MXPA99005939A - Extensible and/or flexible disposable absorbent article for secure topical adhesive attachment to the skin of the wearer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles particularly sanitary napkins, pantiliners, adult incontinence products or sweat pads. In particular the present invention relates to such disposable absorbent articles which are worn by direct attachment to the skin of the wearer in the area were absorption of bodily liquids is desired. The topical adhesive attachment of such articles needs to be secure and pleasing upon application and during use of such articles, yet cause no discomfort upon removal of the article. In order to provide the articles according to the present invention with additional comfort they are adaptable, preferably elastically adaptable.

Description

EXTENSIBLE AND / OR FLEXIBLE DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE FOR TOPICAL FIXATION SECURE TO THE USER'S SKIN FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles, particularly sanitary napkins, pantiliners, adult incontinence products or sweat pads. In particular, the present invention relates to these disposable absorbent articles which are used by fixing them directly to the wearer's skin in the area where the absorption of body fluids is desired. The adhesive topical fixation of these articles needs to be safe and adequate when applied and during the use of these articles, not to cause even discomfort when removing the article. In order to provide the articles according to the present invention with additional comfort, they are adaptable, preferably elastically adaptable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The general prior art in this field of disposable articles for topical application to a user's skin is developed particularly in the field of auxiliary bandages, plasters and bandages. These articles, however, are typically applied in an emergency situation, where, for example, a wound has occurred on the user's skin and the absorption of body fluids emanating from a wound is desired. In this context, aspects of the performance of the absorbent article such as comfort and easy application and use, painless removal, discretion are subordinated to criteria such as sterility, protection of healing, mechanical protection of the wound. Also the absorbent articles that protect the wound are widely used in areas of the skin where the body hair can be removed before the application of the absorbent article where little or no hair grows. The present invention is not related to absorbent articles that protect wounds but are related to absorbent articles for the absorption of body fluids which naturally emanate from a body without a wound. For example, sanitary napkins, pantiliners for use in the genital region are these items. Also the incontinence devices that are used, for example, in the genital region or the sweat pads that are used in the region of a person's armpit are the subject matter of the present invention. These articles are applied to the skin of a user in a region where a considerable amount of hair typically grows, so that the criteria of easy and painless removal of the article is of key importance. These articles have generally been disclosed in the inventorial register established by United States law H1602 or WO 96/33683. Some more details of these articles have been considered, for example, in the PCT application NO 95/16424. This document discloses sanitary articles having a body adhesive that is applied over the side facing the wearer of a sanitary napkin along the entire periphery. The problem underlying this document is mainly the secure attachment to the skin, but it also mentions the problems of disunion of these articles after being used without causing undue pain to a user. The disclosure of WO 95/16424 includes a detailed analysis of the criteria for the body adhesive with respect to the watchmaking criteria. However, this document has little regarding the problem of painless removal of these articles, since the rheological criteria taught include depilatory compositions (ie, - hair removal, which are commercially available such as STREP MIEL ™ sold in Italy by Laboratori Vaj, SpA The adhesives for topical fixation mentioned in WO 95/16424 include the current pressure sensitive adhesives used to fix sanitary napkins to previous garments., this document only identifies the static rheological characteristics but is reserved as regards the dynamic rheological behavior of a body adhesive. In the international publication WO 96/13238 a model of frequency-dependent body adhesive is disclosed. However, all measurements reported, for example, on page 9 were made at temperatures between -60 ° C and + 120 ° C, and at real frequencies of 0.1 to 100 rad / sec. In order to obtain the necessary data at the application temperature (at approximately 20 ° C typical of the environment of the solution, ie storage temperatures) the Williams-Landel-Ferry equation (hereinafter WLF) was used. The WLF equation is empirical and only valid within certain limits, for example, it can not be used to extrapolate at temperatures below the vitreous transition temperature of the polymeric adhesive, the WLF can not be used on the bases of the values below the glass transition temperature. Details about the WLF equation and its applicability in "Principles of Polymer Processing" can be found by Z. Tadmor and C.G. Gogos, published by John Wiley & amp;; Sons or in "Viscoelastic Properties of Polymers", by J.D. Ferry also published by John Wiley & Sons. Since this is heretofore absent from WO 96/13238 the applicability of the disclosed data can not be determined. In addition, this disclosure is not related to absorbent articles provided with adaptability. European patent application EP-638 303 discloses the use of a body adhesive on the side folds of sanitary napkins in order to maintain the folds in a vertical position. The Swiss publication CH-643730 discloses the use of a very long sanitary napkin having beveled outer edges with a body adhesive on the four corners of the outer edges in order to provide an area for the outer body adhesive of the region of the pubic hair growth. Furthermore, none of the prior art documents is related to the problem that the absorbent articles that are attached to the wearer's skin have to follow the contraction expansion or generally the relative movement in the area on the skin they cover. Therefore, it is well known in the art of wound protection that, for example, a common plaster applied over a coonture on the hand is either limiting the movement of that joint or not providing acceptable protection. The same is true for absorbent articles according to the present invention that are fixed in the genital area or in the armpit of a user. However, for absorbent articles the problem is compounded since an article not able to follow the relative movement can easily disengage and then cause leakage of liquids intended for absorption. Based on the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide disposable absorbent articles for the absorption of liquids that naturally emanate from a user's body, which are fixed or adhered to the skin of a user for