MXPA99005944A - Disposable absorbent article capable of self-shaping in use for secure topical adhesive attachment to the skin of a wearer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles capable of self-shaping in use, particularly sanitary napkins or pantiliners. 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 where absorption of bodily liquids is desired and which are activated during use to adapt their shape to the negative three-dimensional image of a wearer. 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. This is achieved by the present invention selecting the rheological characteristics of adhesives for such articles.

Description

DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE CAPABLE OF AUTOFORMING IN USE FOR TOPICAL FIXATION SAFETY ADHESIVE TO THE SKIN OF A USER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles capable of self-forming in use, particularly sanitary napkins, pantiliners or incontinence products. In particular, the present invention relates to these disposable absorbent articles which are used to fix them directly to the user's skin in the area where the absorption of body fluids is desired, and which are activated during use to adapt their topographic shape to the negative of the three-dimensional image of a user. 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. This is achieved by the present invention by selecting the rheological characteristics of the adhesives of the adhesives for these articles.

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 pads or 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 armpit region of a person 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. Directly applied 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 on the side facing the user 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 in regard to 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 prior 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 basis 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 JD Ferry also published by John Wiley &Sons, since this is now absent from WO 96/13238 the applicability of the disclosed data can not be determined, Furthermore, neither this document nor WO 95/16424 disclose Absorbent structures that are capable of forming during use.

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. It has now been found that the use of expansion materials in the absorbent core of the absorbent article is beneficial since the article can be provided in a typically flat, thin format, while the article expands during use in order to assume a still form. closer and create the volume within which the liquids that are absorbed can be stored. Typical examples for these expansion materials are the so-called gel absorbent materials also called superabsorbents or compressed materials, which are released during the use of their compressed state. Fibrous structures or compressed sponge structures in particular regenerated cellulose sponge materials have been described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 3,736,931, U.S. Patent No. 3,512,530, European Patent No. 293,208, European patent application EP-96106724.6 and EP-96106723.8. Based on the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide thin disposable absorbent articles substantially flat or planar, for the absorption of liquids emanating naturally from the body of a user, which are fixed in a manner secure to the skin of a user at the time of application and during use, while providing the absorbent article with the ability to self-shape during use. However, these articles adhered to the body also have to provide painless removal of the absorbent article. It is another object of the present invention to ensure that painless removal and removal of the absorbent article leaves no adhesive residues on the user's skin or hair. It is another object of the present invention that the topical adhesive does not cause a cold sensation or otherwise unacceptable temperature upon application, despite the difference in adhesive temperature with respect to skin temperature. It is another object of the present invention to provide disposable absorbent articles that are used in such close proximity to the area emanating from the user's liquid that liquid losses to the outside of the absorbent article are minimized or eliminated. For absorbent articles used in the crotch region of a wearer, this will result in improved security against staining of skin tissue and surrounding garments. In addition, of the above objects of the present invention, it is also desirable that sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and catamenial devices reduce or even eliminate the products emanating from the product, since being applied to the wearer's skin provides a seal of the odor that prevents the odors of the liquid absorbed or those formed from the absorbed liquid reaching beyond the absorbent article.

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 that faces towards the user and an external surface also called surface which gives towards the garment in the context of the articles worn under the clothes. 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 absorbent core according to the present invention comprises a means for expanding the article in a three-dimensional structure while the article is being used. The means for expanding the article is activated when the liquid is absorbed by the absorbent core. In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the means for expanding the article comprises a thin flat sheet of regenerated, compressed cellulose sponge. The article preferably has a thickness in the scale of 1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably in the scale of 1 mm to 3 mm, and the compressed regenerated cellulose sponge sheet expands in such a way that it mainly increases the thickness of the article instead of other dimensions, and moves the surface that gives towards the user of the article closer to the user and adapts to its topographic form to the negative of the three-dimensional shape of a user. In order to accommodate this improved proximity of the article to the user, it is preferred that the surface facing the user of the article be provided by a top sheet and that the top sheet be able to expand to adjust the expansion of the means for expanding the article. . The detailed analysis of the sequence of the common situations that occur from the application of a disposable absorbent article of self-formation until the moment of the removal of this article, has shown the specific characteristics of the adhesive needed to be satisfied in order to achieve the desired performance objectives, in particular 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.

