MXPA01009002A - Articles comprising oxidising and hemolytic agents - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to articles coming into contact with bodily fluids, preferably absorbent articleslike sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise an oxidising agent having a reduction potential higher than that of the reaction of Fe2+ to Fe3+ together with a hemolytic agent. In a preferred embodiment the articles further comprise an additional odour control agent.

Description

ARTICLES THAT INCLUDE OXIDATION AND HEALTHY AGENTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to articles, such as absorbent articles comprising an oxidation agent as described herein in conjunction with a hemolytic agent.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Articles such as absorbent articles are designed to be worn by humans to absorb body fluids, such as menstrual fluid. Examples of the absorbent articles include sanitary napkins, pantiliners, tampons, interlabial devices, and the like. In use, it is known that these absorbent articles acquire a variety of malodorous compounds, for example volatile fatty acids (for example, sovaleric acid), ammonia, amines (for example triethylamine), sulfur-containing compounds (for example mercaptans, sulfides), alcohols, ketones and aldheidos (for example, furaldehyde) that release unpleasant odors. These compounds may be present in the body fluid or may be developed by chemical reactions and / or any of the mechanisms of fluid degradation once the body fluid is absorbed in the absorbent article such as a female pad. In addition to body fluids they usually contain microorganisms and / or enzymes that can also generate fetid byproducts as a result of degradation mechanisms such as rotting degradation, acid degradation, protein degradation, fat degradation and the like. The unpleasant odors emanating from the absorbent pads when in use can make the user feel demure. Another disadvantage associated with these absorbent articles is that the body fluid such as menstruation which comes into contact with the absorbent articles can make the user feel dirty. It is an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article that provides a better feel and a higher level of cleanliness acceptable to the wearer when in contact with body fluids such as menstruation / blood. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide both the outstanding cleaning level and the relevant odor control over a wide range of malodorous compounds. It has now been known that the above needs can be addressed by combining an oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than the reduction potential of the Fe2 + to Fe3 + reaction, preferably a peroxyacid such as e-phthalimido peroxyhexanoic acid (PAP), or a diacyl peroxide such as dibenzoyl peroxide, benzoyl lauroyl peroxide and / or dilauroyl peroxide, together with a hemolytic agent, preferably a zwitterionic surfactant as a quaternary ammonium surfactant, in an article which comes into contact with the body fluid such as menstruation, preferably a disposable absorbent article. In fact, the present invention due to the presence of the oxidation agent as described herein and the hemolytic agent provides an absorbent article capable of changing the color of menstruation (red color of blood) to a pale red color and even to a whitish color. Without being bound by theory, it is speculated that the bleaching of blood is due to oxidation by means of the oxidation agent as defined herein, from Fe2 + from hemoglobin to Fe3 + with the formation of methaemoglobin (brown) followed by denaturation of the protein that results in a bleaching of the brown color. The hemolytic agent has been found to improve iron oxidation by facilitating access of the oxidizing agent to hemoglobin. In fact, the hemolytic agent is capable of breaking the erythrocyte membrane, thus facilitating the oxidation reaction of the hemoglobin iron by the oxidation agent. In other words, the presence of the hemolytic agent allows the instantaneous oxidation of the menstruation as soon as it is in contact with both the hemolytic agent and the oxidation agent present in an absorbent article as well as the desired bleaching effect with the reduced level of the agent of oxidation, as compared to the use of the same absorbent article containing only the oxidation agent without the hemolytic agent. It has also surprisingly been found that the combination of an oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than that of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3", preferably a peroxyacid such as e-phthalimido peroxyhexanóic acid (PAP), or a diacyl peroxide such as dibenzoyl peroxide, benzoyl lauroyl peroxide and / or dilauroyl peroxide, together with a hemolytic agent, preferably a zwitterionic surfactant as a quaternary ammonium surfactant, in an article, such as an absorbent article that is in contact with body fluids results in a significantly improved odor control as compared to the odor control obtained with the same article comprising only the oxidation agent without the hemolytic agent. Actually, this combination gives effective odor control over a wider range of foul odors. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the diacyl peroxyacids and peroxides as described herein are used as the oxidation agent. These oxidizing agents are particularly preferred here as they provide the outstanding benefits described herein (blood bleaching and odor control) without the generation of foul-smelling by-products such as chlorine derivatives and ammonium derivatives, when these are in contact with bodily fluids. Also these oxidation agents do not interfere with the discoloration obtained according to the present invention since the color itself is white. Finally, these oxidation agents have an excellent safety profile. While the present invention is preferably directed to absorbent articles such as pantiliners, feminine pads, tampons, interlabial pads and the like, other articles may include the two essential agents described herein also for the purpose of effective blood bleaching and effective odor control when they are in contact with body fluids that contain blood. Actually, other applications include other items designed to be brought into contact with the body such as garments, bandages, heating pad, acne pads, cold pads, compresses, surgical pads / bandages and the like, body cleaning articles such as wet towels impregnated (for example, baby towels, towels for intimate female hygiene), impregnated facial paper, towels and the like. U.S. Patent No. 4363322 discloses liquid absorbing and disinfecting products such as a sanitary napkin, a napkin or a diaper, comprising a material that absorbs liquid and within the product at a distance from its outer edges a substance that oxygen discharges in contact with moisture such as ozonide peroxides, superperoxides, oxo-ozonides and the like. European Patent EP-A-268 459 discloses a body fluid absorbent article provided with an absorbent member comprising 50% to 99% by weight of a fibrous material and 50% to 1% by weight of an absorbent polymer, Whose absorbent member contains at least one compound selected from reducing agents containing sulfur, antioxidants and oxidation agents. Other agents for odor control are known in the art. Examples of these types of compounds include activated carbons, clays, zeolites, silicates, starches, cyclodextrin, ion exchange resins and various mixtures thereof as for example described in European Patent EP-A-348 978, European Patent EP- A-510 619, and in the international publications WO 91/12029, WO 91/1 1977, WO 89/02698 and / or WO 91/12030. None of these references describe absorbent articles with an oxidation agent as defined herein in combination with a hemolytic agent to improve the comfort of use of these articles thus controlling the odor emanating from the menstrual type body fluid as decreasing the reddish color of the menstruation to a light red or even whitish color. This change in color allows the decrease and even eliminate the fear and disturbance that accompanies bleeding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an article, preferably a disposable absorbent article, comprising at least one oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than that of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +, and at least one hemolytic agent. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the article also comprises an additional odor control agent, preferably at least one gelling absorbent material. The present invention also encompasses the use, as an odor control system, of an oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than that of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +, preferably a peroxyacid and / or a diacyl peroxide, together with a hemolytic agent, preferably a zwitterionic surfactant. The present invention further encompasses the use of an oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than that of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +, preferably a peroxy acid and / or a diacyl peroxide, together with a hemolytic agent, preferably an agent zwitterionic surfactant, in an article, typically a disposable absorbent article, so as to provide improved cleaning when the article is in contact with body fluids containing blood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The articles, to discolor the reddish color associated with body fluids containing blood and to control the odor associated with bodily fluids, in accordance with the present invention comprise as an essential element an oxidation agent having a greater reduction potential than that of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +, and a hemolytic agent. By "article" is meant herein any three-dimensional solid material that is capable of receiving / carrying the oxidation agent and the hemolytic agent as described hereinafter. Preferred articles according to the present invention are disposable absorbent articles that are designed to be worn in contact with a wearer's body and to receive discharged fluids from the body, such as disposable absorbent pantiliners, sanitary napkins, catamenial products, tampons, interlabial pads / inserts and the like. Other articles suitable in accordance with the present invention include other articles designed to be brought into contact with the body such as garments, bandages, thermal pads, acne pads, cold treatment pads, compresses, surgical pads / bandages and the like, as well as body cleaning items such as impregnated towels (e.g., baby wipes, towels for intimate female hygiene), impregnated facial papers, towels, and the like. By "body fluids" is meant here fluids containing blood produced by the human or animal body that occur naturally (eg, menstruation) or accidentally as for example in the case of skin cutting.