Provide secure fixation when applied and during use but at the same time do not cause an uncomfortable feeling when applied, while providing adaptability to track relative movement in a user's skin area which they cover. Another object of the present invention is the painless removal of the absorbent article. It is another object of the present invention to ensure that when removing the absorbent article no residue of adhesive remains on the skin or in the hair of the user. It is another object of the present invention that the adhesive for topical fixation does not cause the cold sensation or other unacceptable temperature to be applied without taking into account the difference of the adhesive with respect to the temperature of the skin. It is another object of the present invention to provide disposable absorbent articles that are used in such close proximity to the area that the user's liquid emanates, that the lost liquid is minimized or eliminated towards the exterior of the absorbent article. For disposable absorbent articles used in the crotch region of a wearer, this will result in improved security against staining of surrounding skin tissue and clothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION | The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles for topical adhesive attachment to a user of these articles. The article typically has a surface facing the user and an exterior surface also called a surface facing the garment in the context of articles worn under clothing. The article has a longitudinal axis that separates the article as it is used on the right and left side. The article also has a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The article comprises an absorbent core structure between the surface facing the user and the surface facing the garment to absorb the liquids emanating naturally from a user. The disposable absorbent article according to the present invention comprises on at least part of the surface that gives the user an adhesive for the adhesive topical attachment of the article to the wearer's skin. The detailed analysis of the sequence of common situations that occur from the application of these disposable absorbent articles until the moment of removal of this article, has shown the specific characteristics of the adhesive needed to be met in order to achieve the desired objectives of performance, particularly secure fixation when applied, secure fixation during use and painless removal at the end. The characteristics that have been considered in this context are the elastic modulus that describes the elastic behavior of the material, and the viscous modulus that describes the viscous behavior of the adhesive material. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the article is adaptable in at least one direction, preferably in two directions, parallel to the longitudinal and / or transverse axes. In an embodiment according to the present invention, the adaptability is provided in which the article is corrugated or folded. This can be provided either parallel to the longitudinal axis or parallel to the transverse axis ", or in a combination of both.Also the corrugations or folds parallel to both axes can be considered that result in articles that are adaptable in both directions. an alternate embodiment according to the present invention, the article is shrinkable which will allow for adaptability when any part of the surface of the skin covered by the absorbent article is reduced in size and is elastically extensible, in which case, the article extends together with an extension surface (for example, in the armpit region when the arm is raised), while having the ability to return at least some of the extension to the original size.This elasticity can be provided by making elastic to various components of the absorbent article or making elastic some parts of the components of the absorbent article. The viscosity of the adhesive can be interpreted to represent an indication of the ability of the adhesive to bond quickly and adhere safely. The elastic behavior can be interpreted as a sign or signal of the "firmness" behavior of the adhesive. Its value is also critical for good initial fixation. It is believed that their combination is an indicator of the force required when the removal occurs. The relationship between the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus is considered to be an indication over which the fraction of the removal energy within the adhesive will be dissipated and over which the fraction is available to cause actual removal. In order to provide the absorbent articles that meet the requirements of initial secure fixation, secure fixation during use and easy / painless removal, the relationship between the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus as well as its dynamic behavior is of key importance. The adhesive has an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° C) Fahrenheit), abbreviated G'37? and a viscous modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° Fahrenheit) of G "37. The adhesive also has an elastic dynamic behavior defined as? G'37 which is the difference of G'37 at a frequency of 100 fad7sec and G'37 at a frequency of 1 rad / sec and a viscous dynamic behavior? g "37 that the difference of G'37 at a frequency of 100 rad / sec and 6" 37 at a frequency of 1 rad / sec. Articles according to the present invention comprise a topical adhesive that satisfies the following conditions: • G'37 (1 rad / sec) is on the scale from 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably 1500 Pa to 15000 Pa, more preferably 3000 Pa to 10000 Pa. • G "37 (1 rad / sec) is on the scale of 100 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably 100 Pa to 10000 Pa, more preferably 3000 Pa to 5000 Pa. • the proportion of G'37 (1 rad7sec) / G "37 (1 rad7sec) is on the scale of 2 to 50, preferably 3 to 30. • the G 'ratio (100 rad / sec ^ -G' (100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G "3 (1 rad / sec) is not less than 0.5, preferably on the scale of 0.7 to 3, most preferably on the scale of 1 to 1.8 • any of the ratio of? G'37 / G37 (1 rad / sec) is not greater than 1.5, preferably not greater than unity and most preferably not greater than 0.8 , or? G'37 is not greater than 10000 Pa, preferably less than 5000 Pa, more preferably less than 2000 Pa, or both • the value of the G'z7 / G ratio "37 at least for the frequency scale of about 1 rad / sec to 100 rad / sec, preferably it should be 2 or higher, more preferably 3.3 or higher, while not exceeding about 50, preferably 30, anywhere in the frequency range • the rheological behavior also may be related to the values of the vitreous transition temperature Tg. For the topical adhesives according to the present invention, it must be r preferably less than -15 ° C, more preferably less than -20 ° C, and most preferably less than -25 ° C. • The behavior and rheological acceptance of a disposable article comprising a topical adhesive may also be related to the specific heat capa. Preferably, the specific heat capa of the topical adhesive is less than 4 J / g / K, more preferably less than 3 J / g / K and most preferably less than 2 J / g / K.

