RU2575263C2 - Substrate, containing foamed useful agents and method for thereof obtaining - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: chemistry.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to production of absorbing nonwoven products and deals with substrate, containing foamed useful agents, and method for thereof obtaining. It includes fibrous cloth and layer of useful agent, wherein useful agent is selected from additive composition, intensifying component and their combinations, with useful agent being in foamed condition and fixed on the surface of fibrous cloth as a result of creping. Method for creping nonwoven substrate includes the following stages: (a) provision of presence of nonwoven substrate; (b) placement of applicator near hot impermeable drying surface; (c) application of aqueous foamed useful agent on drying surface by means of applicator; (d) formation of adhesive film on drying surface by foamed useful agent; (e) direct fixation of nonwoven substrate with adhesive film, located on drying surface; and (f) scraping of fixed nonwoven substrate and adhesive film from drying surface.

EFFECT: invention provides creation of method for application of additive composition as such, or in combination with softness-intensifying particles, on the surface of drying device and finally, on substrate in order to achieve substrate with increased softness.

20 cl, 17 dwg, 17 tbl, 10 ex

Description

Cross references to related applications

This application claims the priority of patent application US 12/979852, filed December 28, 2010, the contents of which are fully incorporated into this description by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to a creped non-woven substrate (base) containing a foamed polymer and additional softeners, and to a method for its preparation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent non-woven products, such as paper towels, sanitary paper, diapers and other similar products, are designed so that they have the desired values of bulkiness, softness and strength. For example, the softness of some sanitary paper products is enhanced by applying a surface additive composition, such as a softening agent, to the outer surface (s) of the sanitary paper sheet. Such an additive composition may be a bonding agent that is applied to the surface of a substrate, for example, a nonwoven material, using a separate operation or an operation in combination with creping. Creping may be a step in a method for manufacturing a nonwoven material, during which sanitary paper is adhered to the hot surface of a rotating drying cylinder using an additive composition. The dried sanitary paper and the additive composition are jointly cleaned from the drying cylinder using a doctor blade. Creping increases the puffiness of the sheets of the base for sanitary paper, which, in turn, increases the softness, determined by touch. Creping also affects other properties, such as strength, flexibility, the appearance of creping creases, and similar properties. Typically, the additive compositions are sprayed onto a drying cylinder of an American drying device (Yankee cylinder). However, due to the loss of the additive composition caused by the presence of a boundary layer of air near the surface of the drying device and the relatively high temperatures of the drying device, spraying provides only low mass application efficiency of the chemical (from 40% to 70%). Due to technical requirements, the applicator (applicator) is typically located at a distance of approximately 4 inches (101.6 mm) from the surface of the dryer. Due to the high rotation speed of the drying device, the boundary layer of air near the surface of the drying device moves with the surface, creating a pressure barrier that impedes the movement of particles of the sprayed substance to the surface of the drying device.

In addition, the modification of additives to include additional solid particles and short fibers, which increase the overall softness of the substrate, causes certain difficulties. Many additional particles that can improve the tactile properties of the finished substrate must be mixed to form a dispersion sprayed onto the drying device. Since the size of the plurality of such particles exceeds the size of the spray nozzles, clogging of the nozzles is a problem that makes it difficult to correctly disperse the additives on the surface of the drying device. Thus, there is a need to create a method of applying the additive composition, as such or in combination with particles that enhance softness, on the surface of the drying device and, ultimately, on the substrate, in order to obtain a substrate with increased softness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nonwoven substrate comprising a fibrous web having a surface and a layer of a beneficial agent, wherein the beneficial agent is selected from an additive composition, a reinforcing component, and combinations thereof; while the beneficial agent is in a foamed state and is fixed on the surface of the fibrous web as a result of creping.

The present invention also relates to a method for creping a non-woven substrate, comprising the following steps (a) providing a non-woven substrate; (b) positioning the applicator near a hot impermeable drying surface; (c) applying with an applicator to the drying surface of an aqueous foamed beneficial agent; (d) the formation of a foamed beneficial agent on the drying surface of an adhesive (adhesive) film; (e) direct bonding of the non-woven substrate with an adhesive film on the drying surface; and (f) cleaning the fixed nonwoven backing and adhesive film from the drying surface.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a non-woven substrate, comprising an adhesive film consisting of an aqueous foamed beneficial agent, where the beneficial agent is selected from an additive composition selected from a synthetic water-soluble polymer, a natural water-soluble polymer, and mixtures thereof; the reinforcing component is selected from the group consisting of microparticles, thermally expandable (capable of increasing in size under the influence of heating) microspheres, chopped fibers, dispersions of additional polymers, fragrances, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, emollients, medicines and their combinations; and mixtures of the listed funds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHIC MATERIALS

Graphic materials are presented in non-limiting form and to illustrate the invention; it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific structures and equipment presented.

Figure 1 schematically presents the steps of the method used to obtain one of the embodiments of the foam according to the present invention.

Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of the American drying cylinder shown in Figure 1, which shows the application of foam on the surface of the drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 schematically shows a side view of a separately executed creping method according to one embodiment of the present invention, in particular, the application of foam on the surface of a non-porous cylinder is shown.

Figure 4 schematically shows a method of manufacturing sanitary paper using creping equipment.

Figure 5 schematically shows a method of manufacturing sanitary paper, not including the use of creping equipment.

Figure 6 presents a number of photographic images obtained using SEM (scanning electron microscope), which shows a change in the structure of the sanitary-hygienic material after processing according to one example of the method according to the present invention.

Figure 7 presents a side view in section of a parabolic applicator for applying a chemical additive according to the prior art.

On Fig presents a side view in section of a parabolic applicator for applying a chemical additive according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the parabolic applicator shown in Fig. 8.

Figure 10 presents a front perspective view of the parabolic applicator shown in Figure 9, modified to attach scrapers (devices for removing excess material) to it according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial side elevational view of the parabolic applicator shown in FIG. 10, modified to attach end thresholds to it according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the parabolic applicator shown in FIG. 9, modified to attach rollers to it according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

On Fig presents a partial side view of the parabolic applicator shown in Fig.

On Fig presents the morphology of surface structures and the morphology of structures in section for surfaces that are applied reinforcing component according to the present invention.

On Fig presents the applied film and sanitary paper, including the combined beneficial agent according to the present invention.

On Fig presents a graph of the dependence of GMT (geometric mean tensile strength, English. Geometric Mean Tensile Strength) from the logarithm of the odds for the softness of two-layer products from sanitary-hygienic paper for face hygiene, including the combined beneficial agent according to the present invention.

On Fig presents a graph of GMT versus increase in caliber (thickness) of two-layer products from sanitary-hygienic paper for face hygiene, including the combined beneficial agent according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Although the invention has the claims at the end of this description, which partially denotes and expressly limits the invention, it can be assumed that a better understanding of the present invention will be achieved after reading the description below.

Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages, parts and ratios are given in terms of the total weight of the compositions according to the present invention. All weights related to the listed ingredients relate to the active substance and, therefore, unless otherwise indicated, do not include weights of solvents or by-products that may be contained in commercially available materials. In the present description, the term "mass percent" may be referred to as "% of the mass." With the exception of specific examples containing real measured values, the numerical values cited in the present description should be considered as values including the “approximately” modifier.

As used herein, the term “comprising” means that other steps and other ingredients that do not affect the end result can be added. This term includes the terms “consisting of” and “essentially consisting of”. Compositions and methods according to the present invention can include, consist of and essentially consist of the essential elements and boundary elements of the invention described in the present description, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, steps or boundary elements discussed in the present description.

As used herein, the term “additive composition” refers to chemical additives (sometimes called chemicals, chemicals, chemical composition and additive) that are applied to the surface of a substrate. Application to the surface in accordance with the method according to the present invention can be performed during the drying step or the conversion step. The additive compositions of the present invention can be applied to any substrate (for example, sanitary paper or nonwoven materials) and can include, without limitation, polymer dispersions, polymer solutions, or mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the term “dry-formed web” means an air-formed web in which groups of small fibers, typically about 3 to about 52 millimeters (mm) in length, are separated and captured by an air current, and then deposited on a forming mesh, usually using a vacuum source. Then, the fibers deposited in an disordered manner are bonded to each other, for example, by the action of hot air or sprayed adhesive. The production of nonwoven composite materials by dry air molding is comprehensively reviewed in the literature and documents related to this technical field. Non-limiting examples of the preparation include the DanWeb method described in US Pat. No. 4,640,810 to Laursen et al., Copyright of which is Scan Web, North America Inc .; the Kroyer method described in US Pat. No. 4,494,278 to Kroyer et al. and US Pat. No. 5,527,171 to Soerensen, the copyright of which is Niro Separation a / s; and the method described in US patent 4375448, Appel et al., the copyright of which is Kimberly-Clark Corporation, or other similar methods.

"Useful agents" are compositions or components that provide a beneficial effect on the treated portion of the substrate, for example, softness, smoothness, moisture, aroma and similar properties. Non-limiting examples of beneficial agents of the present invention include “additive compositions” and “enhancing components”.

“Bonded carded web” (abbreviated UPC, Bonded Carded Web, abbreviated “BCW”) means a non-woven web obtained by carding methods known to those skilled in the art and further discussed, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,488,928, the contents of which are incorporated herein description by reference to the extent consistent with the present invention. In the carding method, a mixture of staple fibers, binder fibers and possibly other binder components, for example, an adhesive, can be used. These components are molded in the form of a volumetric ball, which is combed or otherwise processed to obtain a web with a substantially uniform surface density. This fabric is heated or otherwise processed to activate the adhesive component, which results in a holistic fluffy non-woven material.

Used in the present description, the term "co-molded (web)" means a polymer material obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt (material "meltblown"), which can be added to other fibers or other components. In the most general sense, co-moldable material can be obtained by placing at least one melt extrusion die near the trough, through which other materials are added to the melt materials as the web is formed. These "other materials" may be natural fibers, superabsorbent particles, fibers from a natural polymer (eg, viscose) and / or fibers from a synthetic polymer (eg, polypropylene or polyester). The fibers may have a staple length. The co-moldable material may contain cellulosic material in an amount of about 10% by weight. up to about 80 wt. -%, for example, from about 30% of the mass. up to about 70% of the mass. For example, in one embodiment, a co-moldable material can be obtained containing fibers from pulp in an amount of about 40% by weight. up to about 60% of the mass.

Used in the present description, the term "creping" means the process that occurs when cleaning the cloth glued to the surface of the drying device, a knife, for example, a doctor blade.

The "enhancing components" according to the present invention are beneficial agents that are additional components and can be added to the additive composition to give it other tactile or additional beneficial properties that cannot be achieved using the additive composition itself. Reinforcing components include, but are not limited to, microparticles, expandable (expandable) microspheres, fibers, dispersions of additional polymers, perfumes, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, medicines, emollients, and the like.