The oxidation agent The oxidation agent according to the present invention are any oxidation agent known to those skilled in the art having a reduction potential greater than one of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +. The standard value E ° of the reduction potential at 25 ° C and at a pressure of 1 atmosphere for Fe3 + + e < í = > Fe2 + is 0.771 V. In this way, the oxidation agents to be used here have a standard reduction potential E ° greater than 0.771 V. The standard reduction potential is a well-known criterion in the field of chemistry to define the oxidation potential / reduction of a given material. It is for example illustrated in the CRC manual of chemistry and physics, 76th. edition, David R. Lide, Ph.D. CRC pages 8-21 to 8-33. A suitable way to measure the standard potential is made by reference to the SHE (standard hydrogen electrode) by means of an electrochemical cell. This method is, for example, illustrated in KIRK OTHMER, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology 1981, Vol. 15, page 39-40. Unlike the tables that list the potential standards, the values for the oxidation agents are experimental values that depend on the experimental conditions, electrodes and techniques used. Therefore, the reduction potential can be reported as experimental values, usually a half wave potential (E1 / 2 in polarography) or a maximum potential (Ep in a cyclic voltmeter). Any of the conditions / electrodes / techniques used, the oxidation agents suitable for use here have a reduction potential greater than the reduction potential of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +. In other words, to define the oxidation agents herein the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 + is taken as a reference to the same test conditions. Oxidation agents to be used herein include oxygen bleaches such as peroxygen bleaches or mixtures thereof. Such peroxygen bleaches include hydrogen peroxide, percarbonates, persulfates, perborates, peroxyacids, alkyl hydroperoxides, peroxides, diacyl peroxides, ozonides, superoxides, oxo-ozonides, periodates, salts thereof or mixtures thereof. Diacyl peroxyacids and peroxides are preferred herein. Suitable hydroperoxides for use herein include tert-butyl hydroperoxide, cumyl hydroperoxide, 2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-2-hydroperoxide, di-isopropylbenzene monohydroperoxide, tert-amyl hydroperoxide and 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5. -dihydroperoxide. Peroxides suitable for use herein include for example lithium peroxide, sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide, ammonium peroxide, calcium peroxide, rubidium peroxide, cesium peroxide, strontium peroxide, barium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, peroxide. of mercury, silver peroxide, zirconium peroxide, hafnium peroxide, titanium peroxide, phosphorus peroxide, sulfur peroxide, rhenium peroxide, iron peroxide, cobalt peroxide, nickel peroxide, other alkali metal salts of the same or alkaline metal salts of the same or mixtures thereof.

Superoxides suitable for use herein include, for example, lithium superoxide, sodium superoxide, potassium superoxide, calcium superoxide, rubidium superoxide, cesium superoxide, strontium superoxide, barium superoxide, other alkali metal salts thereof. or alkaline metal salts of the same or mixtures thereof. Ozonides to be used herein include for example lithium ozonide, sodium ozonide, potassium ozonide, rubidium ozonide, cesium ozonide, ammonium ozonide, tetramethyl ammonium ozonide, strontium ozonide, barium ozonide, magnesium ozonide, other alkaline salts of the same or alkaline earth metal salts thereof or their mixtures. Suitable perborates for use herein include for example sodium perborate, potassium perborate, ammonium perborate or other alkali metal salts thereof or alkaline earth metal salts thereof and mixtures thereof. Suitable persulfates for use herein include sodium persulfate, potassium dipersulfate, potassium persulfate, as well as other alkali metal salts thereof or mixtures thereof. Other suitable peroxygen bleaches also include diacetylperoxydicarbonate, 1, 1 bis (tert-butylperoxy) -3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, di (1 -naphthyl) peroxide, tert-butyl perbenzoate O, O, -t-butyl-O-isopropyl mono -peroxycarbonate, percarbonates such as stearyl percarbonate, 2-ethylhexyl percarbonate and sec-butyl percarbonate and corresponding perborates and persulfates. The diacyl peroxides suitable for use herein are in accordance with the formula: RrC (O) -OO- (O) C-R2 wherein Ri and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from the group of hydrocarbon groups substituted or unsubstituted replace, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 40 and more preferably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms. Diacyl peroxides suitable for use herein include those in which Ri and R2 are independently an aliphatic group, those in which Ri and R2 are independently an aromatic ring and those in which Ri is an aliphatic group and R2 is an aromatic ring. Typically, Ri and R2 are independently an aliphatic group having from 2 to 40, more preferably from 4 to 30, even more preferably from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. These aliphatic groups may be linear, branched, cyclic, saturated, unsaturated, substituted, unsubstituted, or their mixtures. Preferably, the aliphatic groups are linear and comprise from 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and more preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. Where said aliphatic group is substituted, the carbon atom is preferably substituted with halide or sulfate-containing or nitrogen-containing functionalities such as SO 3 -, SO 4 -, NO 2, NR 3 + where R = H or an alkyl chain containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Typically, Ri and R2 may independently be a mono- or polycyclic aromatic ring, or a substituted or unsubstituted homo or heteroaromatic ring having from 2 to 50 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Where said aromatic ring is substituted, the carbon atom is preferably substituted with a halide, a sulfur-containing group, a nitrogen-containing group or an alkyl chain wherein the number of carbon atoms varies from 1 to 20, most preferably from 4 to 10. Suitable substituents containing sulfur or containing nitrogen include SO3-, SO4-, NO2, NR3 + where R = H or is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms. The preferred aromatic ring is benzene.

Particularly suitable diacyl peroxides for use herein are those wherein Ri is an aliphatic group as defined herein above and R2 is a mono- or polycyclic aromatic ring, a homo or heteroaromatic ring, substituted or unsubstituted as defined herein above. Said preferred diacyl peroxides are benzoyl alkanoyl peroxides wherein the alkanoyl group has from 4 to 20 carbon atoms and more preferably from 8 to 18 carbon atoms. The diacyl peroxides suitable for use herein are dilauroyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dimyristoyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, di-4-methylbenzoyl peroxide, di-p-methoxy-benzoyl peroxide, acetyl benzoyl peroxide, benzoyl stearoyl peroxide, benzoyl decanoyl peroxide, benzoyl cetyl peroxide , para-alkyl benzoyl lauroyl peroxide, para-alkyl benzoyl decanoyl peroxide, para-alkyl benzoyl ketoyl peroxide, di-4-phenylbenzoyl peroxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, t-butyl cumyl peroxide, diethyl peroxide, diacetyl peroxide, dicumyl peroxide, diheptanoyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, benzoyl lauroyl peroxide, diheptanoyl peroxide, distearoyl peroxide, disuccinyl peroxide, 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl peroxide, or mixtures thereof. The highly preferred diacyl peroxides herein are dilauroyl peroxide which may be commercially available as flakes by AKZO NOBEL under the name Laurox®, or as a powder under the name Laurox S®, or in suspension in water under the name Laurox W 40®, or dibenzoyl peroxide which may be commercially available from AKZO NOBEL under the name Lucidol® in powder form or Lucidol W40® in the form of a suspension in water, and / or benzoyl lauroyl peroxide. The aromatic alkanoyl peroxides described herein as the benzoyl lauroyl peroxide are readily synthesized by persons skilled in the art, see for example Organic Peroxides, volume 1; page 65, edited by Daniel Swem of Wiley Interscience. Suitable peroxyacids for use herein are according to the following formula: R3-CO3H wherein R3 is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon group, having 1 to 25 carbon atoms or a cyclic group having from 3 to 32 carbon atoms and optionally at least one heteroatom or a cyclic alkyl group having from 4 to 32 carbon atoms and optionally at least one heteroatom. Typically R3 is an alkyl group or substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, linear or branched, having from 1 to 25 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 3 to 10, and most preferably from 4 to 6. R3 may also typically be an aryl group having from 3 to 32 carbon atoms, preferably from 3 to 25, more preferably from 6 to 20, even more preferably from 8 to 15 carbon atoms, or an aryl group alkyl having from 4 to 32 total carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 25, more preferably from 6 to 20 and even more preferably from 8 to 13, or a heterocyclic group containing from 3 to 32 carbon atoms, preferably from 3 to 25, more preferably from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, even more preferably from 5 to 15 and from 1 to 5 heteroatoms, preferably from 1 to 3, wherein the heteroatoms are independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitróg ene and sulfur, and is preferably nitrogen or oxygen, or a heterocyclic alkyl group containing from 4 to 32 carbon atoms, preferably from 4 to 25, more preferably from 4 to 22, even more preferably from 6 to 18 and from 1 to 5 heteroatoms, preferably from 1 to 3, wherein the heteroatoms are independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and is preferably nitrogen or oxygen. Preferred peroxyacids according to the present invention are those wherein R3 is a cyclic group or a cyclic alkyl group, preferably a heterocyclic group or a heterocyclic alkyl group. Even more preferred herein are peroxyacids according to the following formula: OR \ or II or wherein Ra is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 14 carbon atoms, Y is a heteroatom and X are substituents in the ortho or meta position independently selected from the group of hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof.

Preferably Ra is an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched alkenyl group having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 10, more preferably from 2 to 8, even more preferably from 3 to 6. and very preferably 5 carbon atoms. Preferably Y is a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and more preferably is the nitrogen atom (> N-). Preferably, X are substituents in the ortho or meta position independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl group or straight or branched aliphatic alkenyl group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 7 and very preferably from 3 to 5 carbon atoms. Highly preferred here all substituents X are independently hydrogen. Preferred peroxyacids for use in accordance with the present invention are phthalimido and phthalamido peroxyalkane acids. The highly preferred peroxyacids here is the e-flamido peroxyhexanoic acid which may be commercially available from AUSIMONT under the name PAP®, or EURECO® (in the granulated form), Eureco WKC® (in the form of wet granules) or Eureco HC® (in the active powder form). Other oxidizing agents suitable for use herein include inorganic oxides such as urea peroxide, potassium permanganate, potassium chromate, potassium dichromate, ruthenium tetra-oxide, osmium tetra-oxide, cerium compounds including cerium oxides, hydroxides cerium, hydrated cerium oxides, cerium oxisals and the like, lead compounds including lead oxide, lead tetraxides, lead acetates, lead tetracetates and the like, manganese compounds including manganese permanganate, manganese oxide and the like, ozone, hydrazine and derivatives thereof and the like.