• The behavior and rheological acceptance of a disposable absorbent article comprising a topical adhesive may also be related to the specific heat conductivity of the adhesive. Preferably, the conductivity of the specific heat is as low as possible, preferably between 1 and 0.1 W / m / K, more preferably between 0.6 and 0.1 W / m / K. Provided that the above rheological conditions are satisfied, the adhesives will also satisfy conditions such as sufficient adhesion (to avoid adhesive residue on the skin), which are critical to the commercial use of these adhesives and apparent to those skilled in the art. Adhesive compositions that meet the above criteria can be used as topical adhesives for disposable absorbent articles as long as they also meet the common requirements of being safe to use on human skin or animals during use and generally after disposal. Article. Also the criteria of hygienic appearance and comfortable feeling when in contact are important, such that the adhesive compositions that will be transparent or white, and which avoid an uncomfortable, cold feeling when applied, are preferred.

The above rheological criteria and other considerations can be satisfied by the compositions of the adhesive, wherein the composition comprises from 51% to 99.5% of a plasticizing compound or composition, which is liquid at 20 ° C, from 0.5 to 20%), preferably from 5% to 15% of a polymeric compound or composition that is soluble or capable of swelling in the plasticizer composition or composition and with a tackifying resin in an amount in the range of 0% to 600% by weight of the compound polymeric The plasticizer compound or composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of water, alcohols (preferably glycerol), glycols, polyglycols, liquid polybutenes, oil or combinations thereof. The polymeric compound or composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers, styrene block copolymers and hydrogenated styrene block copolymers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles that are applied directly to the wearer's skin. The article exhibits absorbency for bodily fluids, protection against staining of the wearer's garments, improved physical comfort for the user and whose article is easy to produce and pack. The disposable absorbent article is described below with reference to a sanitary napkin or catamenial product, however, pantiprotectors, adult incontinence articles or sweat pads are also included, under the term disposable absorbent articles. The term "sanitary napkin" as used herein, refers to an article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region, and which is intended to absorb and contain the various body fluids that are discharged from the body ( example, vaginal discharge, menses and / or urine), and which is intended to be discarded after a single use. The disposable absorbent article is preferably thin, more preferably within one and 5 mm in thickness and may be, either substantially flat before use or in a pre-configured form. The terms "attached" or "fixed", as used herein, encompass configurations by which a first member is directly connected to a second member and configurations by which a first member is directly connected to a second member by connecting the first member to intermediate members, who in turn connect to the second member.

In a preferred embodiment, a sanitary napkin of the present invention comprises a liquid permeable upper sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet attached to the upper sheet, and an intermediate absorbent core to the upper sheet, and to the back sheet. The sanitary napkin has two main surfaces, a surface that is in contact with the body or that faces the user, and a surface that faces toward or is in contact with the garment. In connection with the attachment to the skin of a user, the present invention relates to the adaptability of the product. The degree of adaptability is determined by the selection of the materials for the components of the product as mentioned above, their respective quantity and that limit have been treated to provide adaptability.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that in order to achieve adaptability in accordance with the present invention, the selection of the type, quantity and treatment of the raw materials has to be balanced with other desired characteristics of the absorbent products, such as for example the absorbent capacity, the absorption speed and the surface dryness on the outside of the upper sheet during use, and so on. Therefore, the following description of the typical materials of the main components of the absorbent product will make it possible to provide a large number of variants of the product, which satisfy the requirements according to the present invention. In addition to the adaptability, the absorbent articles according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention are elastically stretchable. The term "elastically stretchable", as used herein, means that when the stretching forces are removed, the article will tend to return to its non-stretched or unstretched (or "original") dimensions. However, it does not need to return completely to its unstretched dimensions. If the absorbent article is elastically stretchable, it can be stretchable in one or two directions (which are not parallel), within the product plane, that is, topographically parallel to the surface it faces towards the user. The materials for the shrinkable and elastically stretchable articles may be elastically stretchable, per se, or be treated to provide the elastic stretch capacity. In particular, the elastic material of the backsheet, the elastic material of the upper sheet, the filamentary materials combined with elastic threads, threads, or wefts as well as gathered, pleated, or ring-rolled materials can be employed in this context . Suitable materials and methods are known in the art, and, for example, disclosed in detail in the ios patent application.

United States Serial No. 08 / 192,240 of February 4, 1994, specifically referred to in order to facilitate the selection of the materials if elastically stretchable absorbent articles are made in accordance with the present invention. In the following, non-limiting embodiments of the main elements of the absorbent product are described, which can be employed in contractable designs and preferably also elastically stretchable or non-stretchable. The absorbent core typically includes the following components: (a) optionally a primary fluid distribution layer; (b) optionally, but preferably, a secondary fluid distribution layer; (c) a fluid storage layer; (d) optionally a fibrous layer ("dedusting"), which covers the storage layer; and (e) other optional components. to. Primary layer of Fluid Distribution An optional component of the absorbent core according to the present invention is a primary 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 the primary distribution layer for final distribution to the storage layer. This transfer of fluid through the primary distribution layer occurs not only in the thickness, but along the longitudinal and wide directions of the absorbent product. b. Secondary layer of Fluid Distribution Also optional but a preferred component of the absorbent cores according to the present invention is a secondary fluid distribution layer. This secondary distribution layer is typically below the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication with it. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to easily acquire the fluid from the primary distribution layer and transfer it rapidly to the underlying storage layer. This helps the fluid capacity of the underlying storage layer to be fully utilized. c. Fluid Storage Layer Positioned in fluid communication, and typically underlying the primary or secondary distribution layers, is a fluid storage layer comprising certain gelling absorbent materials and / or other absorbent materials, which can form the carrier matrix for the absorbent materials of gelation. The gelling absorbent materials are usually referred to as "hydrogel", "superabsorbents", "hydrocolloid" materials. The gelling absorbent materials are those materials which, upon contact with aqueous fluids, especially aqueous body fluids, imbibe these fluids and thus form the hydrogels. These gelling absorbent materials are capable of absorbing large quantities of aqueous body fluids, and are also capable of retaining these absorbed fluids under moderate pressures. These gelling absorbent materials are typically in the form of non-fibrous, discrete particles. The fluid storage layer may comprise only gelling absorbent materials, or these gelling absorbent materials may be dispersed homogeneously or inhomogeneously within a suitable carrier. Suitable carriers, or may comprise only an absorbent carrier material. Suitable carriers include cellulose fibers, in the form of fluff, tissue or paper as conventionally used in the absorbent cores. Cellulose fibers such as hardened cellulose fibers can also be used. Synthetic fibers can also be used and include those made of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, acrylics (such as Orion), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon), polyesters, two-component fibers, three-component fibers, mixtures thereof and the like. Preferred synthetic fibers have a denier of about 3 denier per filament to about 25 denier per filament, more preferably from about 5 denier per filament to about 16 denier per filament. Also preferably, the surfaces of the fibers are hydrophilic or are treated to be hydrophilic. The storage layer may also include filling materials, such as Perlite, diatomaceous earth, Vermiculite, etc., to improve liquid retention.