As used herein, the term “foam” means liquid foam. According to the present invention, when the foamable composition of the present invention is heated on the surface of the dryer, it does not form a solid foam structure. On the contrary, when applied to a heated surface, the foamable composition turns into a substantially continuous film, inside which air bubbles are enclosed.

“Water-jet bonded web” according to the present invention means a web in which the fibers of the web are entangled by vertical jets of fluid. Water-jet fastening of the web usually increases the strength of the web. In one aspect, the pulp fibers can be formed by water-jet bonding in the form of a continuous fiber material, for example, a web made from a polymer melt by a spinneret method (spunbond web). Obtained by water-jet bonding the web from which the non-woven composite material is made may contain fibers of pulp in an amount of from about 50% to about 80% by weight, for example, in an amount of about 70% by weight. Web-based composite material obtained by water-jet bonding discussed above, are commercially available, and can be delivered Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the name HYDROKNIT ^®. Hydraulic entanglement is discussed, for example, in patent US 5389202, Everhart.

Used in the present description, the term "non-woven material" means a class of paintings, usually obtained by bonding fibers together. Non-woven fabric is made using mechanical, chemical, thermal means, using an adhesive or solvent, or any combination of these means. The manufacture of nonwoven materials is different from weaving, knitting or tufting (pile production). Non-woven fabrics can be obtained from synthetic thermoplastic polymers or natural polymers, for example, cellulose. One example of a nonwoven fabric is cellulose sanitary paper.

As used herein, the term “melt-forming aerodynamically” refers to a method for producing nonwoven webs, which comprises extruding and drawing molten polymer in a high-speed stream of heated air to form thin fibers. The fibers are cooled and collected in the form of a canvas on a moving grid. The method is similar to obtaining from a polymer melt by a spinneret method (spunbond), but the fibers obtained by the aerodynamic method from a melt are much thinner, usually about a micron thick.

Used in the present description, the term "technological additives (additives that improve technological properties)" refers to compositions that can facilitate processing in the process of obtaining the processed substrates according to the present invention. For example, blowing agents (foaming agents) may be suitable processing aids according to the present invention. Additionally, creping additives can further enhance or reduce adhesion when creping the substrate on a drying cylinder.

Used in the present description, the term "spunbond" refers to a method for producing a non-woven fabric, including extrusion, drawing and laying the fibers on a moving mesh, resulting in a fabric. The term "spunbond" is often used interchangeably with the term "spunlade", but in this industry, the term spunbond (spunbond production from a polymer melt) is used to refer to a specific method for producing a web. This distinguishes this method of producing a web from two other forms of producing a spunlade web, which are aerodynamically produced from a melt (English meltblowing) and extrusion from a solution with instantaneous evaporation of the solvent (English flashspinning).

Used in the present description, the term "spunbond / meltblown composite material" refers to a layered composite material, which is a multilayer fabric, which is usually made of various alternating layers of spunbond fabric ("S") and meltblown ("M"): SMS, SMMS, SSMMS etc.

Used in the present description, the term "sanitary paper" usually refers to various paper products, for example, facial wipes, sanitary towels for a bath, paper towels, serving napkins, sanitary napkins, and the like. A sanitary paper article according to the present invention is typically made from a cellulosic fabric comprising one or more layers. For example, in one embodiment, the cellulosic or “paper” article may comprise a single layer paper web obtained from a blend of fibers. In another embodiment, the paper product may comprise a multilayer (i.e., layered) paper web. Additionally, the paper product may also be a product consisting of one or many layers (for example, containing more than one paper web), and one or more layers can contain a paper web obtained according to the present invention.

The present invention is an alternative to the currently used method of spraying onto the surface of a drying device (for example, an American drying cylinder or hot calender) an aqueous dispersion or a solution of creping chemicals. Unlike liquid chemicals, due to their sufficiently high viscosity, expandable chemicals have sufficient structural integrity and can reach the surface of a drying device, regardless of gravity. The use of expandable chemicals according to the present invention makes it possible to place the device for applying chemicals (applicator) much closer to the surface of the drying device. Additionally, the use of expandable chemicals according to the present invention allows the inclusion of additional beneficial substances, the application of which otherwise would be difficult.

Another advantage of the present invention is the lower energy consumption of the drying device. The proximity of the device for applying chemicals to the surface of the drying device increases the efficiency of mass transfer of chemicals (i.e., allows to reduce losses during application) and the efficiency of energy recovery. Efficiency is enhanced by the fact that the air introduced into the foam according to the present invention acts as a diluent. As a result, less heat is required to remove water from the foamable creping chemical (i.e., from beneficial agents) during drying. This represents an improvement with respect to a spraying method in which water is used to dilute the beneficial agent.

Additionally, after the creping step, a layer of beneficial agent remains on the surface of the nonwoven substrate, giving the substrate a higher swelling and softness. Puffiness increases due to air trapped in the coating layer. Increased softness is given by beneficial agents, which can foam on the surface of the drying device and then transfer or adhere to the surface of the substrate during creping. Despite the fact that during the drying stage, foaming beneficial agents turn into a film, due to the increased viscosity due to the higher solids content in the foamed additive composition, not all air captured by the foam escapes from it during drying.

According to the present invention, various substrates other than sanitary paper can be processed. Non-limiting examples of such substrates include wet formed webs, dry-formed webs, spunbond webs, co-formed webs, bonded and carded webs (abbreviated UPC), continuous films and water-jet bonded webs. The beneficial agent is usually applied on one side of any substrate, but if necessary, it can be applied on both sides of the substrate.

Useful Agents

I. Supplement Composition

In a preferred application example, the number of additive composition may be from about 50 mg / m ² to 10000 mg / m ^2, or from about 50 mg / ^m2 to about 1000 mg / m ^2, or from about 100 mg / m ² to about 1000 mg / m ² . The differences in these ranges depend on whether the composition of the additive is applied to the substrate on a single production line (for example, using a machine for producing sanitary paper) or on a machine that is not part of a single production line (for example, on a non-woven product conversion line ) The additive compositions of the present invention may be polymer dispersions or polymer solutions described below.

A. Polymer Dispersions

Foaming compositions of water-insoluble polymers may be dispersions. Water-insoluble solid polymeric materials, for example, powder, granules and the like, can be converted into expandable dispersions by mixing with water and a surfactant (s) under certain process conditions, for example, by extrusion at high pressure and elevated temperature. The polymer dispersion can then be mixed with air and a blowing agent to form a foam.

Examples of the dispersions according to the present invention include, without limitation, polyolefin dispersion, e.g., HYPOD 8510 ^®, supplied by Dow Chemical, Freeport, Texas, USA; polyisoprene dispersion, e.g., KRATON ^®, supplied by Kraton Polymers US LLC, Houston, Texas, USA; dispersion of the block copolymer of polybutadiene and styrene, for example, Butanol ^®, supplied by BASF Corporation, Florham Park, New Jersey , USA; latex dispersion, for example, E-PLUS ^® supplied by Wacker, Munich, Germany; a dispersion of a copolymer of polyvinylpyrrolidone and styrene; and a dispersion of a copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene, supplied by Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

B. Polymer Solutions

Foaming compositions of water-soluble polymers can also be solutions. Solid water-soluble polymeric materials, for example, powder, granules and the like, can be dissolved to form a solution. The polymer solution can then be mixed with air and a blowing agent to form a foam.

Examples of polymer solutions according to the present invention include both synthetic water-soluble polymers and water-soluble polymers based on natural substances. Synthetic water-soluble polymers include, without limitation, polyalcohols, polyamines, polyimines, polyamides, polycarboxylic acids, polyoxides, polyglycols, polyethers, polyesters, copolymers and mixtures of the above substances.

Non-limiting examples of water-soluble polymers based on natural substances include modified cellulose, for example, cellulose ethers and cellulose esters, modified starch, chitosan and its salts, carrageenan, agar-agar, gellan gum, xanthan gum, other modified polysaccharides and proteins, and combinations thereof. . In one specific embodiment, water-soluble polymers also include: polyacrylic acid and its salts, polyacrylic acid esters and polyacrylic acid copolymers. Other suitable water-soluble polymers include polysaccharides with a chain length sufficient to form a film, non-limiting examples of which include pullulan and pectin. For example, water-soluble polymers may contain additional monoethylenically unsaturated monomers having no acid groups in the side chains, but capable of copolymerizing with monomers having acid groups. Such compounds include, for example, monoacrylic esters and monomethacrylic esters of polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol, in which the molar masses (Mn) of the polyalkylene glycols are, for example, up to about 2000.

In another specific embodiment, the water-soluble polymers may be hydroxypropyl cellulose (eng. Hydroxypropyl cellulose, abbreviated as HPC), supplied by Ashland, Inc. under the trade name KLUCEL ^® . Water-soluble polymers may be present in the additive composition in any functional amount, which depends on the type of chemical component selected, as well as on the desired properties of the finished material. For example, in the exemplary KLUCEL ^® example to render the composition improved properties of the additive composition may comprise a biodegradable water-soluble polymers in an amount from about 1% to about 75%, or at least about 1%, at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or up to about 30%, up to about 50%, or up to about 75% of the total weight of the additive composition. Other examples of suitable water soluble polymers include methyl cellulose supplied by Ashland, Inc. under the trade name BENECEL ^® ; hydroxyethyl cellulose supplied by Ashland, Inc. under the trade name NATROSOL ^® ; and hydroxypropyl starch sold by Chemstar (Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) under the trade name GLUCOSOL 800 ^® . After dilution with water, any of these chemicals is applied to the hot non-porous surface of the drying device, from where the chemical is then carefully distributed over the surface of the web. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble polymers included in these chemicals include polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, hydroxypropyl starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and combinations thereof.

Traditional chemicals used to make creped sanitary paper may include solutions of water-soluble polymers, for example, an aqueous mixture containing polyvinyl alcohol and a polymer based on polyamide and epihalohydrin. Despite the fact that these traditional creping chemicals include solutions of water-soluble polymers, their use does not lead to the useful properties provided by the present invention, that is, increased softness without reducing the strength of the sheet of sanitary paper.

Additive composition according to the present invention may be commercially available, for example, be a dispersion HYPOD 8510 ^®, supplied by Dow Chemical Corporation, which contains water, polietilenoktenovy copolymer and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer. Polietilenoktenovy copolymer may be put Dow Chemical Corporation under the name AFFINITY ^® (type 2980I), and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer may be supplied Dow Chemical Corporation under the designation PRIMACOR ^® (type 59081). PRIMACOR ^® acts as a surfactant, emulsifying and stabilizing dispersed AFFINITY ^® particles. The comonomer, which is an acrylic acid, which is part of PRIMACOR ^® , is neutralized with potassium hydroxide to achieve a degree of neutralization of approximately 80%. Thus, PRIMACOR ^{® is} more hydrophilic than AFFINITY ^® . PRIMACOR ^® acts in dispersion as a surfactant or dispersant. Unlike PRIMACOR ^® , AFFINITY ^® dispersed in a dispersion takes the form of small droplets, the diameter of which is on the order of several microns. PRIMACOR ^® molecules surround AFFINITY ^® drops, forming a micelle structure that stabilizes the drops. Reagent HYPOD 8510 contains approximately 60% AFFINITY ^® and 40% PRIMACOR ^®.