These oxidation agents are able to oxidize the Fe2 + from hemoglobin to Fe3 + with the formation of methaemoglobin followed by protein denaturation, this results in the discoloration of the red color of the blood to a whiter color. Truly the color of blood is due to hemoglobin containing erythrocytes, a macromolecule comprising four peptide chains (heteropolymers) and four hemocomplexes. A hemocomplex consists of an organic ligand with an iron Fe2 + atom coordinated by four nitrogen atoms. The hemocomplexes provide the hemoglobin and in this way the erythrocytes that contain it, its red color. The oxidation agents herein effectively control the control associated with body fluids. Indeed, these prevent odor formation by for example blocking enzymatic and / or microbial activity and these combat the already present foul compounds by oxidizing them into non-odorous compounds. Of course, it is speculated that the oxidation agents herein (preferably the peroxyacids as described herein and the diacyl peroxides as described herein) oxidize the sulphydryl and sulfur sensitive bonds typically present in the enzymes, thus deactivating the enzymes. which otherwise would have contributed to the normal metabolism of microorganisms. It is further speculated that these oxidizing agents oxidize the double bonds in the lipophilic metabolites such as for example the nutrients (for example, unsaturated fat) for the microorganisms, thus rendering these nutrients inefficient for microbial growth which would otherwise have been the case. result in the generation of fetid compounds. It is further believed that the oxidation agents described herein break the chemo-osmotic function of the cytoplasmic membrane of the lipoprotein of the microbe / bacteria cells and thus break or interrupt the transport function in the walls of the cells. This latter interruption is especially perceptible with the hydrophobic oxidation agents such as the cyclic or cyclic alkyl peroxyacids, especially the peroxyacids according to the chemical formulas described herein as well as the diacyl peroxides described herein. By "hydrophobic oxidation agents" is meant herein those oxidation agents that can be solubilized in the lipid layers of the cell wall of the microorganisms. The highly preferred hydrophobic oxidation agents to be used herein are the phthalamido and phthalimido peroxyalkanoic acids, and the diacyl peroxides according to the formula defined herein above especially the benzoyl alkanoyl peroxides, dialkanoyl peroxides, and diaromatic peroxides such as dibenzoyl peroxide. Actually, it is speculated that the hydrophobic groups of these oxidation agents facilitate and improve the reaction of the oxidation agents with the lipoproteins of the cell wall of the microorganisms. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oxidation agents herein are peroxyacids (eg, phthalimido peroxyalkanoic acid and / or phthalamido peroxyalkanoic acid) and / or diacyl peroxides (eg, benzoyl alkanoyl peroxides, dialkanoyl peroxides and diaromatic peroxides such as dibenzoyl peroxide). Indeed in contrast to the use of some inorganic peroxides such as persulfate, the peroxyacids and the diacyl peroxides as described herein are free to deactivate by the catalase and / or peroxidase enzymes which are present in the body fluids. An additional advantage of the preferred oxidation agents herein such as the diacyl peroxyacids and peroxides as described herein is that generation of foul-smelling by-products such as chlorine derivatives and ammonium derivatives is avoided when they come into contact with bodily fluids. Typically, articles according to the present invention as disposable absorbent articles comprise the oxidizing agent or a mixture thereof at a level of 1 gm'2 to 250 gm'2, preferably 5 to 150 gm "2, more preferably from 10 gm'2 to 100 gm "2 and most preferably 20 gm" 2 to 70 gm "2 The hemolytic agent The articles of the present invention comprise as an essential compound a hemolytic agent or a mixture thereof. By "hemolytic agent" is meant herein any compound capable of breaking / allowing the membrane of the erythrocytes to escape. This membrane is a selectively permeable barrier between the intracellular environment of the erythrocyte and the extracellular environment. This membrane is made of phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine and proteins such as spectrin. The hemolytic agent of the present invention promotes the bleaching of the blood of the oxidation agent. It is speculated that the presence of the hemolytic agent allows the most rapid and almost complete disruption of the erythrocyte cell, thereby providing the instantaneous oxidation of the hemoglobin iron by the oxidizing agent. In other words, the rupture of the erythrocyte membrane allows an increased amount of contact between the hemoglobin iron and the oxidation agent resulting in significantly increased bleaching of the blood. Therefore, this further contributes to using less oxidation agents within the absorbent article to obtain the desired bleaching of the blood as compared to the use of the oxidation agent alone without the hemolytic agent. The hemolytic agents herein also further improve the odor control performance of the oxidation agents. It is speculated that different mechanisms may be involved depending on the hemolytic agents used.

For example, the hemolytic agents as described herein, especially the anionic surfactants, the nonionic surfactants, the amphoteric surfactants and / or the zwitterionic surfactants such as, for example, the quaternary ammonium surfactants, act as a carrier for the agents of oxidation as described herein, especially for the diacyl peroxyacids and peroxides of the present (which can be classified as hydrophobic oxidation agents) and thus contribute to bring the oxidation agents into close contact not only with iron of the hemoglobin but also with the oxidizable fetid compounds contained in the body fluid (including not only the hydrophobic oxidizable fetid compounds but also the more hydrophilic compounds). Also the hemolytic agents to be used herein, especially the zwitterionic surfactants such as for example the quaternary ammonium surfactants, are suitable for breaking / letting the cell walls of the microorganisms escape. In other words, they also act as antimicrobial agents and, therefore, contribute more to the control of odor associated with the microbial activity that occurs in body fluids such as menstruation. Of course, it is speculated that the hemolytic agents here break the chemoosmotic function of the cytoplasmic lipoprotein membrane of the microbe / bacteria cells and thus break the transport function in the cell walls. Suitable hemolytic agents to be used herein include any hemolytic surfactant known to those skilled in the art including nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and / or zwitterionic surfactants. Other hemolytic agents suitable for use herein include biguanide and derivatives thereof, organic sulfur compounds, organic nitrogen compounds, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, phenolic compounds, aldehydes such as glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, glyoxal, parabens such as ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, methyl paraben, organic acids and carboxylic acids, alcohols in particular aliphatic alcohols having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 6 (for example, methanol, ethanol, propanol), isopropanol, butanol, pentanol, octanol) and aromatic alcohols having from 6 to 30 total carbon atoms (for example, naphthol) and mixtures thereof. Suitable phenolic compounds for use herein include ortho-phenyl-phenol, o-benzyl (p-chlorophenol), 4-teramylphenol and mixtures thereof. Highly preferred hemolytic agents to be used herein are zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof. Highly preferred hemolytic agents to be used herein are zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof.

Nonionic surfactants Particularly suitable for use herein as non-ionic hemolytic surfactants are non-ionic hydrophobic surfactants having HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) below 16, preferably below 15, more preferably below 12, and most preferably at In addition, the preferred hemolytic nonionic surfactant is the linear surfactant. Non-ionic linear hydrophobic surfactants have been found to provide good haemolytic properties. Suitable non-ionic hydrophobic surfactants for use herein are fatty alcohol alkoxylates (e.g., ethoxylates and / or propoxylates) which are commercially available with a variety of fatty alcohol chain lengths and a variety of alkoxylation grades. Actually, the HLB values of said alkoxylated nonionic surfactants depend essentially on the chain length of the fatty alcohol, the nature of the alkoxylation and the degree of alkoxylation. Surfactant catalogs are available which list a number of surfactants, including nonionics, together with their respective HLB values. Accordingly, the preferred alkoxylated alcohols for use herein are nonionic surfactants having an HLB below 16 and according to the formula RO (E) e (P) pH wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain of 2 to 30 carbon atoms, e is ethylene oxide and p is propylene oxide, and yew which represent the average degree of ethoxylation and propoxylation respectively, are from 1 to 15. The hydrophobic portion of the nonionic compound can be a primary or secondary alcohol, straight or branched, having 8 to 30 carbon atoms. The preferred nonionic surfactants for use in the compositions according to the invention are the condensation products of ethylene oxide with alcohols having a linear straight alkyl chain, having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein the degree of ethoxylation is from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 5. Such suitable nonionic surfactants are commercially available from Shell, for example, under the tradename Dobanol® or Neodol®, or from BASF under the trade name Lu tenso I®. Other suitable non-ionic hemolytic surfactants include the polyethylene oxide condensates of alkyl phenols, for example, the condensation products of alkyl phenols having an alkyl group containing from about 6 to 12 carbon atoms in any of a straight chain configuration or branched chain, with ethylene oxide, said ethylene oxide being present in amounts equal to 10 to 25 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alkyl phenol. The alkyl substituent in said compounds can be derived from polymerized propylene, diisobutylene, octane, and nonane.