The viscous behavior of the adhesive can be interpreted to represent an indication of the adhesive's ability to quickly bond 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 disposable absorbent articles which satisfy the requirements for initial secure attachment, secure attachment during use and easy / removal without pain, is of key importance the relationship between the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus as well as their dynamic behavior. The adhesive has an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° Fahrenheit), abbreviated G'3, and a viscous modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° C) Fahrenheit) of G "37. The adhesive further has a dynamic elastic behavior defined as? G'37 which is the difference of G'37 at a frequency of 100 fad7seg and G'37 at a frequency of 1 rad / sec and 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 in the range of 100 Pa 15000 Pa preferably 100 Pa to 10000 Pa, preferably 3000 Pa to over 5000 Pa. • the ratio of G'37 (1 rad7seg) / G "37 (1 rad7seg) is in the range 2 to 50, preferably from 3 to 30. "the ratio G'37 (100 rad / sec) -G" 37 (100 rad / se) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G "37 (1 rad / sec) no is less than 0.5, preferably in the scale from 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'37 / G "37 at least for the frequency scale of about 1 rad / sec to 100 rad / sec, preferably it should 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 specific.

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. Provided 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 for 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 of 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 compound or plasticizer composition and with a tackifying resin in an amount in the range of 0% to 600% by weight of the polymeric compound. The plasticizing 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.