Upon contact with the hot surface of the dryer, the dispersion transforms into a molten liquid state, and AFFINITY ^® forms a continuous phase, and PRIMACOR ^® forms a dispersion phase forming islands in the AFFINITY ^® "ocean". This phase transformation is called phase inversion. However, the course of phase inversion depends on external conditions, for example, temperature, processing time, molecular weight of solids and concentration. Ultimately, phase inversion occurs only when the polymers (or two phases) have a relaxation time sufficient to complete the phase inversion. According to the present invention, the applied HYPOD 8510 ^® film retains the dispersion morphology, which indicates incomplete phase inversion. The beneficial effects of the residual dispersion morphology include, without limitation, obtaining a more hydrophilic coating layer due to the action of the PRIMACOR ^® phase and increased softness of the coated material due to air bubbles trapped inside the applied HYPOD 8510 ^® layer, which further increases the swelling.

The diluted dispersion may have a very low viscosity (approximately 1 centipoise, as in water). When applied to a hot drying cylinder, water evaporates from a low viscosity dispersion, resulting in the inversion of the AFFINITY ^® phases. Thus, the resulting continuous molten film includes embedded PRIMACOR ^® dispersion islands. The film obtained by complete evaporation of water is a solid material that does not contain trapped air bubbles. After transferring the molten film to the web as a result of creping, the thin film covering the surface of the processed sanitary paper consists of separate but interconnected sections, see FIG. 6 c and discussion below.

In the method according to the present invention, a highly viscous dispersion with a high solids content (from about 10% to about 30%) can be used, which may contain a large number of air bubbles (the air volume is at least 10 times the volume of the dispersion). Preferably, the viscosity of a commercially available dispersion HYPOD 8510 ^® (solids content, including AFFINITY ^® and PRIMACOR ^® is approximately 42%) is about 500 cps, while the viscosity of water is about 1 centipoise. The viscosity of a dispersion containing approximately 20% HYPOD 8510 ^® may be approximately 200 centipoises, i.e. relatively high, while the viscosity of a dispersion containing less than approximately 1% HYPOD 8510 ^® may be close to the viscosity of water (1 centipoise). After capturing a large relative amount of air, the viscosity of the HYPOD 8510 ^® foamed dispersion increases exponentially compared to the dispersion before foaming.

When considering Figure 1, it can be noted that after applying the foamed dispersion to the non-porous surface of the drying device 23, a limited amount of water quickly evaporates from the dispersion. It is believed that the slow evaporation of dispersion due to high solids content combined with a high viscosity prevents completion of the inversion of the dispersion phase AFFINITY ^® -PRIMACOR ^® (wherein AFFINITY ^® becomes continuous, a PRIMACOR ^® - dispersion phase) and difficult to isolate the entrapped air. This leads to the formation of a unique microstructured molten film on the hot surface of the drying device.

Presented on Fig.6 photographs obtained using SEM, confirm the above hypothesis. When considering sanitary-hygienic paper, the surface of which is processed according to the prior art, and sanitary-hygienic paper, the surface of which is processed according to the present invention, we can immediately note two advantages of the latter compared to the first. Firstly, by capturing the air bubbles 21, the method according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain softer sanitary paper with higher puffiness (see FIG. 6b). Secondly, due to incomplete phase inversion, which, in turn, leads to the action on the surface of the hydrophilic component, the surface of the sanitary paper according to the present invention is characterized by higher wettability.

Visually compare the images shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c with the images shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b ′ and 6c ′. As shown by the In Hand Ranking Test described below, a coating layer containing dispersion granules 19 and trapped air bubbles 21 shown in FIG. 6b is softer than the molten film shown in FIG. 6b ′.

II. Reinforcing components

Through the use of beneficial agents and the method described in the present description, the present invention not only allows to obtain substrates with increased softness, but also allows to obtain substrates with improved tactile properties. Reinforcing components are added to the dispersion of the present invention, giving the substrate a cotton-like / fluffy surface instead of a silky / slippery surface that can be obtained using dispersions without additives. Although a silky / slippery surface is preferred for some substrates, the present invention relates to other options for obtaining a variety of structures (textures) and types of appearance. The reinforcing components according to the present invention include, without limitation, microparticles, for example, silica gel particles, thermally expandable microspheres, for example, EXPANCEL ^® , fibers, for example, cotton lint (tow), polymer dispersions, for example, a vinylpyrrolidone-styrene copolymer, and combinations thereof. When using cotton lint or other types of fibers, the length of the fibers of the material can be from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm.

In addition to the reinforcing components, providing the creation of contrasting tactile sensations, the reinforcing components can also create additional useful properties that cannot be obtained using the dispersion as such. The enhancing components of the present invention may also include fragrances, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, emollients, medicines, and combinations thereof. The use of such components makes it possible to obtain a substrate with improved tactile qualities due to dispersion properties, in combination with useful properties, the preparation of which otherwise, without the methodology of the present invention, can be difficult. According to the present invention, any reinforcing component or combination of reinforcing components that are added to the composition of the additive according to the present invention can be used. For example, reinforcing components can be added to the dispersion according to the present invention in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 30%, from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 2% to about 10% of the mass. by weight of the dispersion composition.

Reinforcing components can be added to expandable chemicals both before and after expansion of chemicals. In a preferred application, the content of the reinforcing component is from about 0.5% to about 30%, or from about 1% to about 20%, or from about 2% to about 10% of the total dry weight of the additive composition.

The use of reinforcing components in combination with the additive compositions of the present invention provides enhanced softness without compromising strength. For example, when using facial tissue napkins as the substrate according to the present invention, the overall increase in the logarithm of the odds is from about 0.5 to about 18, and the increase in GMT is from about 800 to about 1200 compared to substrates that have not been treated in accordance with the present invention. As used herein, the term "GMT (Geometric Mean Tensile Strength) refers to a combined value calculated from the tensile strength measured in the machine direction (in the direction web motion), and the tensile strength measured in the transverse direction (in a direction perpendicular to the web motion). Surfaces and sectional views of morphological structures are shown in Fig. 14 in photographs A and B. On the surface, the reinforcing (reinforcing) fibers of the cotton lint are clearly visible. In photographs C and D, the cotton lint fibers give the creped sanitary paper surface a more “cotton-like” or “fluffy” surface compared to that obtained using only HYPOD 8510 ^® as a beneficial agent.

Figure 15 shows the film and the tissue paper coated obtained using the combined beneficial agent, wherein HYPOD ^® 8510 is an additive composition, and Expancel expandable microspheres are reinforcing component. The image shows that the expandable microspheres remain on the surface of the film and sanitary paper, which improves the tactile properties felt by the user upon contact.

III. Technological Additives

Technological additives according to the present invention include chemicals that can facilitate the preparation of the treated substrate according to the present invention. Technological additives may be present in the finished processed substrate in small quantities or may be dispersed therein. Despite the fact that they are added solely to improve the method of obtaining the processed substrates, they can also give the substrate some useful properties that are desirable from the point of view of the present invention. According to the invention, “processing aids” are additives used in foaming or when applying useful agents to a substrate, but not used in the method for preparing the substrate precursor.

A. Foamers

Most commercial blowing agents are suitable for producing the foam of the present invention. Non-limiting examples of suitable blowing agents include either low molecular weight or polymeric materials in liquid form. Foaming agents can be anionic, cationic or nonionic. Depending on the function performed, blowing agents can be divided into four groups.

1. An air trap (air trapping agent) is used to increase the ability of a liquid (dispersion, solution or mixture, etc.) to trap air; this ability can be defined as "the ratio of the foam (English blow ratio)." Non-limiting examples of blowing agents include potassium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium stearate, potassium oleate, disodium octadecyl sulfosuccinate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc.

2. The stabilizer (stabilizing agent) is used to increase the stability of air bubbles in the foam for a long time at various and temperatures; non-limiting examples of stabilizers include sodium lauryl sulfate, ammonium stearate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc.

3. A wetting agent is used to increase the wettability of a dried surface with a film-coated surface. Non-limiting examples of wetting agents include sodium lauryl sulfate, potassium laurate, disodium octadecyl sulfosuccinate, etc.

4. A gelling agent is used to stabilize air bubbles in the foam due to the formation of a gel additive by the composition, which strengthens the walls of the foam cells. Non-limiting examples of gelling agents include hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose and other modified cellulose ethers.

Some blowing agents may have more than one of the functions listed above. Thus, it is not necessary to add all four blowing agents to the foamable additive composition. The choice of blowing agents depends on the chemical properties of the additive composition. For example, if the additive composition contains an anionic component, for example, HYPOD 8510 ^® , then suitable blowing agents should be selected from the anionic or non-ionic group of blowing agents. If a cationic blowing agent is used to increase the foaming ability in the anionic composition of the additive, the cationic components of the blowing agent will form ionic bonds with the anionic components of the composition of the additive, which leads to the insolubility of the cationic blowing agent and the anionic composition of the additive in water. On the other hand, if the additive composition contains cationic components, then anionic blowing agents are not suitable for adding to it.

B. Creping Additives

Creping additives are chemicals that are added to the beneficial agents of the present invention to optimize the adhesion and release properties of the sanitary paper substrate in contact with the surface of the drying device. Generally, these additives can be divided into the following groups:

1. An additive that improves adhesion is used to increase the adhesion of a sheet of sanitary paper with the surface of the drying device. Non-limiting examples of such additives include polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, kimen, polyvinylamine, copolymers or mixtures of these substances.

2. An adhesion reducing additive is used to reduce adhesion (improve separation) between the sheet of sanitary paper and the surface of the drying device. Non-limiting examples of such additives include polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyolefin, fluorinated polyolefin, copolymers and mixtures comprising the above substances.

3. A cure improver, such as a plasticizer or hardener, is used to speed up or slow down the cure of the creped block.

The method of obtaining foam

Typically, a foam system is used to pump foamed chemicals into the mixer. In the mixer, air is mixed with the liquid to form a foam, which as a result of this treatment contains many small air bubbles. The foam is removed from the mixer and sent to the applicator.

One of the parameters that determine the quality of a foamable chemical is the multiplicity of the foam, which is the ratio of the volume of small air bubbles captured by the dispersion of the chemical to the volume of the dispersion before mixing. For example, if the foam multiplicity is 10: 1, then at a flow rate (flow rate) of dispersion of 1 liter per minute, 10 liters per minute of air can be trapped in the liquid, resulting in a total foam consumption of 11 liters per minute.

