakproof material 23 and a liquid-retentive absorber 22 interposed between the surface material and the leakproof material.

More specifically, the sanitary napkin 10
Is formed so as to be substantially vertically long, so that when the sanitary napkin 10 is worn, the surface material 21 is located on the side in contact with the skin, and the leak-proof material 23 is located on the side in contact with the underwear. The absorber 22 is interposed between the surface material 21 and the leak preventer 23.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lower surface, all side surfaces, and the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the absorber 22 have the leak-proof material 2 as shown in FIG.
3 coated. Further, the combined body of the absorber 22 and the leak preventer 23 has the entire surface thereof as the surface material 2.
1 covered. As a result, the absorber 22
Has a central portion directly covered by the surface material 21. Therefore, the liquid permeates directly to the absorber 22 through the surface material 21.

On the side of the surface material 21 not in contact with the skin, three adhesive portions 24 are formed in a streak shape in the longitudinal direction. The adhesive portion 24 is protected by a release paper 25. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 26 denotes an adhesive for fixing the surface member 21, the absorber 22, and the leak preventer 23 to each other.

The surface material 21 is not particularly limited as long as it can transmit a liquid to the absorber 22, but is preferably a material having a feeling similar to underwear. Examples of such a surface material include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, and a porous film of a thermoplastic resin. In particular, an apertured film made of a polyolefin such as low-density polyethylene can be preferably used.

Such an apertured film can be produced, for example, by the following method. That is, a polyolefin such as low-density polyethylene is melted and extruded from a T-die, and a film is formed on a spiral knitted wire net 31 composed of a wire 31a shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Then, by sucking such a film, FIG.
An apertured film 42 having apertures 44 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 (B) and 8 (C), the apertured film 42 has a large number of top portions 45 each having a convex curved surface.
And a number of apertures 44 located between the tops 45.

The leak-proof material 23 is not particularly limited as long as it is liquid-impermeable, but is preferably a material having moisture permeability and a feeling close to underwear. The liquid-impermeable leakproof material having moisture permeability is, for example, a thermoplastic resin to which a filler of an inorganic compound or an organic compound is added is melt-extruded from a T-die or a circular die to form a film. The film can be obtained by uniaxially or biaxially stretching the film.

As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent body 22 of the absorbent article according to the present invention comprises at least the absorbent paper 22A and the superabsorbent polymer 22B. Since the absorber 22 has a very small thickness, a comfortable wearing feeling can be obtained, and the liquid absorbent is highly absorbent and hardly leaks.

More specifically, the superabsorbent polymer 22
B is wrapped inside the absorbent paper 22A, and the superabsorbent polymer 22B is sandwiched between the absorbent papers 22A. In this case, the superabsorbent polymer 22B
It is preferable that the superabsorbent polymer 22B is sandwiched between the absorbent papers 22A so as to make contact with the “back side” of the absorbent paper 22A. With such a configuration, the liquid that has passed through the surface material 21 is quickly absorbed and transmitted by the “front surface” of the absorbent paper 22A, and reaches the “back surface” of the absorbent paper 22A more smoothly. The liquid that has reached the “back side” of the absorbent paper 22A is diffused throughout the absorbent paper 22A, and then fixed to the superabsorbent polymer 22B.

As described above, in the absorbent article of the present invention, absorption / permeation / diffusion / retention of liquid is performed extremely smoothly. As a result, the absorbent article of the present invention can more reliably immobilize the liquid,
There is no liquid remaining on 1 and no liquid returning to the surface material 21. Furthermore, the absorber 22 is a sheet of the absorbent paper 22A.
And only the superabsorbent polymer 22B,
The absorbent article of the present invention can be made extremely thin and has a high feeling of wearing.

It is preferable that the superabsorbent polymer 22B be capable of absorbing and holding a liquid 20 times or more its own weight and gelling. High Absorbency Polymer 22B
The shape is not particularly limited, and for example, a spherical, scaly or particulate shape can be used. Examples of such superabsorbent polymers include starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymers, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymers, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and acrylic acid (salt) polymers. No.