If it is dispersed in a non-homogeneous manner in a carrier, the storage layer can be locally homogeneous, that is, have a distribution gradient in one or several directions within the dimensions of the storage layer. The inhomogeneous distribution can also refer to the laminates of carriers that partially or completely enclose the gelling absorbent materials. If laminates are used, they can be formed with or without absorbent gelling particles. In particular, fibrous sheets or laminates placed with thermally bonded air and / or thermally bonded wet laid sheets or laminates have been found useful, especially in the context of panty protection when no gelling absorbent material is used. Preferably, the storage layer comprises from about 15 to 100% of gelling absorbent materials and from 0 to about 85% of the carrier. More preferably, the storage layer comprises from about 30 to 100%, most preferably from about 60%) to 100% of gelling absorbent materials, and from 0 to about 70%, most preferably from 0 to about 40%, of the carrier. Suitable gelling absorbent materials for use herein will very often comprise a polymeric, partially neutralized, slightly cross-linked gelling material substantially insoluble in water. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. These polymer materials can be prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. Unsaturated acid monomers suitable for use in the preparation of the polymeric gelling absorbent material used in this invention include those listed in U.S. Patent No. 4,654,039 and reissued as Re 32,649. Preferred monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. The acrylic acid itself is especially preferred for the preparation of the polymeric gelling material. The polymeric component formed from the unsaturated acid-containing monomers can be grafted to other types of the polymer portions such as starch or cellulose. Polyacrylate-grafted starch materials of this type are especially preferred. Preferred polymeric gelling absorbent materials, which can be prepared from the conventional types of monomers include starch grafted with hydrolyzed acrylonitrile, polyacrylate grafted starch, polyacrylates, maleic anhydrocopolymers and combinations thereof. Especially preferred are polyacrylates and polyacrylate-grafted starch. Although these gelling absorbent materials are typically in the form of particles, it is also contemplated that the gelling absorbent material may be in the form of macrostructures such as fibers, sheets or strips. d. Optional Fibrous Coat ("Dusting") An optional component for incusion within the absorbent cores according to the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to, and typically underlying 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. In fact, in those instances where the gelling absorbent material is in the form of macrostructures, such as fibers, sheets or strips, this fibrous "dedusting" layer does not need to be included. However, this "dedusting" layer provides some of the additional capabilities of fluid handling, such as rapid capillary action of the fluid along the length of the pad, its inclusion is typically preferred in absorbent cores in accordance with the present invention. and. Other Optional Components of the absorbent core The absorbent cores 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. These reinforcement canvases should be of such configuration so as not to form interfacial barriers for fluid transfer, especially if placed between the respective layers of the absorbent core. Given the structural integrity that normally occurs as a result of thermal bonding, reinforcing canvases are not normally required for absorbent structures according to the present invention. If they are used, however, they must allow the desired shrinkage capacity. Another component that can be included in the absorbent core according to the present invention and preferably is provided near or as part of the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer, are the odor control agents. These can be selected from activated carbon or coated activated carbon to reconcile the color, zeolite or suitable clay materials, which are optionally incorporated into the absorbent core, also gelling absorbent material in combination with certain zeolites, have been found useful. These components can be incorporated in any desired form, but are often included as discrete particles. The upper sheet is docile, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the user's skin. The top sheet can also have elastic characteristics that allow it to be stretched in one or two directions in parts of the upper sheet or in its entire extension. In addition, the top sheet is permeable to fluid allowing fluids (eg menses and / or urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable top sheet can be manufactured from a wide range of materials such as woven and non-woven materials; polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with openings, plastic films with openings and hydroformed thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic canvases. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (for example wood or cotton fibers) of synthetic fibers (for example, polymer fibers such as polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fibers or from a combination of natural fibers and fibers). Synthetics or 2 / Multicomponent Fibers Preferred sheets for use in the present invention are typically selected from the upper non-woven sheets with raised upper region, and the upper sheets of film formed with openings. especially preferred for the upper sheets because they are permeable to body exudates and not yet absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow the fluids to pass back through and rewet the user's skin.Thus, the surface of the film that is in contact with the user remains dry, thus reducing the spotting of the body and creating a more comfortable feeling for the user. Suitable films are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,929,135; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394. Top sheets formed with particularly preferred micro apertures are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,609,518 and U.S. Patent No. 4. 629,643. A preferred top sheet for the present invention comprises the film formed in one or more of the above patents and which is marketed in sanitary napkins by The Procter & amp;; Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as "DRI-WEAVE". The upper sheets that do not have a homogeneous distribution of liquid passages but only a part of the upper sheet comprising passages of liquid, are also contemplated by the present invention. Typically these sheets would have the liquid passages oriented in such a way that they result in a centrally permeable upper sheet and peripherally impervious to liquids. The surface facing the wearer of the formed film topsheet can be hydrophilic to help transfer the liquid faster through the topsheet than if the body surface were not hydrophilic. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet as described in PCT publication WO 93/09741. Alternatively, the surface facing the body of the user of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,950,254. Another alternative is the so-called hybrid top sheets which incorporate structures in fibrous and film form, particularly useful embodiments of these hybrid top sheets are disclosed in PCT publications WO 93/09744; WO 93/112725 or WO 93/11726. When reference is made to the top sheet, a multilayer structure or a layer structure is contemplated. The hybrid top sheet mentioned above is a multiple layer design, but other multi-layer top sheets such as the primary and secondary top sheet designs are also considered. The backsheet mainly prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core from moistening the articles that are in contact with the absorbent product, such as underpants, briefs, pajamas and undergarments. The backsheet is preferably impervious to liquids (eg, urine and / or menses), 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 will readily conform to the contour and general shape 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 through the entire absorbent core and can extend over and become part of the top sheet by bending around the absorbent core. Thus, a configuration of the top sheet as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, column 16, lines 47 to 62 can be achieved without the requirement to selectively perforate the top sheet. 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 having a thickness of about O.012 mm to approximately 0.051 mm. Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-1401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visque in a Division of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and / or finished without gloss to provide a more fabric-like appearance. Preferably, the backsheet also provides breathability to the absorbent article by being at least permeable to water vapor, preferably permeable to air, however, without compromising the main function of the backsheet.

The backsheet can be a laminated material, for example, of a combination of microporous film, nonwoven material and / or film formed with openings. The breathability, if desired, can be limited to the periphery of the backsheet or this can be through the entire back sheet.