Factors that determine the magnitude of the multiplicity of the foam are mechanical mixing and the ability of the additive composition to foam. If a chemical can hold or capture a volume of air corresponding to the multiplicity of foam 5, then, despite any capacity of the foaming plant, obtaining a stable foam having a multiplicity of foam 10 is not possible. Excess air that does not correspond to the multiplicity of foam 5 will be released from the foam structure after mechanical mixing has ceased. In other words, the amount of trapped air in excess of the amount that the dispersion is able to hold does not stabilize in the foam. Most of the air from unstabilized bubbles disappears from the foam (falling of the foam) immediately upon termination of mechanical mixing.

1 schematically shows a system 10 in which foaming of chemicals according to the present invention can be carried out. First foamable chemicals (e.g., HYPOD 8510 ^®, KRATON ^® and similar means) is placed in tank 12 for chemicals. The chemical reservoir 12 is connected to the pump 14. It may be desirable to modify the conduit 13 located between the chemical reservoir 12 and the pump 14 so that the expandable chemicals can be sent to two different sizes of pumps. Preferably, in order for the pump to remain full, the chemical reservoir 12 is positioned above the level of pump 14.

For foaming at lower speeds than when using pump 14, a small auxiliary pump (not shown) may optionally be used. The flow rate (flow rate) created by the larger main pump 14 can reach up to 25 liters of liquid per minute and is suitable for high application rates and / or large amounts of additive composition. Fluid flow rates created by a secondary pump (not shown) of lower capacity can be up to about 500 cm ³ / min. and suitable for low application rates and / or small amounts of additive composition.

Between the pump (s) 14 and the mixer 18 for the foam have a flow meter 16. The flow rate of liquid substances is calculated based on the type of the target composition of the additive, the amount of solid chemicals, linear speed and width of the applicator. Consumption may be from about 5: 1 to about 50: 1. When using a small auxiliary pump, the flow rate generated by it is from about 10 cm ³ / min to about 500 cm ³ / min. When using the large pump 14, the flow rate generated by it is from about 0.5 liter / min to about 25 liter / min. When using a small auxiliary pump, an air flow meter with a throughput of 20 liters / min is selected. When using a large main pump 14, an air flow meter is used with a throughput of 200 liters / min.

In one aspect, a foam mixer 18 is used to mix air with a liquid mixture of expandable chemicals and introduce small air bubbles into the foam. Air is supplied to the system 10 in accordance with certain values of the fluid flow rate and the multiplicity of the foam, as noted above. Preferably, a foam mixer 18 of 25.4 cm (10 inches) can be used to produce the foam. One possible 18 foam mixer is a 10-inch CFS foam generator, available from Gaston Systems, Inc., Stanley, North Carolina, USA.

Preferably, the rotation speed of the foam mixer 18 is limited to about 600 rpm. (rpm). According to the method under consideration, the speed of the mixer, expressed in revolutions per minute, depends on the ability of the additive composition to undergo foaming (i.e. its ability to capture air with the formation of stable bubbles). If the additive composition is easily foamed, then a low rpm value is usually used. If foaming of the additive composition is difficult, a high rpm value is usually used. A higher speed mixer allows you to accelerate the achievement of foam balance or obtaining the optimal ratio of the foam. The normal mixer speed is approximately 20% -60% of the maximum mixer speed (rpm). The choice of mixer speed is also affected by the type and / or amount of blowing agent added to the additive composition.

The foam is checked for bubble uniformity, stability and flow parameters. If the homogeneity of the bubbles, stability and flow parameters do not meet the required standards, then before the foam is sent to the applicator 24, the flow rate, mixing speed, foam ratio and / or chemical compositions of the solutions / dispersions can be adjusted.

In one aspect of the invention HYPOD 8510 ^® or other blowing and used for creping a chemical are mixed and added to the tank 12 for chemicals. Diluted HYPOD 8510 ^® solutions (<10% of total solids) and other poorly foaming chemicals usually require the addition of additives to increase viscosity and foaming ability. For example, hydroxypropyl cellulose or other blowing agents or surfactants can be used to obtain a stable foam suitable for uniformly applying to a heated and impermeable surface of a rotating cylinder of a drying device. Reinforcing components, for example, silica gel particles or cotton lint, can be added to the additive composition in various ways, non-limiting examples of which include: adding additives to the composition before pumping the additive composition into the foaming machine; introducing the additive into the foam composition after removing the additive composition from the foaming machine, but before applying the foam composition to the surface of the dryer; or applying to a drying device until the substrate contacts the additive composition. If reinforcing components are added to the additive composition, the mixture must be constantly mixed to prevent the solid reinforcing component from settling on the bottom of the container before mixing the mixture into the foaming machine. If the reinforcing components are added to the foamed additive composition, it is necessary to use a suitable device to ensure uniform mixing of the reinforcing components and the foamed additive composition.

Substrates

Suitable substrate materials include, but are not limited to, a facial tissue towel; uncreped obtained through air-drying sanitary-hygienic paper (Eng. uncreped through air-dried tissue, abbreviated UCTAD); cloth for paper towels; nonwoven HYDROKNIT ^®, available from Kimberly Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wisconsin, USA; spunbond material; co-moldable material; bonded carded canvas (UPC); dry-formed web, film / multilayer sheet and all types of paper, sanitary paper and other non-woven materials.

In the non-limiting examples discussed herein, expandable chemicals can be applied to a non-woven material, for example, sanitary paper. As used herein, the term “nonwovens” includes tissue paper, sanitary toweling paper, paper towels, spunbond material, lining materials and outer shells of diapers or sanitary napkins, wipes and the like. Sanitary paper can be obtained in various ways, non-limiting examples of which include sanitary paper obtained by traditional pressing on cloth; hygiene paper of high bulk with seals arranged in a diagram; and loose papered high-puff paper. Products obtained from sanitary paper may have a single or multi-layer structure, for example, as described in patent publication US 2008/0135195. Figure 4 presents one example of a method for producing a wet crepe sheet of sanitary paper according to the present invention. The additive composition may be applied to the surface of the drying cylinder 276, from where it is then transferred to one side of the tissue paper 268. Thus, the additive composition helps to fix the tissue paper 268 on the drying cylinder 276. In this embodiment, as the fabric 268 moves through the path portion of the surface of the dryer, the heat is transferred to the fabric, causing most of the moisture contained in the fabric to evaporate. The blade 268 is then removed (scraped) from the drying cylinder 276 by a creping scraper 278. The creping of the web 268 as it is molded further loosens the internal bonds in the web and increases its softness.

In another exemplary embodiment of forming sanitary paper according to the present invention, a paper manufacturing method known as uncreped through-air drying, abbreviated “UCTAD” is used. Examples of this technique are discussed in US Pat. No. 5,048,589 to Cook, et al .; US patent 5399412, Sudall, et al .; US 5510001, Hermans, et al .; US Pat. No. 5,591,309, Rugowski, et al .; and patent US 6017417, Wendt, et al.

The method of coating the surface

Unlike the method according to which the diluted dispersion or solution is sprayed onto the surface of the drying device, for example, the surface 23 of the American drying cylinder (or the surface of another suitable drying cylinder (not shown)), in the method according to the present invention, the surface 23 of the drying device can be applied high solids expandable chemicals. According to the present invention, air is used to dilute the beneficial agent containing any concentration of solids so that the viscosity values are in a certain range and the agent can be pumped using a foaming machine. For example, an agent may include up to about 65% solids, up to about 50% solids, up to about 35%, or up to about 20% solids.

The coating method containing a high concentration of solids according to the present invention can provide useful properties of the product or method, and non-limiting examples of such properties include a softer surface due to the unique microstructure of the coating layer (see FIG. 6); less loss of chemicals due to the proximity of the applicator and the direct application of expandable chemicals; and the absence of the need to use soft or deionized water due to the high ratio of the amount of chemicals to the amount of water (for example, a chemical such as HYPOD 8510 ^® becomes unstable when exposed to a large amount of hard water, i.e. at a solids concentration of 1% or less ); and less dry energy is required to dry the foamable chemical and base sheet. Additional beneficial properties due to the addition of reinforcing components include, without limitation, uniformity of the entire film coating containing the beneficial agent on a non-woven substrate; increased adhesion of the entire coating containing the beneficial agent, with a non-woven substrate; increasing the mechanical strength of the entire film coating containing a beneficial agent; and increasing the stability of the foam containing the beneficial agent sent from the foam generator to the surface of the drying device.

Foamed beneficial agents can be applied to the substrate 27 in two ways: by applying to a substrate manufacturing line or by applying on a separate line. In the methods carried out on a common line, the foam generator and applicator shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are part of the sanitary paper manufacturing line shown in FIG. 4, and foamed chemicals are applied to the substrate 27 during its manufacture. Presented in FIG. 3, application on a separate line allows the application of foamed chemicals on substrates 80 obtained by methods not involving creping. For example, for application on a separate line, uncreated sanitary-hygienic paper for bath towels and melt-spun non-woven fabrics obtained by air drying ("UCTAD") are suitable.

As shown in FIG. 1, in one aspect of the invention, foamed chemicals are applied to the surface 23 of the drying device with an applicator 24 (application device). To evenly distribute the foam over the surface 23 of the dryer, the foam applicator 24 is placed close to the surface of the dryer (0.64 cm or 1/4 inch). Such an arrangement makes it possible to improve direct contact of the expandable chemicals with the surface 23 of the drying device, especially when carrying out high-speed operations.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, for applying chemicals to the rotating surface 23 of the drying cylinder, it is most preferable to use a single parabolic applicator 24. However, if the concentration of the chemicals must vary across the width of the surface of the drying device due to different parameters of the drying device or base sheet can be used applicators (not shown), including many zones representing miniature parabolic applicators.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a parabolic applicator supplied by Gaston Systems, Inc. of Stanley, North Carolina, USA. Preferably, the length of the rim (edge) of the parabolic applicator 24 is the same as the width of the substrate. Typically, the parabolic applicator rim 410 is partially constructed from two parts 412A and 412B, which are steel corners. These two parts, which are steel corners, form a slit hole 414 through which foamed chemicals can flow. The manufacturer supplies parts with a width 418 of the slot hole 414 of 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) and rounded edges 416 of a steel corner on the edge of the applicator 410.