Another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6, taking a sanitary napkin as an example. Although the same points as those in FIG. 5 are not described in detail, FIG.
The description described in detail above is applied as appropriate. 6, the same members as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

An absorbent body 22 in a sanitary napkin 10 as another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention shown in FIG.
Has two absorbent papers 22A and 22C and the superabsorbent polymer 22B, and the superabsorbent polymer 22B is sandwiched between the absorbent papers 22A and 22C. In this case, the above-mentioned absorbent paper 22A has its “back side”.
Is preferably in contact with the superabsorbent polymer 22B. It is also preferable that the “back side” of the absorbent paper 22C is in contact with the superabsorbent polymer 22B.
Particularly preferably, the "back side" of the absorbent paper 22A is in contact with the superabsorbent polymer 22B, and the "back side" of the absorbent paper 22C is in contact with the superabsorbent polymer 22B. With such a configuration, absorption / transmission / diffusion / retention of the liquid is performed extremely smoothly.

Although the absorbent article according to the present invention has been described based on the preferred embodiment, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be, for example, other absorbent articles such as a paper diaper and an incontinence pad. Needless to say, the present invention can be similarly applied to a sexual article.

[0092]

Next, the absorbent article of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples and comparative examples.

First, the production of bulky cellulose fibers, hydrophilic fine fibers, and hydrophilic fine powders used in Examples and Comparative Examples will be described. In the following description, “%” and “parts” indicate “% by weight” and “parts by weight”, respectively, unless otherwise specified.

[Production Example 1] The average production fiber length of cellulose fiber is 2.35 mm and the fiber roughness is 0.36 mg.
/ M, and a mercerized pulp having a roundness of a fiber cross section of 0.80 [POROSANI manufactured by ITT RAYONIER INC.
ER-J "(trade name)] and 5% dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea [crosslinking agent," Sumitex Resin NS-19 "(trade name) manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 3% metal salt Catalyst [Sumitex manufactured by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Accelerator X-110 "(trade name)]
The resulting mercerized pulp was impregnated with the crosslinking agent.

Next, the aqueous crosslinking agent solution was separated from the mercerized pulp until the amount of the aqueous crosslinking agent solution with respect to the mercerized pulp became 200%, and then heated at 135 ° C. for 10 minutes in an electric dryer. Cellulose in the mercerized pulp was crosslinked to obtain a mercerized crosslinked pulp. This is referred to as a cellulose fiber (A).

[Production Example 2] Cellulose fibers had an average fiber length of 2.56 mm and a fiber roughness of 0.35 mg.
/ M, and 100 g of softwood clat pulp [“INDORAYON” (trade name) manufactured by PT Inti Indorayon Utama] having a roundness of the fiber cross-section of 0.28.
The same operation as in Production Example 1 was performed to obtain a crosslinked pulp. This is referred to as a cellulose fiber (B).

[Production Example 3] The production average fiber length of cellulose fiber is 2.35 mm, and the fiber roughness is 0.36 mg.
/ M, and a mercerized pulp having a roundness of a fiber cross section of 0.80 [POROSANI manufactured by ITT RAYONIER INC.
ER-J "(trade name)]. This is referred to as a cellulose fiber (C).

[Production Example 4] The average production fiber length of the cellulose fiber is 2.38 mm, and the fiber roughness is 0.32 mg.
/ M, and a cross-linked pulp (“High Bulk Additive HBA-S” (trade name) manufactured by Weyerhauser Paper) having a roundness of the fiber cross section of 0.30 was prepared. This is referred to as a cellulose fiber (D).

[Production Example 5] The average production fiber length of the cellulose fiber was 2.56 mm, and the fiber roughness was 0.24 mg.
/ M, and a softwood kraft pulp [“HARMAC-R” (trade name) manufactured by MacMillan Bloedel Ltd.] having a roundness of the fiber cross section of 0.34 was prepared. This is referred to as a cellulose fiber (E). The cellulose fibers (E) are not crosslinked.

[Production Example 6] The production average fiber length of cellulose fiber was 2.56 mm, and the fiber roughness was 0.35 mg.
/ M, and softwood clat pulp [“INDORAYON” (trade name) manufactured by PT Inti Indorayon Utama] having a fiber cross-section of roundness of 0.28 was prepared. This is referred to as a cellulose fiber (F). The cellulose fibers (F) are not crosslinked.

