Abstract: A characterization device, system, and method for characterizing reflective elements from the light beams reflected in it. The device has two variable-gain detectors on a common structure, which can be portable or fixed, and for capturing light beams reflected by a reflective element, and from at least one processor characterizing the quality of the reflected light beams and evaluating the quality of the reflective element from its reflective capacity. Each detector has a lens for increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the reflected beam or beams, a light sensor on which the beam or beams captured by the lens are focused, an automatic gain selection system associated with the optical sensor, and a data communication device associated with the device itself. A characterization system and a characterization method for characterizing reflective elements from the quality of the light beams reflected in at least one reflective element or heliostat.

Abstract: A polymer composition including a crosslinkable thermoplastic matrix, a crosslinking agent, a blowing agent, and at least one cell opener is provided. A method of producing an open cell polymer foam from the polymer composition is also provided. The method includes heating a foamable precursor under positive pressure to a temperature greater than a decomposition temperature of the crosslinking agent and below a decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent to produce a primary foam. Then, the method includes heating the primary foam to a temperature greater than the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent and then allowing the primary foam to cool to a temperature below a softening temperature of the crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer to form the open cell polymer foam. The produced open cell polymer foam has an open cell content of at least 80% immediately following the step of allowing the primary foam to cool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acquisition layers for use in absorbent articles, preferably of the disposable personal hygiene type. It discloses absorbent articles (7) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (8), a liquid impermeable backsheet (9), an absorbent core (1) between the topsheet (8) and the backsheet (9) and an acquisition layer (2) between the topsheet (8) and the absorbent core (1), said acquisition layer (2) having a width (w) and a length (l) along an acquisition plane and a thickness (t) extending perpendicular thereto. The absorbent core (1) comprises at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of fibrous absorbent materials and highly absorbent polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acquisition layers for use in absorbent articles, preferably of the disposable personal hygiene type. It discloses absorbent articles (7) comprising a liquid permeable topsheet (8), a liquid impermeable backsheet (9), an absorbent core (1) between the topsheet (8) and the backsheet (9) and an acquisition layer (2) between the topsheet (8) and the absorbent core (1), said acquisition layer (2) having a width (w) and a length (l) along an acquisition plane and a thickness (t) extending perpendicular thereto. The absorbent core (1) comprises at least one absorbent material selected from the group consisting of fibrous absorbent materials and highly absorbent polymers.

Abstract: An absorbent core for an absorbent article, the absorbent core comprising at least two layers, each layer having a width w and a length l along a first plane and a thickness t extending perpendicular thereto, wherein the layers are arranged in facing relationship along the first plane, and wherein the layers comprise a polymeric foam having an open cell and interconnected porous structure. The first and second layers comprise an anisotropic cell structure having an axis of anisotropy extending substantially parallel to a longest length of a plurality of substantially neighbouring cells. The axis of anisotropy of the second layer extends substantially perpendicular to said thickness t and parallel to said first plane and the axis of anisotropy of the first layer is substantially perpendicular to the axis of anisotropy of the second layer.

Abstract: An absorbent core for an absorbent article, the absorbent core comprising at least two layers, each layer having a width w and a length l along a first plane and a thickness t extending perpendicular thereto, wherein the layers are arranged in facing relationship along the first plane, and wherein the layers comprise a polymeric foam having an open cell and interconnected porous structure. The first and second layers comprise an anisotropic cell structure having an axis of anisotropy extending substantially parallel to a longest length of a plurality of substantially neighbouring cells. The axis of anisotropy of the second layer extends substantially perpendicular to said thickness t and parallel to said first plane and the axis of anisotropy of the first layer is substantially perpendicular to the axis of anisotropy of the second layer.