8 and 9, the applicator is shown in full. The applicator 24 includes a parabolic body 420. The sectional view shows that the body 420 consists of two plates 422A and 422B that are attached to a side element 424 separating them. The applicator also includes an inlet hose 425, preferably located along the axis of symmetry 428 of the plate 422A. The inlet hose 425 may be located near the steel corner 412A, as shown in Fig. 8, or below, as shown in Fig. 9. Typically, a slot width 418 can be reduced from 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) to about 2.4 mm (3/32 inch). With a narrower slit width 418, the speed of the foam flows in the direction of the surface being machined (for example, surface 23 shown in FIG. 1). Additionally, the edges 416 of the rim of the applicator 410 formed by the steel corner have a square rather than a rounded shape. Square edges 416 increase the surface area of the rim of the applicator 410, which, in turn, increases the residence time of the foamed chemicals on the rim of the applicator 410. The increase in the residence time increases the likelihood of the foaming chemicals being fixed on the surface 23 of the drying device and reduces the likelihood of them sliding down the rim of the applicator 410.

Fig. 8 shows that there is a distribution plate 426 inside the housing 420. The distribution plate 426 is designed to disperse the fluid entering the applicator 24 through the inlet hose 25. In general, the shape of the distribution plate is the same as the shape of the plates 422, but it is smaller that is, a gap 430 is formed between the distribution plate 426 and the side 424. Preferably, the distribution plate 426 is equally spaced from each of the plates 422A and 422B. Between the plate 422 B and the distribution plate 426 there is a gap through which fluid can enter the slotted hole 414. Preferably, the slotted hole 414 is located symmetrically between the plate 422 B and the distribution plate 426.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment in which the felt scrapers 440A and 440B (collectively referred to as felt scrapers 440) are used to distribute the foamed additive composition over the surface 23 of the dryer so that the layer thickness of the composition is substantially the same throughout. This distribution results in a film having a substantially uniform thickness. Preferably, the length of the felt scrapers 440 is approximately equal to the length of the steel corners 412A and 412B, which limit the length of the slit hole 414. This allows for uniform distribution of the foamed additive composition over the surface 23 of the drying device. It should be noted that the length of the steel corners 412A and 412B exceeds the length of the surface of the drying device, measured along the axis of rotation of the drying device. The length of the felt scraper 440 from the edge of the applicator 410 to the outer edge 446 of the felt scraper may be from about 0.2 cm to about 50 cm. Preferably, the rectangular felt scrapers 440 have the same size and shape. The thickness of each scraper may be from 0.125 mm to 25.4 mm, or preferably from 3.0 mm to 10 mm. Each of the felt scrapers 440 is secured to a respective steel corner 412A and 412B using the clamping strip 444. Preferably, fastening devices for fixing to the steel corners, for example, metal screws (not shown), are spaced apart from one another along the entire length of the clamping strip 444 Preferably, the 440 felt scrapers are made of polypropylene and nylon fibers supplied by Albany International, located in Homer, New York, USA. However, felt scrapers can be made of any other heat-resistant sheet materials, such as metals, polymers (i.e. Teflon, Teflon ^® ), ceramic coated materials, materials based on natural substances, etc.

Figure 11 shows one example of implementation in which the applicator 24 is equipped with end thresholds 450 located on each side of the edge of the applicator. The end thresholds 450 have the same shape and size and are designed to prevent the flow of foaming chemicals in the transverse direction between the felt scrapers 440. Each of the end thresholds is made of a material that is not affected by the high temperature of the drying device and the chemical effects of the additive. Preferably, the end threshold 450 is an approximately rectangular block, one of the surfaces 454 of which has the same curvature as the surface 23 of the drying device, and in the opposite surface there is a gap extending from one side to the other. Slit 452 has the shape of the letter T, limited by the inner surface of the end threshold 450. In particular, the inner surface of the end threshold 450 has a shape that allows it to slide not only over the steel corners 412A and 412B, but also over the clamping strips 444.

As shown in FIG. 11, if end thresholds 450 are used, the steel corners 412A and 412B extend beyond the felt scrapers 440 by at least a length corresponding to the length 456 of the end threshold. End sills can be fixed in place with a set of screws. In addition, end sills are installed along the edges of felt scrapers. Optionally, a pad (not shown) may be used to limit the flow of foam to the surface of the dryer and / or hardening felt scrapers. Thus, the gasket (s) can be installed near a felt scraper (scrapers) or instead of a felt scraper (scrapers).

12 and 13 show one embodiment of the present invention in which rollers 460 are used to minimize the flow of foam coming from the applicator 24. The roller 460 includes a roller body 462 and a roller 464 proper. The roller body 462 is an elongated rectangular tube, whose width 466 corresponds to the lower plane 470 of the steel corner 412 (for example, 412B), and the height of which coincides with the height of the rim of the applicator (upper plane 472 of the steel corner 412). There is a slit in the upper surface 480 of each of the housings 462, the dimensions of which allow the roller 464 to partially protrude outward so that it can contact the surface of the drying device 23. Typically, the rollers 464 are longer than the width of the substrate. When placed close to the surface of the drying device 23, the roller 464 forms a barrier preventing the flow of foam coming from the applicator 24. The roller 464, which is in contact with the drying device 23, is driven by rotation of the drying device 22.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the change in GMT as a function of the logarithm of the odds for the softness of the two-layer facial cosmetic napkin obtained from the initial sheet of sanitary paper, the parameters of which are presented in Table 16, Example 9. The difference between the logarithms of the odds between the sample with a control code and all samples whose surface is treated with foamed compositions of useful agents according to the present invention, unexpectedly turned out to be high and close to the logarithm of the odds of 18 or more e. GMT values for all samples exceed the GMT value of the control code sample (Code 901), with the exception of the sample in which cotton and expandable granules (Code 912) were added, which have comparable strength. A sample containing silica gel particles (Code 906) had much higher GMT values than all samples with equal softness containing other beneficial agents. This means that the sample with the specified code has higher softness values equal to GMT values of strength, which is one of the useful properties obtained when using the reinforcing component. In addition, it was shown that the tactile sensations obtained when testing samples containing reinforcing components (Sample codes 904-912) exceeded the softness indices that could be obtained from the logarithm of the odds. In general, the reinforcing component imparts new and improved tactile properties to the coating of the additive composition (ie, the “ocean” layer). For example, in code 902, HYPOD 8510 ^® was used as an additive composition, which was foamed and applied to the surface of a substrate without a reinforcing component. When touched, the resulting surface was noticeably softer to the touch compared to the same sanitary-hygienic paper treated with traditional creping chemicals (i.e. with sample code 901). However, at the same time, this surface appears oily or slippery to the touch. Some user groups may like this feeling, but others may not approve of it. Adding a reinforcing component can change the tactile properties, but does not reduce the increased softness. Non-limiting examples of the tactile properties obtained by adding the reinforcing component include surfaces similar to the touch of cotton, velvet, fluffy and / or fur-like surfaces. Another useful quality obtained by adding a reinforcing component (s) is that the coating layer of the HYPOD 8510 ^® additive composition has increased strength, which is important when applying useful agents to pre-prepared substrates, for example, non-woven materials from thermoplastic polymers. The resulting increased strength allows you to evenly apply a film of useful agents that completely covers the substrate.

Additionally, it was shown that the reinforcing components and the application method can be applied to improve the tactile properties of the surface, for example, softness, or improve the surface properties, for example, absorption capacity, friction, swelling, etc. Additionally, the application to the surface of other beneficial agents, for example, perfumes, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, emollients, etc., can be facilitated compared to the application of the HYPOD 8510 ^® additive composition alone. It was shown that the logarithm of softness odds for a sample containing both HYPOD 8510 ^® and polyvinylpyrrolidone-styrene is almost 1.5 times (significantly) higher than the same parameter of the sample (Code 902) processed with HYPOD 8510 ^® without reinforcing components.

The inventors found that the Manual Ranking results for a sample treated with foamed HYPOD 8510®, which contains 6% silica gel particles as reinforcing components, correspond to the softest touch surface with a difference of 5 logarithmic odds compared to a sample processed with non-foamed traditional creping chemicals. A control sample treated with foamed HYPOD 8510 ^® containing no reinforcing components showed a second result with a difference in logarithms of the odds of 4 units. It was shown that the logarithms of the softness superiority of all samples treated with foamed substances are at least 3 units higher than the corresponding parameter of the control sample treated with non-foamed substances.

Another useful effect due to the addition of reinforcing components is a huge increase in caliber, which can be achieved while maintaining or increasing the tensile strength in comparison with samples whose surface is treated with non-foamed materials. All such samples were subjected to calendaring at the same pressure in the contact zone of the rolls, at which the conversion of material for cosmetic wipes for the face is performed. The percentages listed next to the experimental values represent the amount of reinforcing components added to the composition HYPOD 8510 ^®, based on the weight of dry matter, before foaming. From the data presented in FIG. 17, it can be concluded that all treated with foamed materials and creped samples have increased swelling compared to processed non-foamed substances and creped samples (Code 901), and the maximum increase is almost 35%. Most samples containing reinforcing components have increased bulk compared to a sample treated with a foamed composition containing only HYPOD 8510 ^® (Code 902). All technological conditions, such as types and inclination (bevel) of knives and pressure exerted, were the same.

Crepe Method

Creping is a step of a method for producing a substrate, during which the substrate is cleaned from the surface of a rotating drying device (for example, an American drying cylinder) with a knife device. Figure 3 presents a simple example of the application of a beneficial agent, performed as a step of a separately conducted creping method. The foamed beneficial agent of the present invention is applied with an applicator 109 to the surface of the drying cylinder 108. The applicator 109 may be located at the bottom of the drying cylinder 22. For example, the applicator 109 may be at six o’clock, twelve o’clock, three o’clock or nine hours. " In order for the foamed chemicals to contact the surface 23 of the drying device, the rim of the applicator should be located as close as possible to the surface of the drying device or touch the surface of the drying device.

The dried web 80 of sanitary paper is sent from a roll 85 of sanitary paper to the drying cylinder 108 to turn the web into coated sanitary paper. The pressure required to fix the web 85 on the outer surface of the dryer 108 is provided by a pinch roller 110. A tissue paper sheet 80 is glued to the surface of the dryer cylinder 108 using an additive composition. The additive composition is transferred onto the sanitary paper web as the crepe fabric is removed from the cylinder by the creping scraper 112. After creping on the drying cylinder 108, the sanitary paper web 80 is wound onto a roll 116.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following examples are given to further describe and explain the embodiments of the present invention. The examples are provided solely for illustration and do not limit the scope of the present invention, since changes may be made to the examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Example 1

Three dry substrates were used in this example: water-jet bonded material with a surface density of 54 g / cm ² (85% cellulose and 15% spunbond), supplied by Kimberly-Clark Professional ^® , WYPALL X ^® -50 wipers obtained by water-jet bonding, sanitary-hygienic paper for bath towels UCTAD with a surface density of 42 g / cm ² and a canvas for cosmetic wipes with a surface density of 17 g / cm ² . (The processing speed of the sheets of the base fabric for cosmetic wipes did not reach 1000 ft / min (which is approximately 304.8 m / min)). Dry substrates were treated on a separate creping line.