[Production Example 7] The production average fiber length of cellulose fiber was 0.75 mm, and the fiber roughness was 0.13 mg.
/ M and a hardwood kraft pulp having a roundness of fiber cross section of 0.35 [BAHIA SUUL CO., LTD.
L CELULOSE SA ”(trade name)] was used to obtain a crosslinked pulp in the same manner as in Production Example 1. This is referred to as cellulose fiber (G).

The average fiber length, fiber roughness and roundness of the fiber cross section of the cellulose fibers (A) to (G) were measured by the following methods. Table 1 shows the results.

<Measurement of Average Fiber Length and Fiber Roughness> Measurement was performed using a fiber roughness meter FS-200 (manufactured by KAJAANI ELECTRONICS LTD.). First, in order to determine the true weight of the cellulose fiber, the cellulose fiber was heated at 100 ° C. in a vacuum dryer.
For 1 hour to remove the moisture present in the cellulose fibers.

Quickly weigh accurately about 1 g of cellulose fiber with an accuracy of ± 0.1 mg. Next, in order not to damage the cellulose fiber, the cellulose fiber is completely disintegrated in 150 ml of water with a mixer attached to the fiber roughness meter, and this is diluted with water to 5000 ml, and 50 ml of the obtained diluent is obtained. Was accurately measured and used as a fiber roughness measurement solution, and the average fiber length and fiber roughness were determined according to the operation procedure of the fiber roughness meter. The average fiber length used was a value calculated by the following equation based on the above operation.

[0105]

(Equation 1)

<Measurement of Roundness of Fiber Cross Section> The roundness of the cellulose fiber cross section was measured by first slicing the cellulose fiber perpendicularly to the cross-sectional direction so that the area of the cross section of the cellulose fiber did not change. A cross-sectional photograph was taken with a microscope, and the cross-sectional photograph was analyzed with an image analyzer [Avio EXCEL (trade name) manufactured by Nippon Avionics Co., Ltd.], and the roundness of the cellulose fiber cross-section was determined using the following equation. . The roundness was determined by measuring 100 points of an arbitrary cellulose fiber cross section and calculating the average value.

[0107]

(Equation 2)

[0108]

[Table 1]

[Production Example 8] Production of hydrophilic fine fibers Cellulose fine fibers having an average fiber length of 0.23 mm obtained by subjecting selected pulp to acid hydrolysis, washing with water and drying, and then pulverizing into fine fibers by mechanical pulverization [Sanyo Kokusaku] "KC Floc W-50" (trade name) manufactured by Pulp Co., Ltd.] was prepared. This is referred to as hydrophilic fine fiber (A).

[Production Example 9] Production of hydrophilic fine fibers Cellulose fine fibers having an average fiber length of 0.12 mm obtained by subjecting selected pulp to acid hydrolysis, washing with water and drying, and then pulverizing into fine fibers by mechanical pulverization [Sanyo Kokusaku "KC Floc W-100" (trade name) manufactured by Pulp Co., Ltd.] was prepared. This is referred to as hydrophilic fine fiber (B).

[Production Example 10] Production of hydrophilic fine fibers Hydrous magnesium silicate fine fibers having an average fiber length of 0.03 mm [Aid Plus ML-3 manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.]
0 "(product name)]. This is referred to as hydrophilic fine fiber (C).

[Production Example 11] Production of hydrophilic fine fibers Hardwood kraft pulp having an average fiber length of 0.75 mm [BAHIA
"BAHIASUL CELULOSE SA (trade name)" manufactured by SUL Co. was prepared, which is referred to as hydrophilic fine fiber (D).

[Production Example 12] Production of hydrophilic fine fibers Softwood kraft pulp having an average fiber length of 2.34 mm [Skeena
“SKEENA PRIME” (trade name) manufactured by Cellulose Co.] was prepared. This is referred to as hydrophilic fine fibers (E).

[Production Example 13]Manufacture of absorbent paper Cellulose fiber (A) concentration of 0.16%, hydrophilic fine
The concentration of the fine fiber (A) is 0.03% and the thickness is 1 denier
Polyvinyl alcohol fiber with average fiber length of 3 mm
Adhesive fiber, Fibribond (product of Sansho Co., Ltd.)
Name), hereinafter referred to as “PVA” fiber] has a concentration of 0.0
1% (0.2% as a whole slurry)
These were uniformly dispersed in water to obtain a slurry. This
Rally the wire opening diameter 90μm (166 mesh)
On the wire mesh papermaking wire
A paper layer was formed. Using a suction box, 6ml
/〔cm ^Two[Sec]. Next
After drying the paper layer with a dryer, crepe
10% imparted, basis weight 80g / m^TwoWas obtained. this
Absorbent paper is cellulose fiber based on 100 parts by weight of absorbent paper.
(A) 80 parts, hydrophilic fine fiber (A) 15 parts, above
The PVA fiber contained 5 parts.