Adaptability of the article The term "adaptability", as used herein, comprises the characteristics of contraction capacity, extensibility, and combinations thereof. Adaptability usually refers to the ability to adapt in size in one or both directions of the sanitary napkin. The adaptability according to the present invention can be provided by creating a series of corrugations or folds in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the product is desired to be adaptable. For example, a thin sanitary article having corrugations or creases in the longitudinal direction, will provide the ability to be stretched in the transverse direction, in order to accommodate the change of the crotch width of the article when applying the article or during use. These corrugations or folds can also provide the ability to enlarge or reduce the width of the article in order to result in the normal position of use for users of different crotch widths. The ability to adapt to the desired extension can be provided in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction. It can be employed to provide the synergistic effects together with the elastically extensible materials in the construction of the absorbent article. It is also, of course, possible to use the inherent extension capacity of the material with the structural adaptability provided by the corrugations or the folds.

The term "corrugated" or "corrugations", as used herein, designates the existence of a series of continuous changes of the normal direction of a plane of a sheet. The "normal direction" of a plane is the perpendicular direction. While corrugations are a continuous change of the normal direction in the plane of a sheet, the term "folds" or "folding", as used herein, refers to folds along a specific line, or, in other words, to an abrupt change in the normal direction of a plane of a sheet. A series of folds can also be used to simulate corrugations. In particular, for thin articles, a process called rolling with a ring on the total product can be used! to provide corrugacioner. structural that allow the adaptability of the product as desired. This ring rolling at least in a high speed manufacturing operation requires that the materials be carefully selected by one skilled in the art, which however, is not a problem considering the material options and a desired adaptability above. . The ring rolling of the individual materials before the combination can be useful in order to provide products in addition to their adaptability, having an improvement in flexibility and smoothness over normal products. Ring rolling is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,107,364; U.S. Patent No. 4,834,741; U.S. Patent No. 5,156,793; U.S. Patent No. 5,143,679; U.S. Patent No. 5,167,897, and U.S. Patent No. 5,354,400, which give a detailed explanation of how differential extension capacity is provided as well. Also, the corrugation is well known, and will be readily usable by those skilled in the art. The corrugations may be present in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction of the absorbent article, however, corrugation techniques have been developed to provide corrugations that are transverse to the direction of material transport during the manufacture of an article. As a result, a ring rolling operation can be considered to provide corrugation in the transport direction of a material during manufacture, while a corrugation process typically provides only the corrugation in the perpendicular direction. However, the term corrugations or folds as used herein, refers to the result of ring or corrugated rolling, regardless of whether the process was used in the direction of transport of a material during manufacture or perpendicular to it. The required extension or limit of the corrugation or of the folds (defined by the amplitude and frequency), can be easily defined by simple trial and error to adjust the required adaptability. This will depend on the combined thickness and flexibility of the article. Those skilled in the art will also realize that the same corrugation or folds can be provided in such a way that they will allow different limits of adaptability depending on whether they have been partially flattened again. In order to provide the user with an article that has a high degree of adaptability, it is necessary to maintain the corrugations formed in the manufacturing during the rest of the manufacturing process as well as in the packaging operation, transportation to the product supply locations and personal handling of the article before fixing it to the skin. This can be achieved, for example, by stabilizing or immobilizing the product in its corrugated or folded state, fixing it in that state to a rigid substrate such as, for example, a release paper or protective adhesive medium for the body adhesive.

Adhesive for topical fixation The adaptable articles according to the present invention, as said before, are applied directly to the wearer's skin. In particular, sanitary napkins are applied in the genital region of a typically female user, around the liquid discharge area. The word "skin" according to the present invention is not only related to the specific dermis of the user, but includes the mucosal tissue as well as the hair that is typically found in the genital region of the users of the sanitary napkins. In order to provide the fixing of the lateral folds according to the present invention to the wearer's skin, it is necessary to provide a certain area on the side of the upper sheet of the article which is facing towards the wearer, with an adhesive for topical fixation also referred to as body adhesive. Various designs are contemplated in this respect, but preferably the body adhesive is provided, along the peripheral edge of the top sheet such that a central area of the article is left without adhesive. This will more appropriately facilitate the positioning of the article such that the upper sheet permeable to the liquid without adhesive on it, is placed adjacent to the orifice that emanates the body fluid, in such a way that the liquid that emanates is immediately transported towards the absorbent structure of the body. absorbent article without the possibility of leaks or spills. However, it is not necessary that the body adhesive be provided in a closed circle around the periphery of the upper sheet, but that it can be provided in incremental areas such as discrete points or lines in such a way as to disengage between the different places. of fixation providing additional comfort to the user of these items.

Since the strength of the adhesive and other characteristics of the body adhesive will be influenced by the adaptability, it is generally appropriate to provide the absorbent article before selecting the body adhesive. In particular, the extension of the body adhesive area needs to be carefully defined in order to maintain the desired benefits of the adaptive article, for example, when the article is corrugated, the adhesive should not normally immobilize the rebar. In order to meet the objectives according to the present invention, the following should be considered.

Characteristics. Physical Reolóqicas and Adhesives of a Body Adhesive Even when body adhesives similar to pressure sensitive adhesives are used in the hair of human skin and in the mucosal tissues, it is understood that body adhesive compositions can only with difficulty be considered as typical pressure sensitive adhesives ( referred to as PSA in the following) on the basis of the most characteristic rheological behaviors that identify these materials. In fact, as the person skilled in the art of adhesives knows, the most characteristic aspect that distinguishes a PSA from other substances that can temporarily stick things (as can, for example, water), is the fact that its rheological and especially the elastic modulus G 'varies greatly with the frequency of the applied stresses. More particularly the G 'of the PSA may increase over some types of magnitude while the frequency of the applied voltages varies from the typical binding frequency to the typical disbudding frequency, i.e. from 1 rad / sec to 100 rad / sec as is indicated below.

