Abstract: Absorbent members useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine, that have at least one region containing hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight and providing a gel-continuous fluid transportation zone when in a swollen state. This hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer has: (a) a Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) value of at least about 30.times.10.sup.-7 cm.sup.3 sec/g; (b) a Performance under Pressure (PUP) capacity value of at least about 23 g/g under a confining pressure of 0.7 psi (5 kPa); and (c) a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm. In addition, the region where this hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is present has, even when subjected to normal use conditions, sufficient wet integrity such that the gel-continuous zone substantially maintains its ability to acquire and transport body fluids through the gel-continuous zone.

Abstract: Absorbent members useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine, that have at least one region containing hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight and providing a gel-continuous fluid transportation zone when in a swollen state. This hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer has: (a) a porosity of at least about 0.15; (b) a Performance under Pressure (PUP) capacity value of at least about 23 g/g under a confining pressure of 0.7 psi (5 kPa); (c) a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm; and (d) optionally, but preferably, a Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) value of at least about 30.times.10.sup.-7 cm.sup.3 sec/g. In addition, the region where this hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is present has, even when subjected to normal use conditions, sufficient wet integrity such that the gel-continuous zone substantially maintains its ability to acquire and transport body fluids through the gel-continuous zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent structures and absorbent gelling agent compositions suitable for use in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence products and catamenial products. The absorbent structures comprise hydrophilic fiber material and nonfragile particles of polymeric gelling agent. The gelling agent particles incorporated into such structures are selected to have a mass median particle size ranging from about 400 to 700 microns, with the amounts of very large and very small particles kept below certain minimum concentrations. Absorbent structures utilizing gelling agent particles of such particle size characteristics possess unexpectedly high absorbent capacities and the gelling agent therein can be utilized very efficiently and effectively.

Abstract: This invention provides novel, highly absorbent pectin-containing vegetable materials, and a process for making these materials by incorporating into pectin-containing vegetable materials substituents which contain cation exchange groups. The present invention further provides absorbent structures containing these materials, as well as disposable absorbent procuts containing the materials or absorbent structures of the present invention.

Abstract: Fibrous webs comprising fibers coated with a continuous film comprising silica have excellent absorbent and wicking properties. The fibers themselves may be hydrophilic (e.g., cellulose) or hydrophobic (e.g., a polyolefin or a polyester).