[Production Example 14] Production of absorbent paper The concentration of the cellulose fiber (B) was 0.16%, the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fiber (B) was 0.034%, and the concentration of the PVA fiber was 0.1%. The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that these were uniformly dispersed in water so as to be 006% to obtain slurry, thereby obtaining absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² .
This absorbent paper contained 80 parts of the cellulose fiber (B), 17 parts of the hydrophilic fine fiber (B), and 3 parts of the PVA fiber based on 100 parts of the absorbent paper.

[Production Example 15] Production of absorbent paper Average concentration of cellulose fiber (D) was 0.15%, hydrophilic fine fiber (A) was 0.04%, and thickness was 1.1 denier. The concentration of polyethylene terephthalate fiber having a fiber length of 5 mm (heat-meltable adhesive fiber, "TMOTNSB" (trade name) of Teijin Limited, hereinafter referred to as "PET" fiber) is 0.
The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that these were uniformly dispersed in water to obtain a slurry so that the concentration became 01%, to thereby obtain an absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . This absorbent paper
75 parts of cellulose fiber (D) based on 100 parts of absorbent paper
Parts, 20 parts of hydrophilic fine fibers (A) and 5 parts of the above PET fibers.

Production Example 16 Production of Absorbent Paper The concentration of the cellulose fiber (D) was 0.17%, the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fiber (C) was 0.02%, and the concentration of the PVA fiber was 0.1%. These were uniformly dispersed in water so as to have a concentration of 01% to obtain a slurry. This slurry was sprayed on a wire mesh papermaking wire having a wire opening diameter of 26 μm (518 mesh) to form a paper layer on the wire mesh papermaking wire. Using a suction box, 6 ml / [cm ² · sec
The paper layer was dehydrated at the speed described above. Next, after the paper layer was dried with a dryer, 10% of crepe was applied to obtain an absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . This absorbent paper contained 85 parts of cellulose fiber (D), 10 parts of hydrophilic fine fiber (C) and 5 parts of the PVA fiber based on 100 parts of absorbent paper.

Production Example 17 Production of Absorbent Paper The concentration of the cellulose fiber (C) was 0.16%, the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fiber (A) was 0.03%, and the concentration of the PET fiber was 0.1%. The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that these were uniformly dispersed in water to obtain a slurry so that the concentration became 01%, to thereby obtain an absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . The absorbent paper contained 80 parts of the cellulose fiber (C), 15 parts of the hydrophilic fine fiber (A), and 5 parts of the PET fiber based on 100 parts of the absorbent paper.

Comparative Production Example 1 Production of Absorbent Paper The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that cellulose (E) was used instead of cellulose fiber (A), and the basis weight was 80 g.
/ M ² of absorbent paper.

Comparative Production Example 2 Production of Absorbent Paper The same operation as in Production Example 14 was carried out except that cellulose (G) was used instead of cellulose fiber (B), and the basis weight was 80 g.
/ M ² of absorbent paper.

[Comparative Production Example 3] Production of absorbent paper The concentration of cellulose fiber (F) was 0.16%, the concentration of hydrophilic fine fiber (D) was 0.03%, and the concentration of PET fiber was 0. The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that these were uniformly dispersed in water to obtain a slurry so that the concentration became 0.01%, thereby obtaining absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . This absorbent paper contained 80 parts of cellulose fiber (F), 15 parts of hydrophilic fine fiber (D), and 5 parts of the PET fiber based on 100 parts of absorbent paper.

Comparative Production Example 4 Production of Absorbent Paper The concentration of the cellulose fiber (G) was 0.16%, the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fiber (E) was 0.03%, and the concentration of the PET fiber was 0. The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that these were uniformly dispersed in water to obtain a slurry so that the concentration became 0.01%, thereby obtaining absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . This absorbent paper contained 80 parts of cellulose fiber (G), 15 parts of hydrophilic fine fiber (E), and 5 parts of the PET fiber based on 100 parts of the absorbent paper.