As a first consequence, it is inferred that it is inadmissible to define materials intended to be used as "body adhesives", giving values of the rheological parameters and especially of G 'to a fixed frequency value. This can be misleading because in the absence of other features it will include materials that do not have practical values. It is believed by consequence that the rheological characterization should be based on dynamic considerations. This applies not only to the elastic modulus G 'but also to the viscous modulus G "and consequently also to (d) = G7G' It is well known that the typical PSA does not have only a high variation of G 'through the frequencies considered, but there is also a variation of G "even higher that may be close to or even higher than the value of G ', that is (d) becomes approximately or even higher than 1, particularly in the frequencies that they are typical of disunity, and without wishing to be bound by theory, this can be interpreted as meaning that a high fraction of the energy applied for disunion dissipates in internal fractions (so that it is not effective in causing disunity) , while this fact macroscopically causes the recording of a very high level of adhesive strength As indicated above, the materials useful as body adhesives according to the present invention, have rheological characteristics that are measured at a reference temperature of 37 ° C, as the body temperature, and within a frequency scale It has been found that when applying an article with a body adhesive, adhesive contact is formed or at a low frequency, while disunity happens at the rate of removal of the item. This speed is expressed as a frequency of 100 rad / sec whereas it has been found that the low frequency of forming the adhesive bond is in the order of 1 rad / sec. Therefore, the range of frequencies to be used according to the present invention is between 1 and 100 rad / sec. Furthermore, it should be noted that G 'and G "at the application frequency of 1 rad / sec at 100 rad / sec are taken at a temperature of 37 ° C. In the practical use of the articles according to the present invention, The actual storage temperature of the article and consequently the temperature of the body adhesive when applied varies widely.For example, the storage in a hot bath near a radiator can reach up to approximately 37 ° C, while the storage in a room of storage or bath without heating but with a window open during the winter can be close to 0 ° C. However, since the article according to the present invention is used directly on the skin and the person skilled in the art is on the way to select an adhesive composition having a small specific heat capacity (e.g., preferably less than 4 J / g / K, more preferably less than 3 J / g / K, most preferably or that 2 J / g / k), the actual temperature of the body adhesive will reach 37 ° C very quickly or even be heated by the user before application. Consequently, it is bved that the characteristics of the adhesive bond are selected in a manner very appropriate to body temperature. In order to provide good bonding conditions, ie at a frequency of about 1 rad / sec, the absolute values of the elastic modulus should not be too high, otherwise the adhesive is too hard and is not capable of binding or molding intimately to the surface to which it is expected to adhere. It is also important to have an absolute value of G "low in order to have good cohesion, which is particularly valuable for a direct application on the human body, while the material remains soft and able to adhere gently to the skin. of G'37 (1 rad / sec) on G "37 (1 rad / sec) is important to ensure that these two values are balanced upon application of the disposable absorbent article to the skin. At the same time, the absolute changes of G'37 need to be limited within the range of frequencies considered. Consequently, a low value must be maintained for the ratio of? G'37 (ie, G'37 (100 rad / sec) -G'37 (1 rad / sec)), above G'37 ( 1 rad7sec) in order to maintain secure attachment of the disposable absorbent article to a user during the period of total use without causing discomfort during this period or in the removal / delamination of the article. This can also be expressed in absolute terms by keeping the? G'37 below certain values.

Importantly, the ratio of G'37 (100 rad / eg) - G '(100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) -G "37 (1 rad / sec) it needs to be old enough to ensure that the dynamic behavior of both the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus are maintained in a relationship that provides secure adhesion during use and painless and easy removal at the end of the period of use. Finally, the person skilled in the art will also recognize that the vitreous transition temperature Tg of the adhesive composition, the specific heat capacity, and the specific heat conductivity are parameters that are useful to more fully define the group of topical adhesives tools. The following feature set must be satisfied: • G'37 (1 rad / sec) is on the scale from 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably 1500 Pa to 15000 Pa, more preferably 3000 Pa to 10000 Pa.

• G "37 (1 rad / sec) is in the range of 100 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably 100 Pa to 10000 Pa, more preferably 3000 Pa to 5000 Pa. • the proportion of G'37 (1 rad7seg) / G" 37 (1 rad7sec) is on the scale of 2 to 50, preferably 3 to 30. • the proportion G'37 (100 rad / sec) -G "37 (100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G "37 (1 rad / sec) is not less than 0.5, preferably on the scale of 0.7 to 3, most preferably on the scale of 1 to 1.8 • any of the proportion of? G'37 / G37 (1 rad / sec) is not greater than 1.5, preferably not greater than unity and most preferably not greater than 0.8, or "G'37 is not greater than 10000 Pa, preferably less than 5000 Pa, more preferably less than 2000 Pa, or both. • the value of the ratio G'_7 / G "37 at least for the frequency scale of about 1 rad / sec to 100 rad / sec, should preferably be 2 or more, more preferably 3.3 or higher, while not exceeding about 50, preferably 30, anywhere in the frequency range • the rheological behavior may also be related to the glass transition temperature Tg values. For the topical adhesives according to the present invention, it should preferably be lower -15 ° C, more preferably less than -20 ° C, and most preferably less than -25 ° C • the rheological performance and acceptance of a disposable article comprising a topical adhesive may also be related to the heat capacity Preferably, the specific heat capacity of the topical adhesive is less than 4 J / g / K, more preferably less than 3 J / g / K and most preferably less than 2 J / g / K. The behavior and rheological acceptance of a disposable absorbent article comprising a topical adhesive may also be related to the specific heat conductivity of the adhesive. Preferably, the conductivity of the specific heat is as low as possible, preferably between 1 and 0.1 W / m / K, more preferably between 0.6 and 0.1 W / m / K.

