Abstract: An absorbent material for use in a disposable absorbent product exhibiting enhanced wet strength characteristics includes a blend of cellulosic fibrous material and superabsorbent polymeric material, with a wax applied to the blend in a preferably discontinuous or non-uniform distribution for enhancing wet strength characteristics of the material, without unacceptably diminishing its absorbency. Notably, the absorbent material includes regions of relatively high densification, which can exist about particles of superabsorbent material, with application of wax in a molten form resulting in the spontaneous flow and migration of the wax to the regions of higher densification. The material can be formed with a pattern of regions of relatively high and low densification, with the wax preferentially distributed in those regions of high densification.

Abstract: An absorbent material for use in a disposable absorbent product exhibiting enhanced wet strength characteristics includes a blend of cellulosic fibrous material and superabsorbent polymeric material, with a wax applied to the blend in a preferably discontinuous or non-uniform distribution for enhancing wet strength characteristics of the material, without unacceptably diminishing its absorbency. Notably, the absorbent material includes regions of relatively high densification, which can exist about particles of superabsorbent material, with application of wax in a molten form resulting in the spontaneous flow and migration of the wax to the regions of higher densification. The material can be formed with a pattern of regions of relatively high and low densification, with the wax preferentially distributed in those regions of high densification.

Abstract: An absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed with at least one layer of absorbent material, and it may include a mixture of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent material. The moisture content of the web is increased so as to increase the web density. Then, the web is compacted at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also effect hydrogen bonding within the web. In one embodiment a tissue layer is provided, is wetted with water, and is bonded to the layer of absorbent material.