Very generally, the preferred body adhesive is at least partially hydrophobic, preferably 60%, more preferably 80% by weight of the adhesive consists of hydrophobic components and most preferably none of the materials in the adhesive are hydrophilic, ie, it is made entirely from hydrophobic components. In a particularly preferred embodiment with the present invention, the adhesive covers less than 20% or even more preferably less than 10% of the surface facing the wearer of the absorbent article. The present invention is more beneficially applied in the field of sanitary napkins or panty-pads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles that are capable of self-forming in use and which 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 wearer, and 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 used 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 between 1 and 5 mm thick and most preferably between 1 and 3 mm thick, and substantially planar before use. The term "substantially flat", as used herein, refers to articles that have their main extension in a plane in contrast to be formed. In a preferred embodiment, a substantially flat article will have an absorbent core of constant thickness or, at least, will have an absorbent core that is not formed in a direction that is orthogonal to the absorbent core itself. This does not exclude a general curvature of the absorbent core. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the extension products can deviate from the absolute flat shape and still benefit from molding or shaping during use in accordance with the present invention. The term "use", as used herein, refers to a period of time that begins when the absorbent article is actually brought into contact with the wearer's anatomy. 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, which in turn are connected to the second member. Interlabial devices that reside partially within and partially outside the wearer's vestibule are also within the scope of this invention while topical fixation is possible. As used herein, the term "pudendal" refers to the externally visible female genital organs and is limited to the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, and vestibule. 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 the back sheet. The absorbent core in this preferred embodiment comprises a sheet of compressed regenerated cellulose sponge material. 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. The absorbent core also has surfaces facing the wearer and corresponding to the garment. The sanitary napkin has two central lines, a longitudinal central line and a transverse central orthogonal to it. The term "longitudinal" as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to), a vertical plane that divides a standing user in left and right body halves when the sanitary pad is used. The terms "transverse" or "lateral", as used herein, are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the sanitary napkin and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The z-direction is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sanitary napkin, and extends outwardly from the plane of the sanitary napkin which is defined by the longitudinal center lines and the lateral centerline. The three-dimensional structures of the sanitary napkin are those in which the structure of the sanitary napkin is made to expand, at least partially, in the z-direction, in order to conform more closely to the anatomy of the wearer. Said expansion preferably takes place in a direction that goes from the surface that gives towards the garment towards the surface that gives towards the user of the sanitary napkin. Particularly preferred are three-dimensional structures with an upwardly convex configuration that are inclusive of, but not limited to, inverted U shapes or inverted V shapes. With these configurations, the outline of the cross section of the central portion of the sanitary napkin is more closely matched to the lips of the typical wearer. 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 (for example menses and / or urine), 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 & 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 the 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. Preferably, the topsheet of the present invention is capable of expanding as the sanitary napkin expands into a three-dimensional structure. This can be achieved when making the top sheet of a material that is intrinsically extensible under the forces exerted by the expansion sheet of the compressed regenerated cellulose sponge. In a preferred embodiment, the upper sheet is provided with folds or folds that facilitate the desired expansion. Alternatively, the expansion layer may constitute the total absorbent core. The absorbent capacity of the absorbent core must be compatible with the body fluid load attempted for the absorbent article, including the volume created by the expansion of the expansion layer. If the substantially non-expansive absorbent member of the absorbent core is present, it can be any absorbent medium that is generally compressible, resilient, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and containing body fluids. The absorbent element can be manufactured from a wide variety of absorbent materials commonly used in disposable absorbent articles. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent member of the absorbent core comprises a laminated absorbent layer made of a material placed with thermally bonded air longitudinally bent twice on itself, and comprising particles of absorbent gelling material therebetween. The absorbent core comprises an expansion layer for expanding the sanitary napkin while the sanitary napkin is being used, to provide close contact with the area emanating from the liquid and to intercept the precocious liquids to prevent leakage and staining. In a preferred embodiment, the expansion is provided by swelling of the expansion layer and is activated during use by the initial absorption of body fluids. The expansion layer may comprise any material that is capable of inflating such as fibrous material or structures of cells that have been compressed or otherwise placed in a reduced volume state relative to their volume after initial exposure to the liquid. This includes but is not limited in particular to fibrous substrates comprising superabsorbent fibers, fibers coated with gelling absorbent material suspended in a matrix of compressed resilient fibers, foams or compressed sponges from natural or artificial sources or peat moss compressed. Other swelling materials may also be used according to the present invention, such as particulate or superabsorbent absorbent gel materials, non-collapsible but forming stable fibrous structures, for example, bonded polymeric webs or fabrics, but are less preferred. After absorption of body fluids and subsequent swelling, the material of the expansion layer should remain soft, compliant, conformable and resilient. The ability to follow the topography of the anatomy will provide intimate contact with the exposed genitals of the female user. This helps to provide the best fluid transfer from the user to the expansion layer. It is preferred that the expansion layer forms at least part of the surface of the absorbent core that is facing the top sheet. Preferably, the expansion layer comprises incisions on at least one of its surface that faces the user or its surface facing the garment, and which may be arranged in a closed configuration or open configuration of interceding lines. The term "incision", as used herein, indicates a cut on the surface of a layer, the incisions may involve the total thickness of the layer, but it is intended that they do not divide the layer into two or more separate parts. A closed configuration of intersecting lines, is an arrangement in which the lines are arranged in a network and therefore are completely interconnected one to another. In an open configuration of intersecting lines, the lines can intersect to form closed contours, for example, square, circular, hexagonal contours, but they do not form an interconnected network. The expansion layer of the absorbent core preferably further comprises openings in at least one of its surface facing the body or its garment facing surface. The openings extend more than 30% of the thickness of the expansion layer, preferably 50%, preferably more than 80%; openings that have different depths distributed in several zones of the expansion layer are also possible. The openings can also extend through the total thickness of the expansion layer. The combined effect of the incisions and the openings both provided on the surface facing the user of the expansion layer, is that the first fluid release is quickly acquired within the openings, which provides the expansion layer with a hollow space greater for the initial acquisition of fluid and with a larger surface area available for fluid absorption. The area of the expansion layer that first receives the fluid can swell more than other areas of the expansion layer thus topographically adapting to the three-dimensional image of the user.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the expansion layer comprises a compressed regenerated cellulose sponge sheet. The regenerated cellulose sponge which is a material that is known in the art, examples of suitable materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,954,493, in French Patent Application FR-A-2,203,827 and in the European Patent. EP-B- 0,293,208. The regenerated cellulose sponge is a sponge made of a material that contains a cellulose structure. Examples of these sponges include, in addition to the sponges consisting of cellulose itself, the sponges consisting of a cellulose derivative, such as viscose, a cellulose ether and a cellulose ester, and sponges consisting of mixtures of those materials. By way of example only, a regenerated cellulose sponge can be prepared from a mixture of a viscose solution with reinforcing fibers and a porogenic compound, for example, sodium sulphate decahydrate crystals or another alkali metal salt. with a high content of crystallized water, the final dimension of the pore being related to that of the salt crystals. The viscose solution can be extruded through an extrusion die of desired section, then allowed to coagulate. The material is washed with water after regeneration in order to remove the salt and other possible soluble compounds, then it is dried and, if necessary, compressed to the desired density. The compressed regenerated cellulose sponge has a network structure containing air structures created by the removal of sodium sulfate crystals. The compressed regenerated cellulose sponge material is available in various forms, for example, in layers or sheets of different densities, thicknesses and basis weights; the dry density values for the compressed material used in the present invention are from 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter to 1 gram per cubic centimeter, while the thickness may vary from 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

