Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unitary absorbent core including a first fibrous absorbent layer of (a) natural fibers, synthetic fibers or a mixture thereof, (b) a binder which is a synthetic binder fiber or powder, a hydrophilic emulsion polymer binder or a mixture thereof, the fibrous absorbent layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface in contact, optionally coextensively in contact, with an upper surface of a synthetic carrier which has a lower surface integral with a first hydrophobic vapor-transmissive moisture barrier. The present invention is also directed to a receptacle for food incorporating the unitary absorbent core. The present invention is also directed to a filter element incorporating the unitary absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nonwoven materials containing a chemical composition capable of generating carbon dioxide when activated. The present invention provides a latent carbon dioxide gas generating material having a first layer containing fiber and a binder, having a basis weight of from about 25 gsm to about 100 gsm and having inner and outer surfaces, a second layer containing a carbon dioxide gas generating composition, having a basis weight of from about 5 gsm to about 300 gsm and having upper and lower surfaces, and a third layer containing fiber and a binder, having a basis weight of from about 25 gsm to about 100 gsm and having inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the first layer is in contact with the upper surface of the second layer, and the inner surface of the third layer is in contact with the lower surface of the second layer.