Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a substrate applied with an activated carbon coating is provided. The activated carbon coating is formed from a mixture of a polymeric material and an activation agent. The mixture is activated by heating to a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 250° C. As a result of the present invention, it has been discovered that a substrate can be formed that is absorbent and also capable of performing other functions, such as serving as an odor control agent.

Abstract: A flexible laminate structure that is formed from a first substrate, a second substrate, and discrete regions of a functional material sandwiched therebetween is provided. In particular, the first and second substrates contain thermoplastic polymers that are fused together at certain portions such that fused portions and unfused portions are formed. The unfused portions form pockets that contain the functional material and are relatively small in size. In some embodiments, for example, the pockets have an approximate width to height ratio of less than about 10.