Abstract: A water-absorbent composition which absorbs water in the presence of multiple valent ions. The water-absorbent composition is a polymeric material having two or more pendent carboxylic acid groups which are in close proximity. The two or more groups react with the ions so that the composition does not precipitate. The pendant carboxylic acid groups can be located on the polymeric backbone in close proximity. The pendant carboxylic acid groups can be located on adjacent carbons on the polymeric backbone. The water-absorbent material can be in fibrous form. The water-absorbent composition can be a copolymer of from about 25 to about 75 mole percent recurring units of at least one k,beta-unsaturated monomer having at least one carboxylic acid group and from about 75 to about 25 mole percent recurring units of at least one copolymerizable monomer.

Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated monomer having at least one pendant unit selected from a carboxylic acid group and derivatives thereof, and a copolymerizable monomer is described in which the process is carried out in a single solvent which is particularly an aromatic solvent. Processes of controlling the reaction and the particle size of the polymer produced are also described.

Abstract: A multiple layer water-absorbent core is described which is suitable for use in an absorbent article. The water-absorbent core comprises a water-absorbent layer and a water-management layer which acts to reduce the exposure of the core to the water. The water-management layer is preferably formed from the hydrophobic material. An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious cover sheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and a multiple layer water-absorbent core of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A multiple layer water-absorbent core is described which is suitable for use in an absorbent article. The water-absorbent core comprises a water-absorbent layer and a water-management layer which acts to reduce the exposure of the core to water. The water-management layer is preferably formed from the hydrophobic material. An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious cover sheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and a multiple layer water-absorbent core of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of an a, &bgr;-unsaturated monormer having at least one pendant unit selected from a carboxylic acid group and derivatives thereof, and a copolymersable monomer is described in which the process is carried out in a single solvent which is particularly an aromatic solvent. Processes of controlling the reaction and the particle size of the polymer produced are also described.

Abstract: Condensation polymers such as polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes, polyepoxides, polyamide esters, polyureas and polyamino-acids which are photodegradable on exposure to U.V. light, due to the presence in the copolymer backbone of units of structure ##STR1## in small amounts.