Comparative Production Example 5 Production of Absorbent Paper The concentration of cellulose fiber (D) was 0.08%, the concentration of hydrophilic fine fiber (E) was 0.04%, and the concentration of PET fiber was 0. The same operation as in Production Example 13 was carried out except that these were uniformly dispersed in water to obtain a slurry so that the concentration became 0.08%, to thereby obtain an absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . This absorbent paper contained 40 parts of cellulose fiber (D), 20 parts of hydrophilic fine fiber (E) and 40 parts of the PET fiber based on 100 parts of absorbent paper.

[Comparative Production Example 6] Manufacture of absorbent paper The cellulose fiber (E) was adjusted to a concentration of 0.2%
Except that this is uniformly dispersed in water to make a slurry,
The same operation as in Production Example 13 was performed to obtain an absorbent paper having a basis weight of 80 g / m ² . This absorbent paper is composed only of the cellulose fibers (E).

[Comparative Production Example 7] Production of absorbent paper The production example was the same as that described above except that the hydrophilic fine fibers (D) were uniformly dispersed in water so that the concentration of the hydrophilic fine fibers (D) became 0.2% to form a slurry. Perform the same operation as in Example 13 to obtain a basis weight of 80 g / m ^2.
Was obtained. This absorbent paper is composed of only hydrophilic fine fibers (D).

Production Examples 13 to 17 and Comparative Production Examples 1 to
The following measurement was performed on the absorbent paper obtained in 7. Table 2 shows the results.

<Measurement of Absorption Time> As shown in FIG. 9, an absorption paper 51 (200 mm × 75 mm) was placed horizontally,
An acrylic plate 52 having an injection port 54 of mm is placed thereon, and a weight 53 is further placed thereon.
A load of cm ² was applied. Next, 6 g of defibrillated horse blood (manufactured by Japan Biotest Laboratory Co., Ltd.) was injected from the injection port 54,
The time until the defibrillated horse blood was completely absorbed was measured.
The average value of the five measurements was taken as the absorption time.

<Measurement of Diffusion Area> As shown in FIG. 10, the absorbent paper 51 (200 × 75 mm) was placed horizontally so that the “surface” of the absorbent paper 51 was on the upper side. Tube 61 with 2 mm inlet
Through 1 g of saline 62 at a speed of 1 g / 10 seconds.
Was injected into absorbent paper 51. The distance between the tip of the tube 61 and the absorbent paper was about 10 mm. Saline is 0.0
It was colored and used with 1% Food Blue No. 1 (Tokyo Kasei Kogyo Co., Ltd.). About 1 minute after the injection of the physiological saline, the diffusion area (cm ² ) of the “surface” of the absorbent paper was accurately traced and measured by an image analyzer. The same operation is performed by horizontally setting the absorbent paper 51 so that the “back side” of the absorbent paper 51 is on the upper side, and accurately tracing the diffusion area (cm ² ) of the “back side”, and using an image analyzer. It was measured. Next, the diffusion area ratio between the "front surface" and the "back surface" of the absorbent paper was determined by rounding off the second decimal place according to the following equation.

[0129]

(Equation 3)

<Evaluation of Surface State after Liquid Absorption> As shown in FIG. 10, the absorbent paper 51 (200 × 75 mm) was placed horizontally so that the “surface” of the absorbent paper 51 was on the upper side, and the microtube pump was used. From 3, 3 g of physiological saline was injected into the absorbent paper 51 at a speed of 1 g / 10 seconds through a tube 61 having an inlet of 2 mm in diameter. Approximately one minute after the injection of the physiological saline, the sensory evaluation of the "surface" of the absorbent paper was made. The same operation was performed by horizontally setting the absorbent paper 51 so that the “back side” of the absorbent paper 51 was on the upper side. The evaluation criteria are as follows.

；: Physiological saline hardly stayed on the absorbent paper, giving a sense of sarat. Δ: Physiological saline slightly retained on the absorbent paper, but had a slight salat feeling. X: A considerable amount of physiological saline remains on the absorbent paper, and it feels sticky.

