Abstract: A method of evaluating the smoothness of a topsheet or a backsheet of a disposable absorbent article is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) providing an element having a surface; (b) providing a first disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; (c) rubbing the surface of the element against the topsheet or the backsheet of the disposable absorbent article along a predetermined length of the disposable absorbent article with a predetermined force; and (d) inspecting the surface of the element after it has been rubbed to evaluate if the surface of the element or the topsheet or the backsheet of the disposable absorbent article is damaged or destroyed by the rubbing against the topsheet or the backsheet of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the permanency of channels in an absorbent core, the method comprising the steps of: providing an absorbent core (28), optionally in an absorbent article (20), wherein the absorbent layer comprises at least one channel (26), preferably at least two channels, extending in the longitudinal direction; providing a liquid (40); pouring the liquid into the absorbent core so that the absorbent core absorbs at least some of the liquid; optionally squeezing or shaking the absorbent core; cutting the absorbent core in the transversal direction; and evaluating the presence or absence of channel bonds (27), and if channel bonds are present optionally evaluating the quality of the channel bonds.