Anionic surfactants Suitable anionic surfactants for use herein are as follows: Suitable alkyl sulfonates for use herein include salts or water soluble acids of the formula RSO3M wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-C20 alkyl group, preferably a C12-C18 alkyl group and more preferably a C4-C6 alkyl group, and M is H or a cation, for example, an alkali metal cation (eg, sodium, potassium, lithium), or an ammonium or substituted ammonium (e.g., methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl-ammonium and dimethyl piperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like The alkyl aryl sulfonates suitable for use herein include salts or water soluble acids of the formula RSO3M wherein R is an aryl preferably a benzyl, substituted by a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-C20 alkyl group, preferably a C12-C18 alkyl group and more preferably a C14-C6 alkyl group, and M is H or a cation, for example , an alkali metal cation (eg, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like), or ammonium or substituted ammonium (eg, methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium cations and quaternary ammonium cations, as tetramethyl ammonium cations and dimethyl piperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like .. An example of an alkyl sulfonate of C? -C? 6 is the Hostapur® SAS available from Hoechst An example of a commercially available alkyl aryl sulfonate is lauryl aryl sulfonate by Su.Ma. Particularly preferred alkyl aryl sulfonates are the commercially available alkyl benzene sulfonates under the trade name of Nansa® available from Albright & amp;Wilson. The alkyl sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein are according to the formula R 1 SO 4 M wherein Ri represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of straight or branched alkyl radicals containing from 6 to 20 carbon atoms and alkyl radicals phenyl containing from 6 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. M is H or a cation, for example, an alkali metal cation (eg, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like) or ammonium or substituted ammonium (eg, methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl cations) ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethyl ammonium and dimethyl piperidinium cations and quaternary ammonium cations derived from alkylamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, and mixtures thereof, and the like.) The alkyl sulfate surfactants suitable alkoxylates to be used herein are in accordance with the formula RO (A) mSO3M wherein R is a C6-C or unsubstituted alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group having a C6-C20 alkyl component, preferably an alkyl or hydroxy alkyl of Ci2- C20, more preferably C12-C18 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, A is an ethoxy or propoxy unit, m is greater than zero, typically from about 0.5 to about 6, more preferably from about 0.5 to about ximately 3, and M is H or a cation which may be, for example, a metal cation (eg, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, etc.), an ammonium or substituted ammonium cation. The ethoxylated alkyl sulfates as well as the propoxylated alkyl sulfates are contemplated herein. Specific examples of the substituted ammonium cations include the methyl-, dimethyl-, and trimethyl ammonium and quaternary ammonium cations, such as tetramethylammonium cations, dimethyl piperidinium and cations derived from alkanolamines such as ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine. , mixtures thereof, and the like. Exemplary surfactants are C 2 -C 8 alkyl polyethoxylate sulphate (1.0), C 2 -C 8 8 (1.0) M), C 2 -C 8 alkyl polyethoxylate sulfate (2.25), C? 2-C? ßE (2.25) M), alkyl polyethoxylate sulfate of C12-C.8 (3.0), C12-C.8E (3.0), and alkyl polyethoxylate sulfate of C? 2-C.8 ( 4.0) C? 2-C? 8E (4.0) m), wherein M is conveniently selected from sodium and potassium. Suitable linear or branched C6-C2o alkyl-alkoxylated diphenyl oxide disulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein are according to the following formula: wherein R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C6-C20 alkyl group, preferably a C? 2-C? 8 alkyl group and most preferably an C -Cíeíe alkyl group and X + is H or a cation , for example, an alkali metal cation (for example, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, magnesium and the like). The linear or branched alkoxylated C6-C2o alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonate surfactants, which are to be used herein, are the branched C? 2 phenyl oxide disulfonic acid and the linear sodium phenyl oxide disulfonate salt of C, 6 commercially available by DOW under the tradename Dowfax 2A1® and Dowfax 8390®. Other useful anionic surfactants here include salts (including, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium and substituted ammonium salts such as di- and triethanolamine salts) of soap, C8-C24 olefinsulfonates, sulfonated polycarboxylic acids prepared by sulfonation of the pyrolyzed product of alkaline earth metal citrates, for example, as described in the description of British Patent No. 1, 082,179, C8-C2 alkyl polyglycol ether sulphates (containing up to 10 moles of ethylene oxide); alkyl ester sulfonates such as C? 4 -C 16 methyl ester sulfonates, acyl glycerol sulfonates, fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates, ether sulphates alkyl phenol ethylene oxide, alkyl phosphates, isothionates, such as acyl isothionate, taurates of N-acyl, alkyl succinamates and sulfosuccinates, sulfosuccinate monoesters (especially saturated and unsaturated C 12 -C 8 monoesters) sulfosuccinate diesters (especially saturated and unsaturated C 6 -C 4 diesters), acyl sarcosinates, sulfates of alkylpolycarbons such as the alkyl polyglycoside sulphates (the non-sulfated nonionic compounds described below), alkyl polyethoxy carboxylates such as those of the formula RO (CH 2 CH 2?) kCH 2 COO-M + wherein R is a C 8 -C 22 alkyl, is an integer from 0 to 10, and M is a soluble salt-forming cation. Resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable, such as pitch, hydrogenated pitch, and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or tallow derivatives. Additional examples are given in "Surface Active Agents and Detergents "(Vol. I and II by Schwartz, Perry and Berch.) A variety of such surfactants are also generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,678, issued December 30, 1975 to Laughiin, and others in column 23, line 58 to column 29, line 23. Preferred anionic surfactants for use herein are the alkyl sulfate surfactants and / or the alkoxylated alkyl sulfate surfactants as described herein above. suitable for use herein is for example sodium dodecyl sulphate ethoxylate commercially available from Conoco under the name Alfonic 14-12-5®.

Amphoteric surfactants Suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include amine oxides having the following formula R 1 R 2 R 3 NO wherein each of R 2, R 2 and R 3 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched, saturated hydrocarbon chain of 1 to 30 atoms of carbon. Preferred amine oxide surfactants to be used according to the present invention are the amine oxides having the following formula R? R2R3NO wherein Ri is a hydrocarbon chain comprising from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 6 to 20, more preferably from 8 to 16, most preferably from 8 to 12, and wherein R 2 and R 3 are independently substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched hydrocarbon chains, comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and more preferably are methyl groups. Ri can be a saturated, substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched hydrocarbon chain. Suitable amine oxides for use herein are, for example, the amine oxides of C8-C? 0 natural mixture as well as the C12-C16 amine oxides commercially available from Hoechst.

Zwitterionic surfactants The zwitterionic surfactants suitable for use herein contain both cationic and anionic hydrophilic groups in the same molecule over a relatively wide pH range. The typical cationic group is a quaternary ammonium group although other positively charged groups such as the phosphonium, imidazolium and sulfonium groups can be used. Typical anionic hydrophilic groups are carboxylates and sulfonates, although other groups such as sulfates, phosphonates and the like can be used. A generic formula for some zwitterionic surfactants that will be used here is R1-N + (R2) (R3) R X " wherein Ri is a hydrophobic group; R 2 is hydrogen, C 1 -C 16 alkyl, hydroxy alkyl or another substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl group; R3 is hydrogen, d-C6 alkyl, hydroxy alkyl or another substituted C6-C6 alkyl group which may also be attached to R2 to form ring structures with the N, or a C6-C6 carboxylic acid group or a sulfonate group of CrC6; R is a moiety joining the cationic nitrogen atom to the hydrophilic group and strictly an alkylene, hydroxyalkylene or polyakoxy group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms or hydrogen; and X is the hydrophilic group (also called counterion) which is a carboxylate group, a sulfate group, a sulfonate group, a halide or hydroxide. Preferred hydrophobic R1 groups are aliphatic or aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon chains which may contain linking groups such as aryl groups, amido groups, or ester groups. More preferred R. is a linear or branched alkyl group containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 24, more preferably from 10 to 20 and most preferably from 8 to 18. In general, the individual alkyl groups are preferred for reasons of cost and stability. Preferred zwitterionic surfactants for use herein include betaine surfactants, sulfobetaine surfactants, and quaternary ammonium surfactants, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof. Such betaine surfactants, sulfobetaine and / or quaternary ammonium surfactants are preferred herein since they contribute more to the antimicrobial activity of the oxidation agent herein. For example, it has been found that these are particularly suitable for increasing the permeability of the bacterial wall of the cell, thus allowing the oxidation agent to enter the cell. In other words, these contribute more to the outstanding control of the odor provided by the articles in accordance with the present invention. The betaine and sulfobetaine surfactants suitable for use herein are betaine / sulfobetaine and betaine-type detergents wherein the molecule contains both basic and acid groups that form an internal salt which provides the molecule with both cationic and anionic hydrophilic groups on a broad spectrum of pH values. Some common examples of these detergents are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 2,082,275, 2,702,279 and 2,255,082, incorporated herein by reference. The preferred betaine and sulfobetaine surfactants herein are in accordance with the formula: R2 R3 wherein Ri is a hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 24 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 18, more preferably from 12 to 14, wherein R2 and R3 are hydrocarbon chains containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, preferably 1 carbon atom, wherein n is an integer from 1 to 10, preferably from 1 to 6, more preferably is 1, and Y is selected from the group consisting of carboxyl and sulfonyl radicals and wherein the sum of the hydrocarbon chains of R., R2 and R3 is from 1 4 to 24 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof. Examples of particularly suitable betaine surfactants include C? 2-C8 alkyl dimethyl betaine such as coconut betaine and C? 0-C16 alkyl dimethyl betaine such as laurylbetaine. Coconut betaine is commercially available from Seppic under the trade name of Amonyl 265®. Lauryl betaine is commercially available from Albright & amp; amp; amp;; Wilson under the trade name Empigen BB / L®. The highly preferred zwitterionic surfactants for use herein are the quaternary ammonium surfactants according to the formula R1R2R3R4N + X ", wherein X is a counterion such as halide, methyl sulfate, methyl sulfonate, or hydroxide, Ri is a group saturated or unsaturated alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, containing from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 8 to 20, more preferably from 12 to 20 and R2, R3 and R are independently hydrogen, or saturated alkyl groups or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3 and more preferably methyl In the highly preferred quaternary ammonium surfactants hereof R1 is a hydrocarbon chain of Co-Ciß, most preferably C12, C? 4, or C? 6, and R2, 3 and R all three are methyl, and X is halogen, preferably bromine, or chlorine, most preferably bromine. Other quaternary ammonium compounds particularly suitable for use herein are the quaternary ammonium compounds containing alkyl amide and carboxylic acid groups, ether groups, as well as cyclic quaternary ammonium compounds, which may be chlorides, dichlorides, bromides, methylsulfates, chlorophenates , cyclohexyl sulfamates or salts of other acids. Among the possible cyclic quaternary ammonium compounds are the following: alkylpyridinium chlorides and / or sulfates, the alkyl group preferably being cetyl, dodecyl or hexadecyl group; - alkyl isoquinolyl chlorides and / or bromides, the alkyl group preferably being the dodecyl group. Examples of quaternary ammonium surfactants are miristyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, cetyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate, lauryl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (S ), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (C ) and trimethyl trimethoxy bromide. ammonium (M ). Said quaternary trimethyl ammonium surfactants may be commercially available from Hoechst, or from Albright & Wilson under the Empigen CM® trade name.