[0132]

[Table 2]

As is evident from the results in Table 2, the absorbent paper in the production example has a fast absorption time, has a liquid diffusion gradient, and has an excellent salat feeling. On the other hand, the absorption paper in the comparative production example has a diffusion area ratio of 1 because there is no diffusion gradient relating to the diffusivity of the liquid in the thickness direction.

Example 1 Production of Absorbent Article A sanitary napkin 10 shown in FIG. 5 was produced. Production Example 13
Was used as the absorbent paper 22A (length 195 mm, width 160 mm). The area of 195 mm in length and 70 mm in width on the “back side” of the absorbent paper 22A is provided with the super absorbent polymer 22.
B was dispersed substantially uniformly so that the amount of application was 50 g / m ² . Next, the absorbent paper 22A is folded inward, and the superabsorbent polymer 22B is wrapped in the absorbent paper 22A, and the absorbent 2
2 (therefore, the "front" side of the absorbent paper 22A corresponds to the outside of the absorber 22). The width of the absorber 22 was 75 mm. As the highly absorbent polymer 22B, sodium polyacrylate [Polymer Q (trade name) of Kao Corporation] was used. The absorber 22 was wrapped with polyethylene laminated paper (leak-proof material 23), and the combined body of the absorber 22 and the leak-proof material 23 was further wrapped with the surface material 21. Then, the surface material 21, the absorber 22, and the leak preventer 23 were fixed to each other with an adhesive 26. As the surface material 21, FIG.
The apertured films shown in (A) to (C) were used. The apertured film is formed by melt-extruding low-density polyethylene from a T-die, forming a film on a spiral knitted wire mesh shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and then suctioning the film. . Further, on the lower surface side of the sanitary napkin 10, three adhesive portions 24 are formed in a streak shape in the longitudinal direction. This adhesive portion 24 is protected by a release paper 25.

Examples 2 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7 Production of Absorbent Articles Production Examples 14 to 17 in place of the absorbent paper obtained in Production Example 13
A sanitary napkin was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the absorbent papers obtained in Comparative Production Examples 1 to 7 were used.

With respect to the sanitary napkins obtained in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 to 7, the absorption time, dynamic liquid return amount, and leak test (number of leak occurrences) were measured by the following methods. Table 3 shows the results.

<Absorption time and dynamic liquid return amount> In the apparatus for measuring the liquid absorption time of absorbent paper shown in FIG. 9, the sanitary napkin 10 was placed horizontally instead of the absorbent paper 51, and the diameter was 10 mm.
An acrylic plate 52 having an injection port 54 is placed thereon,
A weight 53 is further placed on the sanitary napkin 10 for 5
g / cm ² was applied. Next, 6 g of defibrillated horse blood (manufactured by Nippon Biotest Laboratory Co., Ltd.) was injected from the inlet 54, and the time until the defibrillated horse blood was completely absorbed was measured.

The defibrillated horse blood is left for 20 minutes after it is completely absorbed. Then, this sanitary napkin 10
Paper (length 195 mm x width 75 mm,
Ten sheets having a basis weight of 30 g / m ² ) were stacked, and the sanitary napkin 10 and the paper in this state were attached to the female waist model 70 shown in FIG. 11 as shown in FIG. Next, after wearing the shorts on the female waist model 70, the woman was allowed to walk at a walking speed of 100 steps / min (50 m / min). After walking, the sanitary napkin 10 and ten sheets of paper were taken out, and the weight of the defibrated horse blood absorbed in the paper was measured. This is defined as the dynamic liquid return amount (g).

The absorption time and the dynamic liquid return amount were measured 10 times, and the average value was taken as the absorption time and the dynamic liquid return amount.

<Leak test (number of leak occurrences)>
11 and the sanitary napkins obtained in Comparative Examples 1 to 7 are shown in FIG.
12 was attached to the female waist model 70 shown in FIG. Next, after wearing the shorts on the female waist model 70, the woman was allowed to walk at a walking speed of 100 steps / min (50 m / min).

Thereafter, 3 g of the defibrillated horse blood was injected into the sanitary napkin through the tube 71 while walking, and then, at the same walking speed for 10 minutes (total amount: 3 g), and thereafter, the defibrillated horse blood was transferred to the sanitary napkin. After injecting 3g into
At the time of walking for 10 minutes at the same speed (total amount 6 g), and after injecting 3 g of defibrillated horse blood into a sanitary napkin, and then walking at the same speed for 10 minutes (total amount 9 g), the number of samples was 10 at each time point. The number of leaked sheets was counted.