Chemical and Composition Characteristics of a Body Adhesive In order to provide body adhesive compositions that meet the requirements of the rheological and physical characteristics of a body adhesive above, the following formulation criteria should be used. It should be noted that most of the compositions useful as the body adhesive have a substantially gel-like structure and are preferably gels. This derives from the fact that: the predominant component is the plasticizer, which is a liquid material at room temperature a macromolecular or polymeric component is present in minor amounts against the plasticizer. This form, in the preferred modalities, a three-dimensional network made by the physical and chemical bonds between the molecules. Particularly useful physical links are the bonds present in systems containing block thermoplastic elastomers. More specifically, the compositions typically comprise: from 0.5 to 20%, preferably from 5% to 15%, by weight of a macromolecular polymer substance or a mixture of these substances soluble or capable of swelling in the aforementioned plasticizer (s). As non-limiting examples, these polymeric or macromolecular substances can be natural and / or synthetic, such as natural gums or derivatives such as natural gums and gelatins, their derivatives and alginates; polyacrylics; polyvinyl alcohol; polyethylene oxide; polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) or polyvinyl ethers, their copolymers and derivatives; cellulose derivatives; Thermoplastic Block Copolymer Elastomers and preferably Styrenic Block Copolymers and more preferably the hydrogenated grades Styrene / Ethylene-Butylene / Styrene (SEBS), / Styrene / lsoprene / Styrene (SIS), and Styrene / Ethylene Propylene / Styrole (SEPS). from 51 to 99.5% by weight of a plasticizing substance or a mixture of plasticizing substances, which are liquid at room temperature. As non-limiting examples, the plasticizer may be water, various alcohols (such as in particular glycerol), glycols, polyglycols, liquid polybutenes, natural or synthetic oils such as vegetable oils, mineral oils, or combinations thereof. from 0% to 600% > by weight of the macromolecular poiimeric substance, of a tackifier resin whose main scope is to form the Tg, especially in systems based on synthetic polymers. from 0 to 10% and more preferably from 0 to 5% by weight of a substance to facilitate and stabilize the gelation of both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic liquid plasticizers. These can be for oil systems, for example, fatty acids of C8 to C_2, their metal salts and their polyoxyl derivatives; lanolin derivatives, silica; bentonite, montmorillonite and its derivatives; polyamides, waxes or mixtures thereof.

Common additives known in the art as preservatives, antioxidants, anti-ultraviolet agents, pigments, mineral fillers, rheology modifiers, etc., may also be comprised in amounts of up to 10% each. When chemical lattices are formed in the system, a crosslinking agent may be present in amounts of up to 5% by weight. Chemical crosslinking can also be formed by the mutual neutralization of polymers having different functionalities as in the reaction between polyacrylic acids and polysaccharides. The compositions for the body adhesives can be divided into three families according to the nature of their main component, i.e., normally the plasticizer or liquid plasticizers (s): 1) The hydrophobic compositions in which the plasticizer is typically an oil or mixtures of oils of vegetable and mineral origin and the polymer is usually a synthetic polymer, preferably an elastomer, soluble, or capable of swelling the oil or oils. 2) The mixed phase compositions in which both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, possibly both the plasticizers and the polymers, form two or more separate phases. In these cases, an emulsifier / surfactant is preferably present at an adequate level to form stable emulsions between incompatible phases. For the body adhesives according to the present invention, it is preferable that the hydrophobic components are predominant against the hydrophilic components. 3) The hydrophilic compositions in which typically the plasticizer is water / glycerol / glycols and the like and / or mixtures thereof and the polymer phase is of synthetic (for example polyacrylics), or natural (for example natural gums) or mixtures thereof. It is important that, in a manner different from what is already known in the medical field and from the prior art cited, hydrophilic compositions are not preferred, although hydrophobic and mixed-phase compositions 1) and 2) are preferred in the applications of the present invention. This partly depends on technical reasons in the sense that many of the hydrophilic compositions used in the medical field show elasticity and cohesion too low to be useful in the present application. The other reason for preferring hydrophobic or easily mixed compositions is that the application of the present invention, particularly in the field of sanitary napkins, will include a likelihood of contacting the body adhesive with the liquid being absorbed. Since the liquids are, all of a general aqueous type, in contact with a hydrophilic body adhesive, it would result in a certain absorption of the body fluids in the body adhesives. This would then have the result of changing the rheological characteristics, and therefore the functionality of the body adhesive, causing an unhygienic appearance but would also cause the body fluids to remain in direct contact with the skin for a prolonged period, which is not typically desired by any of the disposable absorbent articles of the body. according to the present invention. In addition, this may also constitute a potential disadvantage for the user, since some of the hydrophilic compositions are potentially good growth media for the growth of many microorganisms, including still pathogens. In addition, the hydrophilic body adhesive also tends to be perceived as cold and damp upon application of a sanitary napkin or a new sweat pad, which is not in line with the typical expectation of the consumer. Further problems result from the fact that in particular body adhesives comprising water as the plasticizer, they have a tendency to dry unless sealed within an impermeable package. The absorbent articles according to the present invention can be made by any of the ordinary manners in the art. The application of the adhesive to the side of the top sheet of the absorbent article should not cause greater problems for those skilled in the art, since it can be provided by similar techniques as are commonly used for a panty fastener device for sanitary napkins. The total area of the surface facing the user of the absorbent article that is covered by the body adhesive should not be greater than 20% or, preferably, not greater than 10%. Preferably, the adhesive is encircling the periphery of the absorbent article and in the case of the upper sheets of film (or when the backsheet is folded over the upper sheet) the adhesive is preferably on a part of the film, which is not permeable to liquids. The body adhesive on the item (as is common with panty bras), needs to be protected before use. This protection can be provided by a release liner such as a paper treated with silicone or surfactant, provided that this paper is a good release surface for the particularly selected body adhesive. In principle, the absorbent article according to the present invention is held in the user by the body adhesive and does not require additional supports to remain in place. However, it is possible to provide, for example, a sanitary napkin with a slip-resistant coating on the side of the backsheet in order to prevent the sanitary napkin from gradually migrating out of position. Even when the panty fastener adhesives are not desired and consequently are not preferred according to the present invention, they are not strictly speaking, excluded in the context of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1 A composition based on oil useful in sanitary napkins according to the present invention was prepared using 9.9% by weight of Krato G-1651, a block copolymer of Styrene / Ethylene / Butylene / Styrene containing 33% by weight of styrene and which is available from Shell Co., and 59.3% by weight of Kaydol, a paraffinic mineral oil available from Witco Co. The composition further contains 301 parts of the tackifier resin per 100 parts of the Kraton polymer. The tackifying modifier resin was Escorez 5300, a hydrogenated resin available from Exxon Co. Magnesium stearate, available, was added from Cario Erba S.P.A. a cogelling agent for the oil at a level of 0.7% by weight. Iranox 1010 was added an antioxidant available from Ciba-Geigy, at a level of 0.3% by weight. Finally, thus the formulation had the following percentage composition: Kraton G-1651 9.9% by weight Kaydol 59.3% > by weight Esocrez 5300 29.8% by weight Magnesium stearate 0.7%) by weight Irganox 1010 0.3%) by weight The composition showed the following rheological properties at 37 ° C. a) Elastic modulus at 1 rad / sec, G'37 = 6876 Pa b) Viscous Module at 1 rad / sec, G "37 = 550.5 Pa c) Proportion between Elastic and Viscous Modules at 1 rad7seg G'37.G" 37 = 12.49 d) Proportion of G'ST / I OO rad / sec) - G "(100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G" 37 (1 rad / eg) = 1.22 e) The ratio of? G'37 over G'37 (1 rad / sec) was 0.308 with? G'37 = 2124 Pa.