Additional examples of quaternary ammonium surfactants include alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, benzyl ammonium chloride, octyl decyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ammonium saccharinate, cetylpyridinium and mixtures of the same. The highly preferred quaternary ammonium surfactants to be used herein are the salts of cetyl trimethyl ammonium, lauryl trimethyl ammonium salts commercially available from, for example, Hoechst and / or benzyl ammonium salts such as benzyl ammonium chloride commercially available from part of Fluka. Other specific zwitterionic surfactants have the generic formulas: R1-C (O) -N (R2) - (C (R3) 2) nN (R2) 2 (+) - (C (R3) 2) nS? 3 (' ) or R1-C (O) -N (R2) - (C (R3) 2) nN (R2) 2 (+) - (C (R3) 2) n -COO (') wherein each Ri is a hydrocarbon , for example an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20, preferably up to 18, more preferably up to 16 carbon atoms, each R 2 is either a hydrogen (when attached to the nitrogen amide), short chain alkyl or substituted alkyl containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably the groups selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, substituted hydroxy, ethyl or propyl and mixtures thereof, preferably methyl, each R3 is selected from the group consisting of of hydrogen and hydroxy groups, and each n is a number from 1 to 4, preferably from 2 to 3, more preferably 3, with no more than one hydroxy group in any portion (C (R3) 2). The Ri groups can be branched and / or unsaturated. The groups R2 can also be connected to form ring structures. A surfactant of this type is an acylamidopropylene (hydroxypropylene) sulfobetaine fat of C.0-C? 4 which is available from the Sherex Company under the tradename "Varion CAS sulfobetaine" ®. Typically, articles according to the present invention as disposable absorbent articles comprise the hemolytic agent or a mixture thereof at a level of 0.5 gm "2 to 100 gm" 2, preferably from 2.5 to 75 gm'2, more preferably from 5 gm "2 to 50 gm" 2, and most preferably 10 gm'2 to 30 gm "2.

Optional agents The articles according to the present invention preferably further comprise other conventional agents or their mixtures. For example, additional odor control agents or combinations thereof, known in the art for this purpose can be used here. These agents can typically be classified according to the type of odor that the agent is intended to combat. Odors can be classified chemically as being acidic, basic or neutral. Alternatively, odor control agents can be placed in categories with respect to the mechanism by which odor detection is reduced or prevented. For example, odor control agents that chemically react with the fetid compounds or with compounds that produce malodorous degradation products thereby generating compounds that lack odor or have an odor acceptable to consumers can also be used here. Odor control agents suitable for use herein typically include carbonates (e.g., sodium carbonate), bicarbonates (e.g., sodium bicarbonate), phosphates (e.g., sodium phosphate), sulfates (e.g., zinc sulfates) and copper), carboxylic acids such as citric acid, lauric acid, boric acid, adipic acid, and maieic acid, activated carbons, zeolite clays, silicas, gelling absorbent materials (AGM) and starches. Said agents and odor control systems are disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and for example in European patents EP-A-348 978, EP-A-510 619, WO 91/12029 and international publications WO 91/11977, WO 91 / 12030, WO 81/01643 and WO 96/06589. Suitable odor control agents also include chelating agents and can be selected from amino carboxylates such as for example ethylenediamine tetraacetate, as described for example in the US Pat.

No. 4356190, amino phosphonates such as ethylenediaminetetrakis (methylene phosphonates), polyfunctionally substituted aromatic chelating agents as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,812,044 and mixtures thereof. Without attempting to be bound by theory, it is believed that the benefit of these materials is in part due to their exceptional ability to remove the iron, copper, calcium, magnesium and manganese ions present in the absorbed fluids and their degradation products through the formation of chelates Another suitable odor control agent to be used herein is a regulatory system, such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate buffer systems, sodium phosphate and sorbic acid. Also, regulatory systems having a pH of 7 to 10 as described, for example, in international publication WO 94/25077 may be useful here. The alternative odor control agents are ion exchange resins such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4 289 513 and U.S. Patent No. 3340875. Masking agents such as perfumes may also be used as odor control agents here. Typically, articles according to the present invention as disposable absorbent articles may comprise the additional odor control agent or a mixture thereof at a level of 1 gm "2 to 400 gm'2, preferably to 300 gm'2, more preferably 20 gm'2 to 200 gm'2 and most preferably 50 gm "2 to 100 gm" 2.

Gelling absorbent materials for odor control As is well known from recent commercial practice, gelling absorbent materials (sometimes referred to as "super absorbers") have become widely used in absorbent articles. The AGM are materials that have fluid absorbers. Such materials are highly preferred here as the optional odor control agent because of its dual function of absorbing fluids and odors. These materials form hydrogels when in contact with water (for example, with urine, blood and the like). A highly preferred type of gelling absorbent hydrogel-forming material is based on polyacids, especially polyacrylic acid. Hydrogel-forming polymeric materials of this type are those which, when in contact with fluids (i.e., liquids) such as water or fluids or the body, imbibe said fluids and thus form hydrogels. These preferred gelling absorbent materials will generally comprise substantially insoluble, partially crosslinked, partially neutralized water-insoluble hydrogel-forming polymer materials prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. In these materials the polymeric component formed from the acid-containing unsaturated monomers may comprise the total gelling agent or may be grafted to other types of polymeric portions such as starch or cellulose. The starch materials grafted with acrylic acid are of this last type. Therefore, the preferred gelling absorbent materials include hydrolyzed starch grafted with acrylonitrile, starch grafted with acrylic acid, polyacrylates, copolymers based on maieic anhydride and combinations thereof. Especially preferred gelling absorbent materials are polyacrylates and starch grafted with acrylic acid. Whatever the nature of the polymer components of the preferred gelling absorbent materials, these materials will generally be slightly crosslinked. The crosslinking serves to revert to these preferred hydrogel-forming absorbent materials substantially insoluble in water, and the cross-linking also partly determines the gel volume and the extractable polymer characteristics of the hydrogels formed therefrom. Suitable crosslinking agents are well known in the art and include, for example, (1) compounds that have at least two polymerizable double bonds; (2) compounds having at least one polymerizable double bond and at least one functional group reactive with the acid-containing monomeric material; (3) compounds having at least two functional groups reactive with the acid-containing monomer materials; and (4) polyvalent metal compounds that can form ionic lattices. The crosslinking agents of the above types are described in greater detail in Masuda et al .; U.S. Patent No. 4,076,663 issued February 28, 1978. Preferred crosslinking agents are the di- or polyesters of mono- or polycarboxylic unrated acids with polyols, the bisacrylamides and the di-triallyl amines. Especially preferred crosslinking agents are N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide, trimethylol propane triacrylate and triallyl amine. The crosslinking agent will generally comprise from about 0.001 mole percent up to 5 mole percent of the preferred materials. More preferably, the crosslinking agent will comprise from about 0.01 mole percent to 3 mole percent of the gelling materials used herein. Preferred, lightly crosslinked hydrogel-forming gelling absorbers will generally be employed in their partially neutralized form. For the purposes described herein, said materials are considered partially neutralized when at least 25 mole percent, and preferably at least 50 percent, of the monomers used to form the polymer are monomers containing the acid group which has been neutralized with a salt-forming cation. Suitable salt-forming cations include alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium and amines. This percentage of the total monomers used which are monomers containing the neutralized acid group is referred to as the "degree of neutralization". Typically, commercial gelling absorbent materials have a degree of neutralization a little less than 90%. The preferred gelling absorbent materials used herein are those which have a relatively high fluid-absorbing ability found in the absorbent articles; this capacity can be quantified by referring to the "gel volume" of said gelling absorbent materials. The gel volume can be defined in terms of the amount of synthetic urine absorbed by any gel-absorbing agent and is specified as grams of synthetic urine per gram of gelling agent. The volume of gel in the synthetic urine (see Brandt, and others below) can be determined by forming a suspension of approximately 0.1 -0.2 parts of dry gelling absorbent material to be tested with approximately 20 parts of synthetic urine. This suspension is maintained at room temperature under gentle agitation for about 1 hour so that the swelling equilibrium is obtained. The gel volume (grams of synthetic urine per gram of gelling absorbent material) is then calculated from the weight fraction of the gelling agent in the suspension and the ratio of the liquid volume excluded from the hydrogel formed to the total volume of the suspension. Preferred gelling absorbent materials useful in this invention will have a gel volume of about 20 to 70 grams, more preferably about 30 to 60 grams, of synthetic urine per gram of gelling absorbent material. Another feature of the very highly preferred gelling absorbent materials relates to the level of the extractable polymeric material present in said materials. The levels of the extractable polymer can be determined by contacting a sample of the preferred gelling absorbent material with a synthetic urine solution over the substantial period of time (eg, at least 16 hours) that is needed to reach the extraction equilibrium, then filtering the hydrogel formed from the supernatant liquid, and finally finally determining the content of the filtrate polymer. The particular procedure used to determine the extractable polymer content of the preferred gelling agent regulators herein is set forth in Brandt, Goldman and Inglin; United States Patent No. 4, 654,039, issued March 31, 1987, reissue No. 32,649. The gelling absorbent materials which are especially useful in the absorbent articles herein are those having an equilibrium extractable content in the synthetic urine not greater than about 17%, preferably not more than about 10% by weight of the absorbent material. of gelation. The gelling absorbent materials hereinbefore described are typically used in the form of discrete particles. Said gelling absorbent materials can be of any desired shape, for example, spherical or hemispherical, cubic, polyhedral type bar, etc. Also contemplated for use here are shapes having a large proportion of larger dimension / smaller dimension such as needles and flakes. Agglomerates of the particles of the gelling absorbent material can also be used. The particle size of the gelling absorbent material can vary over a broad spectrum. For reasons of industrial hygiene, average particle sizes less than about 30 microns are less desirable. Particles having a smaller dimension greater than about 2 mm can cause a feeling of a sandy texture within the absorbent article, which is undesirable from an aesthetic point of view for the consumer. In addition, the speed of fluid absorption can be affected by the particle size. Larger particles have much lower absorption rates. Preferred for use herein are particles of gelling absorbent material all having substantially a particle size of about 30 microns to about 2 mm. "Particle size" as used herein means the weighted average of the smallest dimension of the individual particles. The amount of the particles of absorbent gelling material used in the absorbent article will typically vary from 10 gm'2 to 150 gm "2, preferably from 30 gm" 2 to 1 10 gm'2, more preferably from 55 gm "2 up to 85 gm "2.