[0142]

[Table 3]

As is clear from the results in Table 3, the absorbent article of the present invention has a very simple structure, but has a fast liquid absorption time, a small amount of liquid return, and the number of occurrences of leakage. It is an extremely high-performance one with little. this is,
Since the absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention has a liquid absorption / diffusion gradient in its single structure, it absorbs the liquid quickly and allows the liquid to pass through the absorbent paper smoothly. In addition, the liquid is sufficiently diffused on the “back side” of the absorbent paper.

[0144]

The absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention has a liquid absorption and diffusion gradient in a single structure, and therefore has a high liquid absorption speed and a liquid spot absorption. Excellent permeability and liquid permeability and diffusion properties, as a result,
The appearance of the surface is very high. Therefore, the absorbent article of the present invention is extremely high absorbent, has little liquid leakage, is extremely thin, and has an excellent wearing feeling.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a cross section in a thickness direction of absorbent paper used for an absorbent article of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state of absorption and diffusion of a liquid by an absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a preferred method for producing absorbent paper used in the absorbent article of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a part (a) of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section in a width direction of a sanitary napkin as one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram (corresponding to FIG. 5) showing a cross section in the width direction of a sanitary napkin as another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a spiral knitted wire mesh for producing a liquid-permeable surface material.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid-permeable surface material.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for measuring an absorption time.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing a device for measuring a diffusion area.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a female waist model.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an absorbent article is mounted on a female waist model.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 sanitary napkin 11 absorbent paper 12 bulky cellulose fiber 13 hydrophilic fine fiber or hydrophilic fine powder 14 slurry 15 papermaking wire 16 paper layer 17 network structure 21 liquid permeable surface material 22 liquid retaining absorber 23 Liquid-impermeable leakproof material 24 Adhesive part 25 Release paper 26 Adhesive

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI B32B 5/26 D21H 11/20 // D21H 11/20 A41B 13/02 D D21H 5/22 C 5/14 Z (56) Reference Document JP-A-6-287886 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) A61F 13/15 A61F 5/44 A61F 13/46 B32B 5/26 D21H 11/20

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable surface material, a liquid-impermeable leakproof material, and a liquid-retentive absorber interposed between the surface material and the leakproof material. The absorber comprises an absorbent paper and a highly absorbent polymer, and the absorbent paper contains bulky cellulose fibers and hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder , function
And a single structure having the function of a diffusion layer, wherein the proportion of the hydrophilic fine fibers or hydrophilic fine powder on one side of the absorbent paper is greater than the proportion on the other side. The average fiber length of the bulky cellulose fiber is 1 to 20 mm
The average fiber length of the hydrophilic fine fibers is 0.02 to 0.5
mm, and the hydrophilic fine powder has an average powder particle size of 0.02 to 0.5 mm. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bulky cellulose fiber is 50 to 97 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent paper, and the hydrophilic fine fibers or the hydrophilic fine powder is 3 to 50 parts by weight.
The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article comprises parts by weight. 3. A hot melt adhesive fiber; 70 to 95 parts by weight of the bulky cellulose fiber based on 100 parts by weight of the absorbent paper, the hydrophilic fine fiber or the hydrophilic fine powder. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent paper comprises 5 to 30 parts by weight and 2 to 30 parts by weight of the hot-melt adhesive fiber; and the basis weight of the absorbent paper is 10 to 200 g / m ² . 4. The bulky cellulose fiber is 0.3 mg.
/ M or more. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the bulky cellulose fiber has an average fiber length of 2 to 5 mm. 6. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the bulky cellulose fiber is a crosslinked pulp. 7. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the bulky cellulose fiber is pulp having a roundness of the fiber cross section of 0.5 to 1. 8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said hydrophilic fine fibers are cellulose fibers, and said hydrophilic fine powder is cellulose powder. 9. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein a diffusion area ratio between the front side and the back side of the absorbent paper when absorbing 1 g of physiological saline is 1.2 or more. 10. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said absorbent comprises said superabsorbent polymer sandwiched between said absorbent papers.