Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry-laid composition comprising: hollow synthetic fiber, absorbent and a binder system. The hollow fiber comprises from about 10 to about 50 percent by weight of said composition. The hollow synthetic fiber has a denier of between about 2 to about 18. The hollow synthetic fiber is selected from the class of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, acrylics, as well as mixtures and copolymers thereof. The absorbent comprises from about 40% to about 80% of the weight of said composition. The absorbent is a natural absorbent, or a synthetic absorbent, or a mixture of these. The natural absorbent is selected from the class of wood pulp fluff, cotton, cotton linters, and regenerated cellulose fibers, or a mixture of these. The synthetic absorbent is selected from the class of agar, pectin, guar gum, and synthetic hydrogel polymers. The binder fiber comprises from about 3 to about 15 percent by weight of said composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an air-laid composition comprising absorbent, binder, and synthetic fibers, wherein the synthetic fibers have a modulus greater than about 2 grams per denier, and a percent crimp of less than about 30%. The absorbent comprises about 40 to 80% of the weight of the composition. The binder comprises about 3-15% of the weight of the composition. The synthetic fibers comprise about 10-50% of the weight of the composition. The binder is selected from the class comprising conventional latex systems, hot melt adhesive, or binder fibers, or a mixture of these. The absorbent comprises natural absorbents or super absorbent polymer, or a combination of these. The natural absorbent materials are selected from the class consisting of wood pulp fluff, cotton, cotton linters, and regenerated cellulose fibers. The super absorbent polymer is selected from the class of agar, pectin, guar gum and synthetic hydrogel polymers.