Abstract: Liquid impervious, biodegradable films are disclosed. In particular, the films comprise a blend of an interpenetrated network of destructurized starch with ethylene/acrylic acid copolymers or ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers, and an aliphatic polyester such as polycaprolactone. Diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like, containing backsheets prepared from the foregoing materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fibrous cellulose materials useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, and toilet tissue are disclosed. The paper products contain a biodegradable vegetable oil based ester-functional quaternary ammonium chemical softening compound. Examples of preferred vegetable oil based ester-functional quaternary ammonium chemical softening compounds include diester dioleyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DEDODMAC) (i.e., di(octadec-z-9-oenoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride) and diester dierucyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DEDEDMAC) (i.e., di(docos-z-13-enoyloxyethyl)dimethylammonium chloride). Depending upon the paper product characteristic requirements, the saturation level of the fatty acyl groups of the vegetable oils can be tailored. Variables that need to be adjusted to maximize the benefits of using unsaturated vegetable oil based acyl groups include the Iodine Value (IV) of the fatty acyl groups; and the cis/trans isomer weight ratios in the fatty acyl groups.

Abstract: Multi-layered tissue paper webs comprising chemical softener compositions and binder materials are disclosed. The multi-layered tissue webs are useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent paper products such as facial tissues and/or toilet tissues. The multi-layered tissue paper products contain a chemical softening composition comprising a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a polyhydroxy compound. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds include dialkyl dimethyl ammonium salts such as di(hydrogenated)tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(hydrogenated)tallow dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate. Preferred polyhydroxy compounds are selected from the group consisting of glycerol, sorbitols, polyglycerols having a weight average molecular weight of from about 150 to about 800, polyoxyethylene glycols and polyoxypropylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight from about 200 to 4000.

Abstract: Cellulosic pulps of selected fiber morphology are disclosed having a coarseness less than a threshold coarseness level. The threshold coarseness level is a function of average fiber length. The cellulosic pulps are especially useful for producing paper structures such as tissue paper. A method for producing the cellulosic pulps is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-ply facial tissue paper products comprising chemical softener compositions and a combination of a wet strength binder, permanent and/or temporary, and a dry strength binder is disclosed.The multi-ply facial tissue paper products contain a chemical softening composition comprising a mixture of a quaternary ammonium compound and a polyhydroxy compound. Preferred quaternary ammonium compounds include dialkyl dimethyl ammonium salts such as di(hydrogenated)tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride and/or di(hydrogenated)tallow dimethyl ammonium methyl sulfate. Preferred polyhydroxy compounds are selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyglycerols having a weight average molecular weight of from about 150 to about 800, polyoxyethylene glycols and polyoxypropylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight from about 200 to 1000.

Abstract: Particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates. The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Sufficient interparticle crosslinked aggregates are formed when the mass average particle size of the resultant polymeric composition has been increased by at least about 25% over the mass average particle size of the precursor particles. The resultant polymeric composition provides improved structural integrity, an increased acquisition rate, and minimal gel blocking properties.

Abstract: Biodegradable, liquid impervious multilayer film compositions are disclosed. In particular, the films comprise composite structures derived from multilayer combinations of biodegradable polymers. The biodegradable polymers are selected from the categories of moisture sensitive polymers, thermally sensitive polymers, mechanically limited polymers, polymers not easily processed into films, hydrolytically cleavable polymers, and degradable elastomers. Optionally, the multilayer films may further comprise additional adhesive tie layers. The biodegradable polymers are combined in various ways to overcome the deficiencies of the individual components, yet at the same time impart specific performance properties to the film. The multilayer film compositions are suitable for use as backsheets in disposable absorbent products including diapers, adult incontinent pads, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, and the like.