Silica smell control agent Particularly suitable here as an additional odor control agent is silica. Silica, ie silicon dioxide SiO2 exists in a variety of crystalline forms and amorphous modifications, any of which are suitable for use herein. In particular, silicas having a high surface area or in an agglomerated form are preferred. Silica molecular sieves are not considered to be within the definition of silica as used here. Preferably the silica is a highly purified form such that it contains at least 90%, preferably 95%, more preferably 99% silicon oxide. Most preferably the silica is silica gel having a content of 100% silica. Alternatively, the silica can be provided from other sources such as metal silicates including sodium silicate.

Zeolite odor control agent The use and manufacture of zeolite material is well known in the literature and is described in the following reference texts: ZEOLITE SYNTHESIS, ACS Symposium Series 398, Eds. M.L. Occelli and H. E Robson (1989) pages 2-7; ZEOLITE MOLECULAR SIEVES, Structure, Chemistry and Use, by D.W. Breck, John Wiley and Sons (1974) pages 245-250, 313-314 and 348-352; MODERN APPLICATONS OF MOLECULAR SIEVE ZEOLITES; Ph.D. Dissertation of S.M. Kuznicki, U. of Utah (1980), available from the University of Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, pages 2-8.

The zeolites are crystalline aluminosilicates of the elements of group IA and of the group HA such as Na, K, Mn, Ca and are chemically represented by the empirical formula: 2 / nO. AI2O3. and Yes? 2. WH2O where y is 2 or greater, n is the valence of the cation, and w is the water content in the holes of the zeolite. Structurally, zeolites are crystalline, complex inorganic polymers, based on an infinitely extending structure of AIO and S¡O tetra-linked to each other to share the oxygen ions. This system structure contains interconnected channels or gaps that are occupied by cations and water molecules. The structural formula of a zeolite is based on the unit crystalline cell, the smallest unit of the structure, represented by I i M? / N [(AJ02)? (Si02) and]. wH20 where n is the valence of the cation M, w is the number of water molecules per cell unit, x and y are the total number of tetrahedra per cell unit, and / x usually having values of 1 -5. The zeolites can be naturally derived or synthetically manufactured. The preferred synthetic zeolites being used here. Suitable zeolites for use herein include zeolite A, zeolite P, zeolite Y, zeolite X, zeolite DAY, zeolite ZSM-5, or mixtures thereof. Zeolite A is very preferred. According to the present invention, the zeolite is preferably hydrophobic. This is typically obtained by increasing the molar ratio of SiO2 to the content of AIO2 such that the ratio of x to y is at least 1, preferably from 1 to 500, most preferably from 1 to 6.

The absorbent article The optional oxidizing agent, hemolytic agent, and optional odor control agent can be incorporated into the absorbent article by any of the methods disclosed in the art, for example stratified in the core of the absorbent article or mixed into the absorbent article. absorbent core fibers. These materials are preferably incorporated between two layers of cellulose tissue. Optionally these materials can be joined between two layers of cellulose tissue, for example, a thermal fusion adhesive or any suitable joining system, as described in the international publication WO 94/01069. In one embodiment of the present invention the oxidation agent and the hemolytic agent are incorporated into a layered structure according to the disclosure of the international publication WO 94/01069 or the Italian patent application.

TO 93A 001028. Italian patent application No. TO 93A 001028 describes a layered structure substantially as described in WO 94/01069 with the exception that the Italian application TO 93A 001028 comprises a much larger amount of gelling absorbent material in the intermediate layer that is between the fibrous layers (120 gm'2) that would be incorporated as an optional component in the present invention. The intermediate layer comprises in particular a polyethylene powder as a thermoplastic material which is mixed with the optional oxidizing agent, the hemolytic agent and the additional odor control agent. The mixture is then heated so that the polyethylene melts and bonds the laminated layers together. The adhesive lines are preferably also placed on the edges of the laminate to ensure that the edges of the laminate stick and any loose oxidation agents as described herein and the hemolytic agent present do not leave the laminate. Alternatively, the polyethylene powder can be replaced by a conventional glue for example those commercially available from ATO Findley under the name H20-31® to bond the layers of the laminates and / or the components together. Advantageously, this step of the method makes it possible to avoid the necessary heating step when the polyethylene powder is used. In a preferred embodiment the oxidation agent and the hemolytic agent on one side and the additional odor control agent, optionally if present on the other side are incorporated between two layers of cellulose tissue separated by another cellulose layer in order to avoid the possible reaction between the oxidizing agent and the additional odor control agent. The optional oxidizing agent, the hemolytic agent and the additional odor control agent can be distributed independently homogeneously or in a non-homogeneous manner over the entire absorbent article or in at least one layer of the upper sheet or in at least one core layer and any mixture thereof. The optional oxidizing agent, the hemolytic agent and the optional odor control agent can be distributed independently homogeneously or non-homogeneously on the total surface of the desired layer or layers, or on one or more areas of the underlayer layers. surface to which it is placed (for example central area and / or surrounding areas such as the edges of a layer of the absorbent article) or their mixtures. Preferably, the oxidizing agent and the hemolytic agent are located towards the upper sheet or located on the upper sheet itself (preferably the secondary upper sheet). In a preferred embodiment the oxidation agent and the hemolytic agent are positioned so that at least a portion of the fluid discharge comes into contact with the oxidizing agent before the additional odor control agent (eg, AGM / silica / zeolite) if present. In particular, the oxidation agent is located in a separate layer of the additional odor control agent. Preferably the oxidation agent is located towards the upper sheet or is located in the upper sheet itself (preferably the secondary upper sheet) and the additional odor control agent, if present, is located further away from the upper sheet than the release agent. oxidation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxidizing agent is placed in at least one of the layers of the topsheet and the additional odor control agent if present is placed inside the core. More preferably, the oxidation agent is located at the point of entry of the fluid discharge of the absorbent article. The optional oxidizing agent, hemolytic agent and optional odor control agent can be incorporated independently as a powder or a granulate within the absorbent article or can be sprayed in the form of for example a solution containing an oxidation agent inside the absorbent article. When used in a granulated or particulate form the oxidizing agent and the hemolytic agent can be separately granulated and then mixed together or granulated together. Typical disposable absorbent articles according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention are those as described hereinafter: The absorbent core In accordance with the present invention, the absorbent article may include the following components: (a) an optional primary fluid distribution layer preferably together with an optional secondary fluid distribution layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) an optional fibrous layer ("dedusting") underlying the storage layer; (d) other optional components. According to the present invention, the absorber can have any thickness depending on the end use contemplated. a Primary / secondary layer of fluid distribution An optional component of the absorbent according to the present invention is a primary fluid distribution layer and a secondary fluid distribution layer. The primary distribution layer is typically below the top sheet and is in fluid communication with it. The top sheet transfers the acquired fluid to this primary distribution layer for final distribution to the storage layer. This transfer of fluid through the primary distribution layer occurs not only within the thickness, but also along the length and width directions of the absorbent product. The also optional but preferred secondary distribution layer is typically below the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication therewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to easily acquire the fluid from the primary distribution layer and quickly transfer it to the underlying storage layer. This helps the fluid capacity of the underlying storage layer to be fully utilized. The fluid distribution layers may be composed of any typical material for said distribution layers. In particular, the fibrous layers maintain the capillaries between the fibers even when wetted they are useful as distribution layers. b Fluid storage layer Placed in fluid communication with, and typically underlying the primary or secondary distribution layers is a fluid storage layer.

