Abstract: A breathable barrier composite of cellulosic fibers includes a compressed mixture of hydrophobic cellulosic fibers and thermally-bondable polyolefin fibers. The composite has a combination of high liquid barrier properties, and high air and moisture vapor porosity. The composite also has a very soft and cottony texture. The breathable barrier composite may optionally contain a nonwoven layer, such as a spunbond or an SMS nonwoven, a polyolefin film layer, or a nonwoven wipe layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of cellulosic fibers treated with a caustic solution under non-mercerizing conditions is cross-linked with a solution containing polymeric polycarboxylic acid cross-linking agents. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products of this method, which is economic, that possess good absorption and wet resiliency properties are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cross-linked cellulosic fiber in the sheet from, obtainable by cross-linking a blend of mercerized pulp and conventional pulp. The method includes heating treated cellulosic fibers to promote intra-fiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by an improved acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbency, and absorbency under load. Moreover, the inventive cross-linked fibers exhibit a reduction in centrifuge retention capacity, and have low knots, nits and fines contents. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the invention are useful in the acquisition layer and/or absorbent core of absorbent articles.