The commercially available HYPOD 8510 ^® dispersion was diluted to a specific concentration of solids with industrial water, which was pretreated with Na ₂ CO ₃ at a rate of 2 g per 10 kg of water, and then foamed using a 10-inch Gaston CFS foam generator. In some aspects, a blowing agent (blowing agent) has been used. One of the blowing agents was hydroxypropyl cellulose, which serves to increase the stability of the foam. This material may be purchased from Ashland, Inc., Wilmington, Delaware, USA, under the name (brand) KLUCEL ^® . Stable foam was applied to the hot surface of an American drying cylinder and then directly bonded to a dry substrate using a pressure roll.

After the foam solidified, the treated substrate was cleaned off the surface of the American drying cylinder. Curing should occur within the time determined by the machine speeds indicated in Table 1. The diameter of the American drying cylinder was 72 inches and the temperature of the heated surface was approximately 300 ° F (approximately 148.9 ° C).

Example 2

In this group of samples, UCTAD dry sanitary paper with a surface density of 42 g / cm ^{2 was} processed on a separate creping line. The chemicals used to form the coating were diluted to obtain different solids contents with industrial water, which was pre-treated with Na ₂ CO ₃ at the rate of 2 g per 10 kg of water. The diluted mixture was then foamed using a Gaston foam generator. Foam was applied to the hot surface of the American drying cylinder (the same drying device as in Example 1) and then fixed on a dry UCTAD sheet using a pinch roll.

The processed UCTAD sheets were cleaned off the surface of the American drying cylinder after the additives were cured at the temperatures indicated in Table 2.

Example 3

This is the first example that shows the beneficial effect of using expandable chemicals on a pilot machine to produce sanitary paper at a speed close to that of a commercial paper machine. Two additive formulations were tested: (1) a creping chemical containing CREPETROL 870 ^® (90 percent) and CREPETROL ^® 874 (10 percent); which contains 25% solids in liquid and is supplied by Ashland, Inc., located in Wilmington, Delaware, USA; and (2) a commercial dispersion of polyolefin HYPOD 8510 ^®, which is a dispersion containing 42% solids supplied by Dow Chemical Company. The average particle size of the dispersion is approximately 1 micron, a melting point of 63 ° C, and a glass transition temperature of -53. Both chemical compositions were foamed prior to application to the hot surface of an American drying cylinder. The diameter of the dryer was 96 inches. To stabilize the foamed dispersions of the two compositions, a UNIFROTH 0800 blowing agent was used, which is a liquid containing 38% solids supplied by UniChem Inc.

Example 4

In this example, dry substrates were used that were processed on a separate creping line. A commercial HYPOD 8510® dispersion was diluted to a specific solids content with industrial water pretreated with Na ₂ CO ₃ at a rate of 2 g per 10 kg of water, and then foamed using the Gaston apparatus mentioned above. Stable foam was applied to the hot surface of an American drying cylinder 72 inches wide, which was bonded to a dry substrate using a pressure roll. The treated substrates were cleaned from the surface of the American drying cylinder after curing the chemicals over time and at the temperatures indicated in Table 4. In this example, three dry substrates were used: Spunbond and SKP nonwovens and UCTAD sanitary paper with a surface density of 42 g / cm ² . The spunbond material was obtained from a bicomponent fiber, and its surface density was 18 g / cm ² . The surface density of the SKP was 20 g / cm ² . The bicomponent fiber may be a bicomponent fiber spunbond obtained from PP / PE (polypropylene / polyethylene) in the configuration "side by side (close to each other)." See, for example, US patent 5382400, the contents of which are included in the present description in that part, which does not contradict the present invention.

Example 5

In this example, the chemicals from which the coating is obtained were foamed and applied to the cylinder of an American drying cylinder in a production line included in the main production. The diameter of the dryer was 24 inches. Using the pressure roll, the film obtained by applying the foamed additive to the drying device was brought into contact with a wet sheet of pulp, the consistency of which was approximately 40% of the mass. solids content.

In this example, four different types of pulp were used. Two of these pulps were materials used by Kimberly-Clark to produce standard tissue paper material: eucalyptus fiber and Pictou fiber (kraft pulp from softwood trees growing in the north), while the other two pulps were These are relatively less valuable materials of lower quality: South Alabama pine wood (Southern Alabama Pine, abbreviated as SAP) and SFK recycled fiber supplied by SFK Pulp Recycling US Inc.

In general, cosmetic wipes obtained from cheaper pulp had lower softness. The HYPOD 8510 ^® surface coating is preferably used to produce sanitary paper from a cheaper pulp, the softness of which is equal to or even greater than the softness of standard cosmetic wipes obtained using traditional creping chemicals.

A wet sheet, including various combinations of various pulp, was dried on the hot surface of the American drying cylinder together with a chemical additive, after which the sheet was removed from the surface of the cylinder. Foamed chemicals were not applied to the surface of samples 1-3. Sample 1 was a cosmetic tissue control material obtained in the same manner as Kimberly-Clark ^® standard face sanitary towels. Samples 2 and 3 were control samples of cosmetic tissue products from cheaper pulp, which were obtained in the same way as the standard Kimberly-Clark ^® cosmetic tissue material. All control samples were obtained by spraying non-foaming chemicals for creping on a drying cylinder. A creping chemical was obtained by mixing 2500 ml of 6% polyvinyl alcohol, 100 ml of 12.5% KYMENE ^® and 15 ml of 7.5% REZOSOL ^® in 25 gallons of industrial water.

In Examples 4-9, HYPOD 8510 ^{® was} diluted to various solids and mixed with an additional blowing agent, either KLUCEL ^® , or UNIFROTH 0800 ^® , and then each dispersion was foamed using a Gaston foam generator (mentioned above) and applied to a drying device to obtain surface coating.

Example 6

In this example, dry substrates were used that were processed on a separate creping line. The diameter of the American drying cylinder was 72 inches. In this study, two types of chemicals were used from which the coating was obtained: dispersions and solutions. Table 6 presents a group of water-soluble chemicals and solids content in mixed solutions. In this group, to obtain a solution, each additive had to be dissolved beforehand, and only then were mixtures of the resulting solutions prepared. The HYPOD 8510® commercial dispersion was also diluted to achieve different solids. The resulting solutions and dispersions were foamed using a Gaston foam generator and applied to the hot drying surface of the cylinder. Then, the resulting film was brought into contact with a dry substrate using a pressure roll. The treated substrates were cleaned from the surface of the American drying cylinder after curing the chemicals for a certain time at the temperatures indicated in Table 7. The following dry substrates were used in this group: Spunbond with a surface density of 18 g / cm ² , sanitary paper for bath towels UCTAD with a surface density of 42 g / cm ² and material for cosmetic wipes with a surface density of 14.1 g / cm ² .

Table 6 provides information on two types of polymer solutions: on the left side of the table are five pre-prepared solutions, and on the right are three mixtures of pre-prepared solutions. The three mixtures are designated R1, R2 and R3. For example, R1 is a mixed solution obtained by mixing three pre-prepared solutions (45% pre-prepared 10% glucosol, 40% pre-prepared 40% PEG and 15% pre-prepared 2% Polyox). The solids content in the mixed solution was 20.8%, which follows from the equation: 45% * 10% + 40% * 40% + 15% * 2% = 20.8%. The solids content in mixtures of R2 and R3 were calculated in the same way as for R1.

Example 7

The foam applicator has been modified as discussed above. All changes were aimed at increasing the vertical speed of the foam. This reduces the likelihood that the foam will drain off the rim of the applicator and not fall onto the surface of the dryer. One of the advantages of this modification is the possibility of using a lower flow rate (flow rate), which allows to reduce the amount of coating without decreasing the solids content.

Adding a smaller amount of the additive composition can be accomplished by reducing the solids content in HYPOD 8510 ^®. HYPOD 8510 ^{® was} diluted to a specific solids content of 5% or lower, and thus, smaller amounts of the additive composition were applied to the sanitary paper substrate. However, as noted above, the unique microporous structure of the foam is mainly due to the high viscosity and high solids content in the composition from which the coating is obtained. Modification of the applicator can reduce the amount of additive composition applied to the sanitary paper, but does not affect the formation of the unique foam structure of the present invention on sanitary paper. Table 8 shows the processing conditions for samples obtained using a modified applicator. Samples 1 and 2 were treated with traditional creping chemicals described in Example 5. Samples 3-7 were treated with foamed HYPOD 8510 ^® .

Organoleptic assessment results by a group of experts

Study I

This study was conducted to determine softness by manually ranking tactile properties (Eng. In Hand Ranking, abbreviated IHR). Four materials based on sanitary paper were selected for this study. The following examples of Example 1 were tested: untreated facial tissue paper and UCTAD sanitary towel paper, HYPOD treated tissue paper (code 10, Table 1) and UCTAD sanitary paper (code 8, Table 1 ) Each sample of material for cosmetic wipes was a two-layer material for cosmetic wipes, each of the outer sides (1) of which (also the creped side) was a coated surface, that is, the user could touch only the softer and smoother side. UCTAD single-layer sanitary paper, which had only one side creped according to the present invention, was also tested. In IHR trials, only the treated side (s) were examined.

Table 9 presents the parameters of the four samples that were investigated in this way. The hygiene paper content of the HYPOD material was determined by calculating the potassium content of the sanitary paper samples relative to the potassium content of the HYPOD dry polymer. (The HYPOD PRIMACOR component is potassium polyacrylate).

Additional information on codes is presented in Table 1.

Organoleptic assessment results by a group of experts

Two separate organoleptic evaluations were carried out by a group of experts: in one evaluation, the material of sanitary napkins for the face according to the present invention was examined, and in the other, UCTAD sanitary paper for bath towels. The values obtained for softness are presented in Tables 10 and 11.

The results show that the surface treatment according to the present invention increases the softness of sanitary paper with a logarithm value of the margin of 2; this means the paper appears 100 times softer. Both HYPOD treated tissue paper and UCTAD sanitary paper show improved results at a 95% confidence interval compared to the corresponding control samples.

Study II

Samples of products from sanitary paper: From Example 5, six sanitary materials were selected, which were turned into two-layer materials for cosmetic wipes. Both sides of the sanitary paper were processed and turned outward. Table 12 shows the parameters of six samples containing the HYPOD additive. The HYPOD content in the sanitary paper was determined by calculating the potassium content in the sanitary paper samples relative to the potassium content in the HYPOD dry polymer. (The HYPOD PRIMACOR component is potassium polyacrylate).

