Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further severs as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed or reduced in absorbent products by the use of a particulate material attached to pulp fiber by a retention aid. The particulate material can remove or reduce the hydrogen sulfide in the environment surrounding the fiber. Suitable materials are zinc oxide, calcium oxide, cupric oxide, magnesium oxide, manganese dioxide, manganese oxide and aluminum oxide. Zeolites are also suitable. The particulate material may be combined with a filler prior to attachment to the fiber.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further severs as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed or reduced in absorbent products by the use of a particulate material attached to pulp fiber by a retention aid. The particulate material can remove or reduce the hydrogen sulfide in the environment surrounding the fiber. Suitable materials are zinc oxide, calcium oxide, cupric oxide, magnesium oxide, manganese dioxide, manganese oxide and aluminum oxide. Zeolites are also suitable. The particulate material may be combined with a filler prior to attachment to the fiber.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having a reticulated core and a fibrous stratum is disclosed. The core and stratum are integrally formed, and the stratum is coextensive with a surface of the core. In one embodiment, the composite includes strata on opposing surfaces of the core. The core includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous matrix defines voids and passages between the voids, which are distributed throughout the composite. Absorbent material is located within some of the voids. On wetting, absorbent material located in these voids is expandable into the void. Methods for forming the composite and absorbent articles that include the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product that includes cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent is disclosed. The crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product can be formed as a web or sheet that has structural integrity and sheet strength sufficient to permit the fibrous web to be rolled, transported, and used in rolled form in subsequent processes. The crosslinkable fibrous product can be converted into a crosslinked fibrous product by subjecting the product to conditions sufficient to effect intrafiber crosslinking. Alternatively, the web can be fiberized and the resulting individual crosslinkable fibers combined with other fibers and/or other materials to provide a fibrous web containing crosslinkable cellulosic fibers. Subjecting such a web to crosslinking conditions provides a fibrous web that includes, in addition to other fibers or materials, crosslinked cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent layer composed of a crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the binder is a bicomponent binding fiber. In combination with one or more other layers in an absorbent article, the unitary absorbent layer can rapidly acquire, distribute, temporarily store, and then release the acquired liquid to other liquid retention layers. Methods for forming the unitary absorbent layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for preparing a quantity of individual treated fibers from one or more fiber mats. The apparatus comprises a fiber treatment zone, and a conveyor for conveying each mat through the fiber treatment zone. In the treatment zone each mat is impregnated by an applicator with a treatment material, such as a crosslinking substance, and conveyed directly to an attrition device. The attrition device fiberizes the mats to form a fiber output having a low nit level, such as no more than about three, and a dryer both dries the fiber output and cures the crosslinking substance. The fiberizer is configured to minimize the accumulation of fiber at locations therein. Fiber is transported from the attrition device to the dryer at a high velocity under reduced pressure to promote drying. A heated retention bin is provided after drying to increase curing time in the system. A thermobonding agent may be added to the dried and cured fibers to enhance the wet strength of webs made from the fiber.

Abstract: A crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product that includes cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent is disclosed. The crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product can be formed as a web or sheet that has structural integrity and sheet strength sufficient to permit the fibrous web to be rolled, transported, and used in rolled form in subsequent processes. The crosslinkable fibrous product can be converted into a crosslinked fibrous product by subjecting the product to conditions sufficient to effect intrafiber crosslinking. Alternatively, the web can be fiberized and the resulting individual crosslinkable fibers combined with other fibers and/or other materials to provide a fibrous web containing crosslinkable cellulosic fibers. Subjecting such a web to crosslinking conditions provides a fibrous web that includes, in addition to other fibers or materials, crosslinked cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent layer composed of a crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the binder is a bicomponent binding fiber. In combination with one or more other layers in an absorbent article, the unitary absorbent layer can rapidly acquire, distribute, temporarily store, and then release the acquired liquid to other liquid retention layers. Methods for forming the unitary absorbent layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product that includes cellulosic fibers and a crosslinking agent is disclosed. The crosslinkable cellulosic fibrous product can be formed as a web or sheet that has structural integrity and sheet strength sufficient to permit the fibrous web to be rolled, transported, and used in rolled form in subsequent processes. The crosslinkable fibrous product can be converted into a crosslinked fibrous product by subjecting the product to conditions sufficient to effect intrafiber crosslinking. Alternatively, the web can be fiberized and the resulting individual crosslinkable fibers combined with other fibers and/or other materials to provide a fibrous web containing crosslinkable cellulosic fibers. Subjecting such a web to crosslinking conditions provides a fibrous web that includes, in addition to other fibers or materials, crosslinked cellulosic fibers.