Abstract: A bonded structure including one or more substrates bonded together with a tackified amorphous poly-alpha-olefin adhesive composition. One method of making such a bonded structure is carried out by applying a tackified amorphous poly-alpha-olefin adhesive composition to one or more substrates at a temperature of about 170 degrees Celsius or lower, and joining the substrates to themselves or to one another. The bonded structure has a dynamic peel strength between about 400 and about 1000 grams per 25 millimeters. The bonding efficiency of the bonded structure renders the bonded structure suitable for incorporation into a variety of articles, including personal care products, health/medical products, and household/industrial product, for example.

Abstract: An absorbent composite contains a superabsorbent material and thermoplastic biodegradable reinforcing fibers, and may also contain pulp fibers. The superabsorbent material may be biodegradable, providing a biodegradable absorbent composite. The superabsorbent material may have a gel strength from about 500 dynes/cm2 to about 80,000 dynes/cm2. The biodegradable reinforcing fibers may contain fibers of a polyester such as poly(lactic acid). The biodegradable reinforcing fibers may be wettable, reducing or eliminating the need for treating the surface of the fibers with a wetting agent such as a surfactant, and may provide desirable performance without being bonded to the other components.

Abstract: Absorbent articles with carefully controlled stretch properties are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles have a waistband that encompasses a pair of opposing side panels and a waist region of the article. The side panels are attached to longitudinal edges of a chassis and are configured to extend around a person's waist. The side panels are attached to fastening devices for fastening the absorbent article to a wearer. In accordance with the present invention, the side panels and the waist region are both elastic. In order to improve fit and comfort, the stretch properties of the side panels are matched with the stretch properties of the waist region. For example, elongation of the side panels can be matched to elongation of the waist region or, alternatively, displacement of the side panels can be matched to the displacement of the waist region for a given range of forces.

Abstract: A bonded structure including one or more substrates bonded together with a tackified amorphous poly-alpha-olefin adhesive composition. One method of making such a bonded structure is carried out by applying a tackified amorphous poly-alpha-olefin adhesive composition to one or more substrates at a temperature of about 170 degrees Celsius or lower, and joining the substrates to themselves or to one another. The bonded structure has a dynamic peel strength between about 400 and about 1000 grams per 25 millimeters. The bonding efficiency of the bonded structure renders the bonded structure suitable for incorporation into a variety of articles, including personal care products, health/medical products, and household/industrial product, for example.