The above formulation was judged as comfortable for application on the hairy, sensitive skin.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE A composition based on compound oil was mixed using 7.1% by weight of Kraton G-1651, a styrene / ethylene-butylene / styrene block copolymer containing 33% by weight of styrene and available from Sheil Co., and 49.9%) by weight of Kaydol, a paraffinic mineral oil available from Witco Co. Moreover, the composition contained 704 parts of tackifier resin per 100 parts of the Kraton polymer. The tackifying modifier resin was Regalrez 3102, a hydrocarbon resin available from Hercules Co. The Magnesium Stearate available from Cario Erba S.p.A. was used as a cogelling agent for the oil at a level of 0.7% > in weigh. Irganox 1010, an antioxidant agent available from Ciga-Geigy, was added at a level of 0.3% by weight. Finally, the formulation had the following percentage composition: Krato G-1651 7.1% by weight Kaydol 41.9% by weight Regalrez 3102 50.0% by weight Magnesium stearate 0.7% > by weight Irganox 1010 0.3% by weight The composition showed the following rheological properties at 37 ° C. a) Elastic modulus at 1 rad7sec G'37 = 3059 Pa b) Viscose module at 1 rad7sec G "37 1208 = Pa c) Proportion between elastic and viscous modulus at 1 rad / sec G'37 / G" 37 = 2.53 d ) Proportion of G '^ dOO rad / sec) - G'X (100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G "37 (1 rad / eg) = - 2.87 e) The proportion of? G '37 over G'37 (1 rad / sec) was 3,944 with? G'37 = 12064.7 Pa.

The above formulation was judged to be highly uncomfortable for the application on the forearm skin. The application to sensitive hairy skin was unacceptable.

Claims (10)

1. A disposable absorbent article for topical adhesive attachment to a user of said article, said article having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis, the article having a surface facing towards the user and a surface facing the garment and comprising a core absorbent between the surface facing the user and the surface facing the garment, characterized in that said article is adaptable in at least one direction, preferably both directions, defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes; and said article comprises on at least part of the surface that gives the user an adhesive for topical adhesive topical fixation of the article; said adhesive having an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° F), G'37, and having a viscous modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° F), G "37, said adhesive being selected for have: »G'37 (1 rad / sec) on the scale from 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably

1500 Pa to 15000 Pa, more preferably 3000 Pa to 10000 Pa; • G "37 (1 rad / sec) is on the scale from 100 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably 100 Pa to 10000 Pa, more preferably 3000 Pa to 5000 Pa • the proportion of G'37 (1 rad7sec) / G" 37 (1 rad7sec) is on the scale of 2 to 50, preferably 3 to 30; • the proportion G (100 rad / sec-G "^ (100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G" 37 (1 rad / sec) is not less than 0.5, preferably in the scale of 0.7 to 3, most preferably on the scale of 1 to 1.8, alternatively, either, G'37 (100 rad / sec) - G'37 (1 rad / sec) is not greater than 10000 Pa, preferably less than 5000 Pa, preferably less than 2000 Pa, or the ratio G'37 (100 rad / sec) - G'37 (1 rad / sec) / G'37 (1 rad / sec) is not greater than 1.5, preferably not greater than 1, most preferably not greater than 0.8, or a combination thereof 2.

The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the article is corrugated or folded in order to provide said adaptability. according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive is a composition of materials comprising from 51% to 99.5% by weight a plasticizing compound or composition which is liquid at 20% C, 0.5%) to 20% > by weight of a compound or polymer composition that is soluble or swellable in the plasticizer composition or composition; a tackifying resin in an amount of 0% to 600% by weight of the compound or the polymer composition.

The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein said plasticizer compound or composition is selected from the following group: water, alcohols, glycols, oil or combinations thereof; and said polymeric compound or composition is selected from the following group: block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers, styrene block copolymers and hydrogenated styrene block copolymers, polyacrylics, polyvinyl alcohol, natural gum or gelatins, polyethylene oxides, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl ethers, cellulose derivatives, or combinations thereof.

5. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein 80% by weight of the adhesive consists of hydrophobic components and most preferably all of the adhesive components are hydrophobic.

The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said adhesive has a glass transition temperature of less than -15 ° C, preferably less than -20 ° C, most preferably -25 ° C.

7. A topical adhesive according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said adhesive has a specific heat capacity of less than 4 J / g / K, more preferably less than 3 J / g / K and most preferably less than 2 J / gK.

8. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said adhesive has a specific heat conductivity of less than 1 W / m / K, preferably in the scale of 1 and 0.1 W / m / K, more preferably in the scale of 0.6 and 0.1 W / m / K.

The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive covers less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of said surface facing the user.

10. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, which is a sanitary napkin or a pantyhose.