The swelling upon occurrence of liquid absorption of the compressed regenerated cellulose sponge material substantially takes place in the direction of compression and restores the pore size of the regenerated sponge prior to compression; a hollow volume is created that does not collapse under wet conditions and therefore allows the material to rapidly acquire additional fluid releases. The compressed regenerated cellulose sponge sheet is capable of rapidly absorbing bodily fluids with an increase in volume of about 2 to 20 times, and usually 5 to 15 times its volume at the time of compression. The substantially increased volume corresponds to a swelling in the direction of compression. The absorbent structure according to the present invention can include all the optional components normally present in the absorbent webs. For example, a reinforcing sheet may be placed within the respective layers, or between the respective layers of the absorbent structure. These reinforcement canvases should be of such configuration so as not to form interfacial barriers for fluid transfer. Given the structural integrity that normally occurs as a result of thermal bonding, reinforcing canvases are not normally required for thermally bonded absorbent structures. Another component that can be included in the absorbent structure according to the present invention and preferably is provided near or as an external part of the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer, are the odor control agents. Activated carbon coated with or in addition to other odor control agents, in particular zeolite or suitable clay materials, is optionally incorporated into the absorbent structure. These components can be incorporated in any desired form, but are often included as discrete particles.

Preferred control systems for use herein include the following combinations: i) silica, AGM and zeolites, preferably in a ratio of 5: 1: 1 to 1: 1: 5 :, most preferably 3: 1: 1: a 1: 1: 3; ii) zeolite, activated carbon, and AGM: iii) silica and AGM preferably in a ratio of 5: 1 to 1: 5, more preferably 3: 1 to 1: 3; iv) zeolites and AGM; v) silica and zeolites, preferably in a ratio of 1: 5 to 5: 1 more preferably 1: 3 to 3: 1, vi) chelating agents, particularly ethylenediamine tetraacetate; and vii) chelating agents in combination with any of the odor control systems i) av), preferably in a ratio of 1:10 to 10: 1, more preferably 1: 5 to 5: 1, most preferably 1: 3 to 3: 1. According to the present invention, the amount of odor control system incorporated in the absorbent article, can be easily determined by the person skilled in the art, and is also dependent on the intended use of the absorbent article, taking into consideration the dimensions of the article. absorbent. Typically, the absorbent article comprises from 5 grams per square meter to 400 grams per square meter, more preferably from 10 grams per square meter to 300 grams per square meter, most preferably from 150 grams per square meter to 250 grams per square meter, basis weight of said odor control system. For example, a sanitary napkin or a panty protector may comprise from 0.25 grams to 5 grams, preferably from 0.4 grams to 3 grams, most preferably from 0.5 grams to 2.5 grams of said odor control system. 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 0.012 mm to about 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.

Breathable backsheets suitable for use herein may be selected from all subsequent respirable sheets known in the art. In principle, there are two types of breathable backsheets, breathable, single-layer backsheets that are breathable and impervious to liquids, and backsheets that have at least two layers, which in combination provide both breathability and breathability. impermeability to liquid. The term "liquid impervious", as used herein, for breathable sheets, relates only to the barrier against loss of liquid from the article. In principle, the liquid that enters the article through the respirable back sheet are not intended to be excluded by this term. Breathable backsheets of a single layer suitable for use herein include those described, for example, in British Patent No. A 2184 389, British patent A 2184 390, British patent 2184 391, patent of the States No. 4,591, 523, United States Patent No. 3,989,867, United States Patent No. 3,156,242, and European Patent Application No. 95120653.1. Double or multi-layer breathable backsheets suitable for use herein include those exemplified in U.S. Patent No. 3,881,489, U.S. Patent No. 4,341, 216, U.S. Patent No. 4,713,068, U.S. Pat. United States No. 4,818,600, European Patent No. 203,821, European Patent 710,471, European Patent 710 472, and European Patent Applications 95120647.3, 95120652.3, 95120653.1 and 96830097.0. Particularly preferred are the backsheets that meet the requirements as defined in European Patent Application No. 96830343.8 and more preferably wherein the absorbent article, in general, also meets the requirements as described therein.

Adhesive for topical fixation The articles according to the present invention, as said before, are applied directly to the user'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 typically found in the genital region of the users, for example, sanitary napkins In order to provide the fixation 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 edge of the top 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.

In order to meet the objectives according to the present invention, the following should be considered.