The fluid storage layer may comprise any conventional absorbent material or combinations thereof. It preferably comprises gelling absorbent materials in combination with suitable carriers. Suitable carriers include materials that are conventionally used in absorbent structures such as natural, modified or synthetic fibers, particularly modified or unmodified cellulose fibers, in the form of fluff and / or tissue. Suitable carriers can be used together with the gelling absorbent material, however, these can also be used alone or in combinations. Tissues or tissue laminates are very preferred within the context of sanitary napkins and pantiliners. One embodiment of the absorbent structure made in accordance with the present invention may comprise multiple layers comprising a double-layer tissue laminate formed by bending the tissue on itself. These layers can be joined together, for example by adhesive or by internal mechanical locking or by hydrogen bonding bands. The gelling absorbent material or other optional material may be comprised between the layers. Modified cellulose fibers such as hardened cellulose fibers can also be used. Synthetic fibers can also be used and include those made from cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, acrylics (such as orlon), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon) , polyesters, two-component fibers, three-component fibers, mixtures thereof and the like. Preferably, the surfaces of the fiber are hydrophilic or are treated to be hydrophilic. The storage layer can also include filling materials, such as perlite, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc., to improve the retention of the liquid. If the gelling absorbent material is dispersed in an inhomogeneous manner in a carrier, the storage layer can, however, be locally homogeneous, ie have a distribution gradient in one or more directions within the dimensions of the storage layer. The inhomogeneous distribution can also refer to the laminates of carriers that enclose totally or partially the absorbent gelling materials. c Optional fibrous layer ("dust removal") An optional component for inclusion in the absorbent core according to the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to, and typically below, the storage layer. This underlying fibrous layer is typically referred to as a "dedusting" layer as it provides a substrate on which the absorbent gelling material is deposited in the storage layer during the manufacture of the absorbent core. Indeed, in those instances where the gelling absorbent material is in the form of macrostructures such as fibers, sheets or strips, this fibrous "dedusting" layer need not be included. However, this "dedusting" layer provides some of the additional fluid handling capabilities such as the rapid capillary action of the fluid along the length of the pad. d Other optional components of the absorbent structure The absorbent core according to the present invention may include other optional components normally present in the absorbent webs. For example, a reinforcing fabric may be placed within the respective layers, or between the respective layers, of the absorbent core. Said reinforcement canvases must be of such configuration so as not to form interfacial barriers to fluid transfer. Given the structural integrity that normally occurs as a result of thermal bonding, reinforcement liners are not usually required for thermally bonded absorbent structures.

The upper sheet According to the present invention, the absorbent article comprises as an essential component an upper sheet. The top sheet may comprise a single layer or a multiplicity of layers. In a preferred embodiment, the top sheet comprises a first layer which provides the surface that gives the user of the top sheet and a second layer between the first layer and the absorbent structure / core. The upper sheet as a whole and therefore each layer individually needs to be docile, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the user's skin. This can also have elastic characteristics that allow it to be stretched in one or two directions. In accordance with the present invention the top sheet can be formed from any of the materials available for this purpose and known in the art, such as woven and non-woven fabrics and films. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one of the layers, preferably the top layer, of the top sheet comprises a hydrophobic polymer film, with openings, permeable to liquid. Preferably, the upper layer is provided by a film material having openings which are provided to facilitate the transport of liquid from the surface which gives the user towards the absorbent structure. If present, the lower layer preferably comprises a non-woven layer, a film formed with openings or a tissue placed in the air. The term "apertured polymeric top sheet" as used herein refers to the top sheets comprising at least one layer or a multiplicity of layers, wherein at least one layer is formed from a continuous or uninterrupted film material where the openings are created. It has been surprisingly discovered that the upper sheets of apertured polymeric film produce odor control significantly better than other types of upper sheets such as for example thermally bonded nonwoven materials. In general, the apertured polymeric top sheet of the present invention is docile, of soft feel and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, the top sheet is permeable to fluid allowing fluids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. Upper sheets of apertured polymeric film suitable for use herein include apertured polymeric films, thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; cross-linked network-type foams and thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases.

The preferred top sheets for use in the present invention are selected from top sheets of film formed with openings. Films formed with openings are especially preferred for the topsheet because they are permeable to body exudates and not yet absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and re-wet the wearer's skin . Therefore, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thus reducing the staining of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 (Thompson) issued December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 (Mullane et al.) issued April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 (Radel et al.) issued August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 (Ahr et al.) issued July 31, 1984; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394 (Baird) issued April 9, 1991. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference. Top sheets of films formed with particularly preferred micro apertures are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,609,518 (Curro et al.) Issued September 2, 1986 and U.S. Patent No. 4,629,643 (Curro et al.) Issued December 16, 1986, which are incorporated by reference. The preferred top sheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and which is marketed in sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, as "DRI-WEAVE". Suitable upper sheets in the field of the three-dimensional formed film are described in European patent EP 0 018 020 and in European patent EP 0 059 506. Especially preferred is a three-dimensional shaped polymeric top sheet having openings in the form of regular pentagons which are regularly spaced and have an opening of 0.41 square millimeters. The openings are separated 0.37 mm square apart transversely and 0.25 mm longitudinally. This top sheet has an initial opening thickness (preformed) of about 25 μm a final thickness (post formation) of about 0.53 mm and an open area of 25% up to about 40%. Another formed film top sheet which is especially preferred is one having apertures of two shapes; regular pentagons that have an area of approximately 0.21 square millimeters and an irregular hexagon that has an area of 1.78 square millimeters. The openings are distributed in such a way that the distance between the sides of the figures is from about 0.37 mm to about 0.42 mm. The thickness of the film of the preform and post formation are respectively 0.25 and 0.43 mm. This movie has an open area of approximately 33.7%. Both films are made in accordance with the teachings of the aforementioned patents. A third upper sheet suitably comprises two separate perforated polymer films superimposed one on the other. The body surface of the formed film topsheet of the present invention can also be hydrophilic to help the liquid transfer through the topsheet faster than if the body surface were not hydrophilic. In this way, the likelihood of menstrual fluid flowing out of the upper sheet instead of flowing into and being absorbed by the absorbent structure is diminished. In a preferred embodiment surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 794,745, "Absorbent article having a cover sheet not woven and film with openings "presented on November 19, 1991 by Aziz and others, which is incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,254, referred to above, incorporated herein by reference.

The back sheet The backsheet mainly prevents the exudates absorbed and contained within the absorbent structure from wetting the articles that are in contact with the absorbent product such as underpants, shorts, pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet is preferably impermeable to liquids (e.g., menstruation and / or urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are docile and that will easily conform to the figure and general contour of the human body. The back sheet can also have elastic characteristics that allow it to stretch in one or two directions. The backsheet typically extends throughout the entire absorbent structure and can extend into and form part of all or the preferred side flaps, side wrapping elements or wings. The backsheet may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Preferably, the backsheet is a polyethylene film typically having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Illustrative polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably finished in relief and / or dull to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet can allow vapors to escape from the absorbent structure, i.e., be breathable, while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet. Breathable backsheets comprising several layers can also be used, for example, films plus non-woven structures.

Odor control test Odor reduction is measured by for example an in-vitro sniff test. This test consists of analyzing the products (for example, pads) (including references) by expert classifiers that express their judgment about the liking (dislike) of the product's odor.