The results of the organoleptic evaluation by a group of experts are shown in Table 13:

Example 8

In this example, the additive compositions were either foamed or diluted before being applied to the American drying cylinder. Application of additive compositions was carried out on a single production line using a foam applicator or rod with spray nozzles. Using a foam applicator, the chemical additive was applied to the American drying cylinder so that the solids content was 20% by mass, and using a rod with nozzles for spraying liquid (known in the prior art), the chemical additive was applied to the American drying cylinder in such a way so that the solids content is less than 1% by mass. (The diameter of the American drying cylinder on which the film was formed is 61 cm (24 inches)). The chemical additive was heated, thus obtaining a film structure.

The wet sheets were dried on the hot surface of the American drying cylinder in conjunction with a chemical additive (turning into a film) deposited on the drying device in the form of foamed or sprayed HYPOD. Using a pinch roll, the film was fixed directly to the dried wet sheets of pulp containing approximately 40% of the mass of solids. (The pulp used to make these two samples was obtained from eucalyptus fibers and Pictou fibers (Kraft pulp from softwood trees growing in the north)). Then, the coated sanitary paper was creped, wiping the sanitary paper from the surface of the drying apparatus.

Sample code 1 was a product obtained by surface treatment with foamed HYPOD according to the present invention, and Sample 2 was obtained by surface treatment with sprayed HYPOD. Sample code 2 used as a control, was a material for cosmetic wipes, obtained according to the currently used method. The amount of chemical additive applied to the sanitary paper samples was approximately equal for both samples with a code. The parameters of the additive composition (“coatings”) presented in Table 14 show that these amounts were fairly close, but the spray-coated sample contained a slightly larger amount of the composition. The surfaces of two samples with a code were treated with the same chemical additive, but with different application methods. Any difference in the softness of the samples with codes (according to the IHR test) is due to significant differences in the structures of the additive compositions after application to the samples. See FIG. 6.

Study III

Codes of samples of materials from sanitary-hygienic paper: From Example 8 two sanitary-hygienic materials were selected, which were turned into materials for cosmetic wipes for the face. The obtained material for cosmetic wipes was a two-layer product with the outward-facing processed sides. Thus, each surface of cosmetic wipes was treated.

The results of organoleptic evaluation by a group of experts: Two obtained materials for cosmetic wipes were subjected to organoleptic evaluation by a group of experts. The values obtained for softness are presented in Table 15. The results show that the material for cosmetic wipes, the surface of which was treated with foamed HYPOD, is much softer than sanitary paper, the surface of which was sprayed with HYPOD.

Example 9

In this example, the compositions of the additive and reinforcing components were mixed in a container using a powerful mixing device and then diluted to the desired solids content. When adding reinforcing components to the composition of the additive, it was important that the reinforcing components were evenly distributed by sufficient mixing. Useful agents (mixed additive compositions and reinforcing components) were then pumped into a Gaston frother and foamed, and then applied to an American drying cylinder. The application of the beneficial agent was carried out on a single production line using a foam applicator. A control sample treated with a solution of traditional creping chemicals (Code 1 in Example 5) was applied to an American drying cylinder using a spray boom with a solids content of less than 1% by mass. (Diameter of the American drying cylinder, on which a useful agent film was formed. or a solution of a traditional creping chemical was 61 cm (24 inches)). Both types of liquids were heated in a drying device, thus forming a film structure on the surface of the drying device.

The pulp used to obtain these two samples was obtained from eucalyptus fibers and Pictou fibers (Kraft pulp from softwood trees growing in the north, with eucalyptus material on the outer layers and Pictou fiber in the middle layer, as described in Example 5 Code 1). Using a pressure roll, a film with a useful agent (or a traditional creping film) was fixed directly onto wet sheets of pulp containing approximately 40% of the mass. solids. Wet sheets of pulp were dried on the hot surface of an American drying cylinder in conjunction with beneficial agents or sprayed with traditional creping chemicals. Then, the hygiene paper with the obtained coating was creped, scraping the hygiene paper from the surface of the drying device with a knife.

The reference code 901 was a product obtained by spraying a solution of a traditional creping chemical, and the code 902 was obtained using the foamed HYPOD® additive composition for surface treatment according to the present invention. However, the beneficial agents of sample code 902 were contained only in the additive composition. Samples codes 904–912 were articles made using foamed beneficial agents, including both the additive composition and the reinforcing components. As a reinforcing component, sample code 904 contained 6% by weight. dispersion of a copolymer of 1-vinylpyrrolidone and styrene (English poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-styrene), abbreviated PVS), supplied by Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the sample code 905 contained 10% by weight of PVS. Sample code 906 contained 6% of the mass. solid particles of silica gel (English silica gel, abbreviated SG), having a size of from 9.5 to 11 microns, which also supplies Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and sample code 907 contained 3% of the mass. cotton lint (eng. cotton linter flocks, abbreviated CLF), having a fiber length of approximately 0.35 mm, which is supplied by International Fiber Corp., North Tonawanda, New York. As a reinforcing component, the sample code 910 contained 6% of the mass. expandable microspheres (. Engl expandable microsphere, abbreviated EXP) Expancel ^® 909 DUX 80 supplied by AkzoNobel, Duluth, Georgia, and a sample with the code 912 included two reinforcing components: mass.CLF 3% and 6% by weight. EXP.

Table 16 below provides sample codes, useful agent compositions used, foaming conditions, detailed production conditions and GMT of the obtained sanitary and hygienic materials.

Example 10

Table 17 presents the parameters of the selected thirteen different dry substrates, the surfaces of which were treated with various beneficial agents with various combinations of additive compositions and reinforcing components to increase softness. The following substrates were used: (1) polypropylene spunbond materials with a surface density of 8 to 20 g / cm ² ; (2) the outer coating material of disposable underpants for teaching a child to use a toilet with a surface density of 20 g / cm ² ; (3) Texol film with a surface density of 16 g / cm ² ; (4) non-woven fabric with holes with a surface density of 24 g / cm ² ; (5) a multilayer material of the following structure "co-moldable material / spunbond / co-moldable material" with a surface density of 35 g / cm ² ; (6) Intrepid ^® 351H filter media with a surface density of 68 g / cm ² , i.e. fabric for air filters of the MERV 8 level; (7) a Hydroknit ^® base sheet with a surface density of 54 g / cm ² ; (8) the outer coating material of a diaper with a surface density of 20 g / cm ² ; (9) SMS material with a surface density of 12 g / cm ² ; (10) SKP material with a surface density of 25 g / cm ² ; and (11) co-moldable material comprising 45% Vistmaxx and 55% wood pulp, with a surface density of 40 g / cm ² . All dry substrates were treated on a separate creping line.

Commercial dispersion HYPOD 8510 ^® or experimental dispersion of polyolefin blended separately in a container with reinforcing components of different types using a strong stirring apparatus, and then diluted to the desired solids content. Experimental polyolefin dispersion (DPOD 80/20) is an experimental dispersion provided by Dow Chemical, which contained 80% mass.AFFINITY ^® and 20% mass.PRIMACOR ^®, has a solids content constituting 55% by weight. and a viscosity of approximately 1200 centipoises. When adding reinforcing components to the composition of the additive, it was important that the reinforcing components were evenly distributed by sufficient mixing. Mixed additive compositions and reinforcing components (beneficial agents) were then pumped into a Gaston frother and foamed, and then applied to a hot drying calender. The application of the beneficial agent was carried out using a foam applicator in a separate production line. When applied on a separate production line, the foam of the beneficial agent was applied to the hot surface of the drying device and then directly bonded to the dry substrate using a pressure roll. Unlike application on a single production line, dry substrates that did not contain water were used. Thus, when applied to a separate processing line, a much lower heating capacity of the drying device is required.

After curing the foam, the treated substrate was cleaned off the hot surface of the drying calender. The diameter of the hot drying calender was 19.5 inches (approximately 49.53 cm); to sufficiently cure the beneficial agents, the calendars were heated to a temperature in the range of 240 ° F to 330 ° F (approximately 115.56 ° C to 165.65 ° C). The choice of temperature of the drying device also depended on the type of substrate material. Upon overheating, the substrate becomes stiff and brittle due to the formation of too many interfiber bonds, which is contrary to the objectives of the proposed surface treatment.

For all treated substrates shown in Table 17, a significant increase in overall softness and tactile surface properties was shown compared to untreated control materials.

Test methods

(1) Manual ranking of tactile properties (IHR test)

Manual ranking (IHR) is a basic organoleptic assessment of the tactile properties of fibrous webs, with which their parameters, for example, softness, are evaluated. This test is used to quickly assess whether a change in method results in a noticeable difference in human sensations and / or a change in softness compared to control samples. The difference in the IHR results of the softness assessment between the treated web and the control web reflects the degree of softness increase.

A group of test takers (experts) was trained to get more accurate ratings than the average untrained user could give. The ordered data compiled for each sample with a code by a group of experts was analyzed using a proportional risk regression model. According to the calculations of this model, the expert estimates the parameters of the samples in accordance with a certain scale from the maximum to the minimum value of the parameter in question. The results of determining the softness are presented in the form of values of the logarithms of the odds. The logarithm of the odds is the natural logarithm of the risk ratio, which is estimated for each sample with a code using a proportional risk regression model. A larger logarithm of the odds indicates that the corresponding parameter is felt with greater intensity.

Since IHR results are expressed as logarithms of the odds, in reality the difference in softness is more significant than the data show. For example, if the difference in IHR data is 1, then in reality it is a 10-fold (10 ¹ = 10) increase in overall softness or 1000% improvement in this parameter relative to the control value. In another example, if the difference is 0.2, then it means 1.58-fold (10 ^0.2 = 1.58) or 58% improvement.

IHR test data can also be presented as a rank distribution. Data can be used to make relative comparisons within a single test, since product ranking depends on the type of product being compared. Comparisons in various tests can be made if at least one product is evaluated in both tests.

(2) Determination of leaf swelling

The puffiness of the sheet is calculated as the ratio of the caliber (thickness) of the conditioned fibrous sheet, expressed in microns, to the surface density of the conditioned sheet, expressed in grams per square meter. The dimension of the resulting puffiness of the sheet is cubic centimeters per gram. In particular, the gauge of a sheet is a representative thickness of a single sheet, measured in accordance with the TAPPI T402 Test Methods “Standard Atmosphere for Testing and Testing Paper, Cardboard, Hand-Drawn Pulp Paper Sheets and Related Products. Board, Pulp Handsheets and Related Products) "and T411 om-89" Thickness (gauge) of paper, paperboard and Combined Board (Thickness (caliper) of Paper, Paperboard, and Combined Board) "with Note 3 for stacked sheets. To perform the T411 om-89 test, an Emveco 200-A Tissue Caliper Tester caliper for hygiene paper was used, supplied by Emveco, Inc., Newberg, Oregon, USA. The micrometer load was 2 kPa (kiloPascals), the presser foot area was 2500 square millimeters, the diameter of the presser foot was 56.42 mm, the press duration was 3 seconds, and the lowering speed of the presser was 0.8 millimeters per second.