Abstract: A method of making an elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive foam is disclosed. The method involves melting an adhesive material, mixing a gas with the adhesive material under pressure to form a solution of the gas in the adhesive material, reducing the pressure to cause evolution and/or expansion of the gas to form a foam, and stabilizing the foam by causing the adhesive material to solidify. The relatively low melt-viscosity of the adhesive material which is used to form the foam provides desirable processing times and the ability to form foams having desired physical properties, e.g., caliper and cell structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making soft tissue paper which includes providing a dry tissue web and then applying a sufficient amount of a functional-polysiloxane softener compound to the dry web. The softener application process includes the steps of mixing a functional-polysiloxane compound with a suitable nonvolatile diluent, such as a mineral oil, forming an emulsion containing the functional-polysiloxane compound and nonvolatile diluent using a volatile solvent, such as water, and surfactant emulsifier, applying the emulsion to a heated transfer surface, evaporating the volatile solvent from the emulsion to form a film, and then contacting the dry tissue web with the heated transfer surface. Preferably, the tissue web is dried to a moisture level below its equilibrium moisture content before application of the functional-polysiloxane material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, in which the absorbent core is enveloped by a primary core integrity layer comprising a continuous mesh of meltblown material which is joined to the topsheet. The primary core integrity layer is particularly useful for improving the wet integrity of absorbent cores comprising an upper acquisition/distribution layer and a lower storage layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making soft tissue paper which includes providing a dry tissue web and then applying a sufficient amount of a functional-polysiloxane softener compound to the dry web. The softener application process includes the steps of mixing a functional-polysiloxane compound with a suitable nonvolatile diluent, such as a nonfunctional-polysiloxane, forming an emulsion containing the functional-polysiloxane compound and nonvolatile diluent using a volatile solvent, such as water, and surfactant emulsifier, applying the emulsion to a heated transfer surface, evaporating the volatile solvent from the emulsion to form a film, and then contacting the dry tissue web with the heated transfer surface. Preferably, the tissue web is dried to a moisture level below its equilibrium moisture content before application of the functional-polysiloxane material.

Abstract: A process for making tissue papers, in particular pattern densified tissue papers, having an enhanced tactile sense of softness when treated with tri-component biodegradable softener compositions are disclosed. These tri-component softener compositions comprise nonionic softeners, nonionic surfactant compatibilizers and polyhydroxy compounds. The weight ratio of the nonionic softeners to the nonionic surfactant compatibilizers ranges typically from about 10:1 to 1:10. The weight ratio of the nonionic softeners to the polyhydroxy compounds ranges typically from about 10:1 to 1:10. The tri-component biodegradable softeners are typically applied from an aqueous dispersion to at least one surface of the dry tissue paper web.

Abstract: Particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates formed from precursor particles having a relatively small particle size. (i.e., fine precursor particles). The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise fine precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. The mass average particle size of the precursor particles is generally less than about 300 microns. Interparticle crosslinked aggregates formed from fine precursor particles have particularly high rates of fluid uptake with minimal gel blocking properties.

Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.

Abstract: An elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive foam is disclosed. The adhesive foam preferably comprises an elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive material formed from:(a) about 15% to about 60%, by weight of the adhesive material, of an A-B-A block copolymer, in which the A block is derived from styrene and the B block is derived from butadiene or isoprene;(b) about 30% to about 70%, by weight of the adhesive material, of an aromatic modified hydrocarbon resin which associates with both the B block and A blocks of the A-B-A block copolymer; and(c) 0 to about 30%, by weight of the adhesive material, of a processing oil.The proportions of the components (a), (b), and (c) are selected such that the elastomeric, hot-melt adhesive material has a viscosity of less than about 200,000 centipoise at 325.degree. F. and an elastomeric retention value of at least 75%.

Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tissue papers, in particular pattern densified tissue papers, having an enhanced tactile sense of softness when treated with tri-component biodegradable softener compositions are disclosed. These tri-component softener compositions comprise nonionic softeners, nonionic surfactant compatibilizers and polyhydroxy compounds. The weight ratio of the nonionic softeners to the nonionic surfactant compatibilizers ranges typically from about 10:1 to 1:10. The weight ratio of the nonionic softeners to the polyhydroxy compounds ranges typically from about 10:1 to 1:10. The tri-component biodegradable softeners are typically applied from an aqueous dispersion to at least one surface of the dry tissue paper web.

Abstract: A method of making an improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fibrous cellulose materials useful in the manufacture of soft, absorbent paper products such as paper towels, facial tissues, and toilet tissue are disclosed. The paper products contain a biodegradable chemical softening composition comprising a mixture of a biodegradable quaternized ester-amine compound and a polyhydroxy compound. Preferred biodegradable quaternized ester-amine compounds include diester dialkyldimethylammonium salts such as the diester ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, diester di(touch hydrogenated) tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride and diester di(hydrogenated) tallow dimethyl ammonium chloride. Preferred polyhydroxy compounds are selected from the group consisting of glycerol, and polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols having a weight average molecular weight from about 200 to 4000.

Abstract: Particulate, absorbent, polymeric compositions comprising interparticle crosslinked aggregates. The interparticle crosslinked aggregates comprise precursor particles of substantially water-insoluble, absorbent, hydrogel-forming, polymer material; and an interparticle crosslinking agent reacted with the polymer material of the precursor particles to form crosslink bonds between the precursor particles. Sufficient interparticle crosslinked aggregates are formed when the mass average particle size of the resultant polymeric composition has been increased by at least about 25% over the mass average particle size of the precursor particles. The resultant polymeric composition provides improved structural integrity, an increased acquisition rate, and minimal gel blocking properties.