Abstract: A method for separating a fraction of super-absorbent polymers (SAP) from post-consumer absorbent sanitary products, said post-consumer absorbent sanitary products further including at least one cellulose fraction and one plastic fraction. The method includes the steps of sterilizing the post-consumer absorbent sanitary products and treating said post-consumer absorbent sanitary products by immersion in a bath with an aqueous solution containing at least one oxidizing compound. The oxidizing compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, potassium monopersulfate, and hydrogen peroxide; preferably hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a quantity of super absorbent polymers (SAP) in a sample obtained from post-consumer absorbent sanitary products comprising at least one portion of a portion of cellulose and/or a portion of plastic in addition to a portion of SAP, said post-consumer absorbent sanitary products having been, preferably, previously subjected to at least one treatment comprising the separation of said portions; the SAP contained in said sample comprise linear polyacrylate polymers (LPA) and/or cross-linked polyacrylate polymers (CLPA).

Abstract: A method for sterilizing and decontaminating post-consumer absorbent products polluted with organic compounds derived from human metabolism including drug residues, the post-consumer absorbent sanitary products comprising fractions of plastic, super-absorbent polymers (SAP), and optionally cellulose, the method including at least the steps of: sterilizing (SR) the absorbent sanitary post-consumer products by heating to a temperature equal to or less than 140° C., and to a pressure lower than 4 bar, decontaminating (DC) the post-consumer absorbent sanitary products of organic compounds by treating with an oxidizing composition comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, sodium percarbonate, potassium percarbonate, sodium perborate, potassium perborate, potassium monopersulfate, ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, and ozone.

Abstract: A composite web adapted for use as a component in a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The composite web comprises a first fibrous layer and a second layer, the first and second layers each comprising a body-facing side and a garment-facing side and are disposed in a face to face relationship to form a laminate. The first fibrous layer comprises a fibrous web of randomly oriented fibers with respect to an X-Y plane, and a plurality of discrete regions of fiber reorientation at least on the body-facing side thereof, and a plurality of fibers having portions reoriented in a direction substantially orthogonal to the X-Y plane and extending toward the garment-facing side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to menstrual absorbent articles, such as female sanitary napkins which are designed to be worn in and attached to a thong slips or G-string undergarment. In general absorbent articles for wearing with and attached to an undergarment should be designed to follow the shape of the undergarment where they are attached. For a thong slip this results in a sanitary napkin or panty liner having a wider front end and a narrower rear end. This design can also he described as triangular shape or trapezoidal shape. According to the present invention such thong shaped menstrual absorbent articles are provided in a construction in which the kind and amount of material, in particular for the absorbent core, and construction of the article, is selected such that the flexure resistance of the article remains below a critical value.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article which is substantially flat prior to use for wearing adjacent a body discharge area, having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, and has an expanding layer for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The expanding layer includes a number of smaller expanding elements that are activated by body fluids, are decoupled from one another, and are capable of expanding substantially in only one direction upon activation by body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which is substantially flat prior to use for wearing adjacent a body discharge area having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline orthogonal thereto, and defining longitudinal and lateral directions respectively. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious top sheet, a back sheet joined to the top sheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent core includes an expanding member for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The expanding member is activated by body fluids. The top sheet is capable of expanding as the absorbent article expands upon activation by body fluids.

Abstract: An article is described for absorbing body fluid from a wearer. This comprises a fluid storage region (7) having a first major face on one side thereof and a second major face on the opposite side thereof, and first (6) and second (8) fluid receiving regions adjacent the first and second major faces respectively. Each fluid receiving region (6, 8) receives fluid and releases it to the adjacent major face of fluid storage region. The fluid receiving regions (6, 8) are each formed of a dry laid web of staple fibers, the web having a bulkiness, as measured under a pressure of 2 kPa, of at least 20 cc/g.