Blood discoloration test The discoloration of the blood can be measured visually by expert classifiers. Alternatively, the discoloration of the blood can also be measured by the spectrophotometer (from X-Rite Ltd). By means of this instrument it is possible for example to measure the level of luminosity, redness and / or yellowness of the pads once the calibration of the instrument has been completed versus a reference. The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

Examples: Example A The feminine pads used in the following examples were Always (Always is a registered trademark) as sold by The Procter & gamble Company Each female pad was opened by cutting the wrapper around the perforated cover material on its lower surface approximately along the longitudinal edge of the release paper that protects the outer adhesive layer. The side of the absorbent fibrous core was then exposed by slightly separating the lower layer of water impermeable plastic and subsequently, the fibrous core was divided into two halves, each having approximately the same thickness, throughout from a plane that is parallel to the plane of the towel itself. The oxidation agent and the hemolytic agent were homogeneously distributed between these two fibrous layers which were then joined together to reconstitute the absorbent core. The inner waterproof backsheet was then put back in its original position and the wrap around the perforated cover material was sealed along the cut by means of for example a double-sided adhesive tape. Samples were produced using the above method, containing the odor control systems as described below. The oxidation agent (0.8g) used was e-flamido peroxyhexanic acid commercially available from Ausimont or dibenzoyl peroxide commercially available from AKZO NOBEL under the name Lucidol® or benzoyl lauroyl peroxide. The hemolytic agent (0.2g) used was cetylpyridinium chloride commercially available from SIGMA.

Example B In Example B, samples were produced using the same method as in Example A except that the hemolytic agent (0.2 g) used was commercially available benzyl ammonium chloride from Fluka in place of cetylpyridinium chloride.

Example C In Example C samples were produced using the same method as in Example A, except that AGM was added on top of the oxidizing agent and the hemolytic agent. The AGM (0.8g) used is commercially available from Dow Chemicals (XZ 9589001).

Example D In Example D, samples were produced using the same method as in Example C, except that the hemolytic agent (0.2g) used was commercially available benzyl ammonium chloride from Fluka in place of cetylpyridinium chloride.

EXAMPLE E Other pads were prepared following the method of Example A except after having divided the fibrous core into two halves, the oxidizing agent and the hemolytic agent were distributed homogeneously over the fibrous layer of the upper half (ie half of the fibrous layer intended to be closer to the top sheet) and that the AGM was homogeneously distributed over the fibrous layer of the lower half (ie, the half intended to be closer to the back sheet of the pad once it was reconstitute). Then place a layer of tissue placed with air (19 mm * 70mm of low basis weight) available from Fripa under the code / name NCB Tissue HWS between the two halves of fibrous layers which are then joined together to reconstitute the core absorbent. The presence of the tissue placed with air between the two fibrous layers prevents direct contact between the oxidation agent and the AGM. These samples were produced using as an oxidizing agent (0.8g) of commercially available e-phthalamido peroxyhexanic acid by Ausimont or dibenzoyl peroxide commercially available from AKZO NOBEL under the name Lucidol® or benzoyl lauroyl peroxide. The AGM (0.8g) used is commercially available from Dow Chemicals (XZ 9589001). The hemolytic agent (0.2g) used was cetylpyridinium chloride commercially available from SIGMA.

Example F In Example F, samples were produced using the same method as in Example E, except that the hemolytic agent (0.2g) used was commercially available benzyl ammonium chloride from Fluka in place of cetylpyridinium chloride. All previous pads showed the outstanding cleaning level and outstanding odor control over a broad spectrum of foul compounds.

Claims (20)

1. An absorbent article that comes in contact with bodily fluids characterized in that it comprises at least one oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than the reduction potential of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 + together with a hemolytic agent.

2. An article according to claim 1 wherein the oxidation agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of peroxygen bleaches, inorganic oxides, cerium compounds, lead compounds, manganese compounds, ozone, hydrazine and derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof, preferably is hydrogen peroxide, a percarbonate, a persulfate, a perborate, a peroxyacid, an alkyl hydroperoxide, a peroxide, a diacyl peroxide, an ozonide, a superoxide, an oxo-ozonide, a periodate, a salt thereof and mixtures thereof, and more preferably is a peroxy acid and / or a diacyl peroxide.

3. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oxidation agent is a peroxyacid according to the following formula: R3-CO3H wherein R3 is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or substituted hydrocarbon group branched, having from 1 to 25 carbon atoms or a cyclic group having from 3 to 32 carbon atoms and optionally at least one heteroatom, or a cyclic alkyl group having from 4 to 32 carbon atoms and optionally minus one heteroatom, or a mixture thereof.

4. An article according to claim 3, wherein R3 in the formula of the peroxyacid is an alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, linear or branched, having from 1 to 25 carbon atoms, or an aryl group alkyl having from 4 to 32 total carbon atoms, or an aryl group having from 3 to 32 carbon atoms, or a heterocyclic group having from 3 to 32 carbon atoms and from 1 to 5 heteroatoms, or an alkyl group heterocyclic containing from 4 to 32 total carbon atoms and from 1 to 5 heteroatoms, wherein the heteroatoms are independently selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, and preferably is nitrogen or oxygen.

5. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oxidizing agent is a peroxyacid according to the formulas: OR wherein Ra is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched hydrocarbon group, having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, and is a heteroatom, preferably selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur and is more preferably nitrogen, and X are substituents in the ortho or meta position independently selected from the group of hydrogen, hydroxy, halogen, carboxy, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon group, linear or branched, having from 1 to 10 atoms of carbon, or a mixture thereof.

6. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oxidation agent is a diacyl peroxide according to the formula: R? -C (O) -OO- (O) C-R2 wherein Ri and R2 are the same or different and are selected from the group of substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon groups having from 1 to 50 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 40 and more preferably from 4 to 30 carbon atoms, or a mixture thereof.

7. An article according to claim 6, wherein Ri and R2 in the diacyl peroxide formula are independently a mono or polycyclic aromatic ring, a homo or heteroaromatic ring, substituted or unsubstituted from 2 to 50 total carbon atoms , preferably a benzene, or an aliphatic group having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms and wherein the diacyl peroxide is most preferably a benzoyl alkanoyl peroxide wherein the alkanoyl group has from 4 to 20 carbon atoms or a mixture of the same.

8. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oxidizing agent is a phthalimido peroxyalkane acid, a flamido peroxyalkane acid, a dilauroyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide and / or benzoyl lauroyl peroxide.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises from 1 gm'2 to 250 gm'2, preferably from 5 to 150 gm "2, more preferably from 10 gm" 2 to 100 gm "2, and very preferably 20 gm "2 to 70 gm" 2 of said oxidation agent or a mixture thereof.

10. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hemolytic agent is a surfactant agent typically selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, biguanidine and derivatives thereof. same, organic sulfur compounds, organic nitrogen compounds, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, phenolic compounds, aldehydes, parabens, organic acids, carboxylic acids, alcohols and mixtures thereof.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hemolytic agent is a zwitterionic surfactant according to the following formula: wherein RT is a hydrophobic group; R 2 is hydrogen, C 1 -C 6 alkyl, hydroxy alkyl or another substituted C 1 -C 6 alkyl group; R3 is hydrogen, C?-C6 alkyl, hydroxy alkyl or another substituted C?-C6 alkyl group which may also be attached to R2 to form ring structures with N, or a C? -C6 carboxylic acid group or a C? -C6 sulfonate group; R4 is a moiety joining the cationic nitrogen atom to the hydrophilic group and is typically an alkylene, hydroxy alkylene, or a polyalkoxy group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms or hydrogen; and X is a hydrophilic group typically selected from the group consisting of a carboxylate group, a sulfate group, a sulfonate group, a halogen and hydroxide.

12. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hemolytic agent is a quaternary ammonium surfactant, and preferably is a cetyl trimethyl ammonium salt, a lauryl trimethyl ammonium salt and / or a benzyl ammonium salt .

An article according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises from 0.5 gm "2 to 100 gm" 2, preferably from 2.5 to 75 gm "2, more preferably from 5 gm" 2 to 50 gm "2, and very preferably from 10 gm'2 to 30 gm'2 of a hemolytic agent or a mixture thereof

14. An article according to any of the preceding claims, which further comprises an additional odor control agent typically selected from the group consisting of gelling absorbent materials, silicas, zeolites, carbons, starches, chelating agents, pH regulating materials, chitin, kieselguhr, clays, ion exchange resins, carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, sulfates, carboxylic acids and combinations of them and preferably is a gelling absorbent material, a silicate, a zeolite, or a combination thereof

15. An article in accordance with the claim ion 14, which comprises from 1 gm "2 to 400 gm" 2, preferably from 10 to 300 gm'2, more preferably from 20 gm "2 to 200 gm" 2, and most preferably from 50 gm "2 to 100 gm 2 of said additional odor control agent or a mixture thereof.

16. An article according to any of the preceding claims, which comprises a peroxy acid and / or diacyl peroxide as the oxidizing agent together with a zwitterionic surfactant as the hemolytic agent and optionally at least one gelling absorbent material as the additional odor control agent.

An article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article is a disposable absorbent article preferably a sanitary napkin, a pantyhose, a tampon, or an interlabial pad.

18. An article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the article is a disposable absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet and an intermediate absorbent core to said backsheet and said topsheet.

19. Use, as a smell control system, of an oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than the reduction potential of the reaction of Fe2 + to Fe3 +, preferably a peroxyacid and / or a diacyl peroxide, together with a hemolytic agent, preferably a zwitterionic surfactant.

20. The use of an oxidation agent having a reduction potential greater than the reduction potential of the Fe2 + to Fe3 + reaction, preferably a peroxy acid and / or a diacyl peroxide, together with a hemolytic agent, preferably a zwitterionic surfactant , in an article, typically a disposable absorbent article, in order to provide improved cleaning when the article is brought into contact with body fluids containing blood.