Physical, Rheological and Adhesive Characteristics of a Topical Adhesive Even when topical adhesives similar to pressure sensitive adhesives are used in human skin hair and mucosal tissues, it is understood that topical adhesive compositions can only with difficulty be considered typical pressure sensitive adhesives (referred to as PSA hereafter) on the basis of the rheological behaviors, more characteristic 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 module G "and consequently also for (d) = G7G 'It is well known that the typical PSA does not only have a high variation of G' across the considered frequencies, but also there is a variation of G" even higher than can be to be close to or even to be higher than the value of G ', ie (d) becomes approximately or even higher than 1, particularly at the frequencies that are typical of disunity. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this can be interpreted as meaning that a high fraction of the energy applied for disunity dissipates in internal fractions (so that it is not effective in causing disunity), while this fact causes macroscopically the registration of a very high level of adhesive force. As indicated above, the materials useful as body adhesives according to the present invention have rheological characteristics which are measured at a reference temperature of 37 ° C, such as body temperature, and within a frequency range. It has been found that when applying an article with a body adhesive, the adhesive contact is formed at a low frequency, while the disunion occurs at the speed of removal of the article. This speed is expressed as a frequency of 100 rad / sec while 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 aimed at select an adhesive composition that has a small specific heat capacity (for example, preferably less than 4 J / g / K, more preferably less than 3 J / g / K, most preferably less than 2 J / g / k), the actual temperature of the body adhesive will reach 37 ° C very rapidly or even be heated by the user before the application. Consequently, it is believed 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 kept for the proportion 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 use total 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 proportion of G'37 (100 rad / e) - G "-p (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 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 from 3 to 30. • the G'37 ratio (100 rad / secVG '(100 rad / sec) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G "37 (1 rad / sec) is not less than 0.5, preferably in the scale from 0.7 to 3, most preferably on the scale of 1 to 1.8 • any of the ratio of? C37 / 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'37 / G ratio "37 at least for the frequency scale from about 1 rad / sec to 100 rad / sec, d it 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 can also be related to the values of the vitreous transition temperature Tg. For the topical adhesives according to the present invention, it should preferably be 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 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: • 0.5 to 20%, preferably 5% to 15%, by weight of a macromolecular polymeric 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 / Styrene (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 polymeric 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, C8 to C22 fatty acids, 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 hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, possibly both plasticizers and 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 origin (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 also causing the body fluids to remain in direct contact with the skin for a prolonged period, which is not typically desired by none of the disposable absorbent articles 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. Additional 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% >;, 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 An oil-based composition useful in sanitary napkins according to the present invention was prepared using 9.9% by weight of Krato G-1651, a styrene / ethylene / butylene / styrene block copolymer 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.

Furthermore, the composition 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, 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 Module 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 rad7sec G'37 / G" 3 = 12.49 d) Proportion of G '^ dOO rad / sec) - G "p (100 rad / seq) G'37 (1 rad / sec) - G" 37 (1 rad / eg) = 1.22 e) The proportion 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 Shell 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. It was used as a cogelling agent for the oil at a level of 0.7% by weight. 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 / seq) - G's (100 rad / seq 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 The above formulation was judged to be highly uncomfortable for application on the forearm skin. The application to sensitive hairy skin was unacceptable.

Claims (10)

1. A disposable absorbent article for adhesive topical attachment to a user of said article, the article having a surface facing the wearer and a garment facing surface and comprising an absorbent core between the surface facing the wearer and the wearer. garment facing surface, characterized in that said absorbent core comprises a means for expanding the article in a three dimensional structure while being used, said means being preferably activated by the absorbed liquid; and the article comprises on at least part of surface facing the user a topical adhesive adhesive of the article, said adhesive having an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° F), G'37, and having a viscous module at a temperature of 37 ° C (100 ° F), G "37, said adhesive being selected to have: • G'37 (1 rad / sec) on the scale from 1500 Pa to 20000 Pa, preferably 1500 Pa 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 rad7sec) / G "37 (1 rad7sec) is on the scale of 2 to 50, preferably from 3 to 30; • the ratio 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 in the scale from 0.7 to 3, most preferably on the scale from 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 article according to claim 1, wherein the value of the ratio G'37 over G "37 in the frequency range 1 to 100 rad / sec is in the range of 2 to 50, preferably 3.3 to 30. The disposable absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said adhesive is a composition of materials comprising: from 51% to 99.5%, by weight, a plasticizer 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 polymer composition; 4. 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, very preferably. - 25 ° C. 5. 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 very preferably less than 2 J / gK. 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 on the scale of 0.6 and 0.1 W / m / K. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for expanding the article comprises a compressed regenerated cellulose sponge sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 7, which is a sanitary napkin or a pati-protector, and has a thickness in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.5 to 3 mm, and wherein the sponge expands from such a way that it mainly increases the thickness of the article, moving the surface that gives the user closer to said user. 9. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said surface facing the user is provided by an upper sheet and said upper sheet being able to expand to adjust to the expansion of said means to expand said article in a three-dimensional structure. The absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the disposable absorbent article is a sanitary napkin or a panty protector and said adhesive covers less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of said surface facing the user .