(3) Determination of viscosity

Viscosity was measured using a Brookfield viscometer, model RVDV-II +, supplied by Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, Middleboro, Massachusetts, USA. The measurements were carried out at room temperature (23 ° C) at 100 rpm, using spindle 4 or spindle 6 depending on the expected viscosity values. Centipoises were taken as the dimension of viscosity.

(4) Determination of the amount of HYPOD 8510 ^® in the composition of the additive

In one aspect of the invention, the added amount of HYPOD was determined using acid decomposition. In order to decompose the carbon-containing material and to isolate potassium ions from the cellulose matrix, the samples were subjected to wet ashing with a sufficient amount of concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid. The potassium concentration was determined by atomic adsorption. The amount of HYPOD 8510 ^® added was determined by correlating the potassium concentration in the HYPOD 8510 ^® on the sample to the total concentration of HYPOD 8510 ^® measured in the control solution of the HYPOD 8510 ^® dispersion (LOTVB1955WC30, 3.53%).

(5) A method for determining the content of an additive composition in sanitary paper

Samples were decomposed in accordance with EPA 3010A. The method consists in decomposing a known amount of material with nitric acid in a decomposition reactor and bringing the mixture to a known volume at the end of decomposition.

The analysis was performed on a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer using the EPA 7610 method, published in July 1986, which includes direct pressurization and the use of an air-acetylene flame. A VARIAN AA240FS spectrophotometer supplied by Aligent Technologies, Santa Clara, California, USA was used.

The analysis was performed as follows: The measuring device was calibrated using a blank sample and five standard samples. After calibration, the standard was analyzed from a second source to confirm the results obtained with calibration standards. In this particular case, the recovery was 97% (acceptable value is 90-110%). Then, a blank sample after decomposition and a standard sample after decomposition were analyzed. In this particular case, the result obtained from the analysis of the blank sample was less than 0.1 mg / L, and the degree of extraction from the standard sample was 93% (an acceptable value of 85-115%). Then the analysis of the samples was performed, and after analysis of every tenth sample, the standard sample was analyzed (90-110%, acceptable). At the end of the analysis, the blank sample and standard sample were re-analyzed.

(6) surface density

The surface density of sheet samples of sanitary paper was determined using a modified TAPPI T410 procedure. The pre-packaged samples were conditioned at 23 ° C ± 1 ° C and 50 ± 2% relative humidity for a minimum of 4 hours. After conditioning, a pack of 16-3 "× 3" pre-laid samples was cut using a die-cutting press with the appropriate stamp. The result was sheet samples of sanitary paper having an area of 144 inches ² or 0.0929 m ² . Examples of suitable die presses include a TMI DGD die press manufactured by Testing Mashines, Inc. of Islandia, NY, or a rotary hammer test machine manufactured by USM Corporation of Wilmington, Mass. The dimensional tolerances of the stamp are +/- 0.008 inches (approximately +/- 2 mm) in both directions. Then the multilayer sample is weighed to the nearest 0.001 gram on a calibrated analytical balance. The surface density, expressed in grams per square meter (g / cm ² ), is calculated by the following equation.

Surface density (conditioned sample) = pack weight in grams / (0.0929 m ² )

(7) Geometric Mean Tensile Strength (GMT)

The geometric mean value of the tensile strength (eng. Geometric Mean Tensile Strength, abbreviated GMT) is the square root of the product of the tensile strength of a dry product measured in the machine direction (Eng. Machine direction, abbreviated MD) and tensile strength dry product measured in the transverse direction (English cross-machine direction, abbreviated CD), expressed in grams by 3 inches (which is approximately 7.62 cm) of the width of the sample. The tensile strength in the machine direction is equal to the maximum load of 3 inches of the width of the sample when the sample is stretched to break in the machine direction. Similarly, the transverse tensile strength is equal to the maximum load of 3 inches of the width of the specimen when the specimen is stretched to break in the transverse direction. Graphs of the results of tensile tests were obtained in laboratory conditions at 23.0 ° C ± 1.0 ° C, 50.0 ± 2.0% relative humidity after balancing samples of sanitary paper in the test conditions for at least four hours.

Samples for determining the tensile strength were cut out in the form of strips with a width of 3 inches (76 mm) and a length of at least 5 inches (127 mm) either in the machine direction (MD) or in the transverse direction (CD) using a precision cutting device JDC Precision Sample Cutter (Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, PA, Model No. SC130). The tensile strength was determined using the MTS Systems Synergie 100 installation, controlled by TestWorks ^® 4 software, version 4.08 (MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN).

The maximum load of the load sensor was chosen equal to either 50 Newtons (N) or 100 N, depending on the strength of the test sample, so that most values of the maximum load range from 10 to 90% of the full scale range of the load sensor. The gap between the clamps was 4 +/- 0.04 inches (102 +/- 1 mm). The rubber coated clamps were driven by a pneumatic actuator. The minimum width of the grip area was 3 inches (76 mm), and the approximate clamp height was 0.5 inches (13 mm). The speed of the slider was 10 +/- 0.4 inches / min (254 +/- 10 mm / min) and the tear sensitivity was set to 65%.

The sample was placed in the clamps of the measuring device, centered vertically and horizontally. Then began the test, at the end of which the sample was torn. The maximum load was recorded as “MD tensile strength of the specimen” or “CD tensile strength of the specimen” depending on the direction of stretching of the specimen. Ten (10) samples were tested in one group for each direction, and the calculated arithmetic average was taken as the MD or CD of the tensile strength for the product. The geometric mean tensile strength was calculated by the following equation:

GMT = (MD tensile strength · CD tensile strength) ^1/2

The values and values given in the present description are not limited only to the numerical values mentioned. On the contrary, unless otherwise indicated, each of these quantities includes both the value itself and the functionally equivalent range surrounding this value. For example, a value represented by “40 mm” means “approximately 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are included in the present description in that part, which is not contrary to the present invention, by reference; citing any document does not mean that this document is considered to be related to the prior art regarding the present invention. If any meaning or definition of a term given in this document is not consistent with any meaning or definition of a term given in a cited document, then the meaning or definition given in this document should be attributed to that term.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been considered in the present description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope and principles of the present invention. Thus, the appended claims include all changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. Non-woven substrate, including:
a fibrous web having a surface; and
a layer of a beneficial agent, wherein the beneficial agent is selected from an additive composition, a reinforcing component, and combinations thereof;
and while the beneficial agent is foamed and fixed on the surface of the fibrous web as a result of creping. 2. The nonwoven substrate according to claim 1, wherein the fibrous web is selected from the group consisting of a film, sanitary paper, air-dried sanitary paper, paper towels obtained by water-jet bonding of the fabric, spunbond material, meltblown material, jointly formed material bonded to a carded web obtained by dry-air molding of the web, multilayer materials, paper and composite materials obtained from combinations of materials listed above. 3. The nonwoven substrate of claim 1, wherein the beneficial agent is an additive composition, wherein the additive composition is a polymer dispersion selected from dispersions of polyolefins, dispersions of polyisoprene, dispersions of block copolymers of polybutadiene and styrene, latex dispersions, dispersions of copolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone and styrene , dispersions of copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene, and combinations thereof. 4. The nonwoven substrate according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing component is selected from microparticles, expandable microspheres, fibers, dispersions of an additional polymer, fragrances, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, medicines and emollients. 5. The nonwoven substrate according to claim 3, further comprising a reinforcing component that is added to the polymer dispersion in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 30% by weight of the dispersion. 6. The nonwoven substrate of claim 1, wherein the additive composition is a water-insoluble polyolefin copolymer selected from a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid, a copolymer of polyethylene and octene, and a combination thereof. 7. The nonwoven substrate of claim 1, wherein the additive composition is selected from a synthetic water-soluble polymer, a natural water-soluble polymer, and mixtures thereof. 8. The nonwoven substrate of claim 7, wherein the additive composition is a synthetic water-soluble polymer selected from polyalcohols, polyamines, polyimines, polyamides, polycarboxylic acids, polyoxides, polyglycols, polyethers, polyesters, their copolymers and mixtures. 9. The nonwoven substrate according to claim 7, wherein the additive composition is a natural water-soluble polymer selected from modified cellulose, modified starch, modified protein, chitosan, salts of chitosan, carrageenan, agar-agar, gellan gum, xanthan gum, and combinations thereof. 10. The non-woven substrate according to claim 2, characterized in that the substrate is a sanitary paper having an increase in the logarithm of the margin of approximately 0.5 to approximately 18, and a geometric mean tensile strength (GMT) of approximately 800 to about 1200. 11. A method of creping a non-woven substrate, comprising the following steps:
a) providing a non-woven backing;
b) the location of the applicator near a hot impermeable drying surface;
c) applying with an applicator to the drying surface of an aqueous foamed beneficial agent;
d) the formation of foamed beneficial agent on the drying surface of the adhesive film;
e) direct bonding of the non-woven backing to the adhesive film on the drying surface; and
f) removing the fixed non-woven backing and adhesive film from the drying surface. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the additive composition is selected from a synthetic water-soluble polymer, a natural water-soluble polymer, and mixtures thereof. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the polymer dispersion is selected from dispersions of polyolefins, dispersions of polyisoprene, dispersions of block copolymers of polybutadiene and styrene, latex dispersions, dispersions of copolymers of polyvinylpyrrolidone and styrene, dispersions of copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and ethylene, and combinations thereof. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing component is added to the additive composition. 15. The method according to p. 14, in which the reinforcing component is selected from the group consisting of microparticles, thermally expandable microspheres, chopped fibers, dispersions of additional polymers, fragrances, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, emollients, medicines and their combinations. 16. The method according to p. 15, in which the reinforcing component is added in an amount of from about 0.5% to about 30 wt.% By weight of the dispersion. 17. The method according to p. 11, in which the non-woven substrate is a sanitary-hygienic paper, which has an increase in the logarithm of the odds of from about 0.5 to about 18, and the value of the geometric mean tensile strength (GMT) from about 800 to about 1200. 18. A nonwoven substrate comprising an adhesive film consisting of an aqueous foamed beneficial agent, wherein the beneficial agent is selected from an additive composition selected from a synthetic water-soluble polymer, a natural water-soluble polymer, and mixtures thereof; the reinforcing component is selected from the group consisting of microparticles, thermally expandable microspheres, chopped fibers, dispersions of additional polymers, fragrances, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, emollients, medicines and their combinations; and mixtures of the listed funds. 19. The non-woven substrate according to claim 18, which was pressed against a hot impermeable drying surface including an adhesive film, wherein the non-woven substrate and the adhesive film are bonded immediately before being removed to be creped with a hot impermeable drying surface. 20. Non-woven substrate, which is a sanitary-hygienic paper, which has an increase in the logarithm of the odds of from about 0.5 to about 18, and the value of the geometric mean tensile strength (GMT) from about 800 to about 1200.

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