Abstract: Described herein are novel super absorbent materials. The super absorbent materials are copolymerized with strong or super strong ionizable monomers and bulky counter ions or select metal salts. The copolymer-based super absorbent materials have significantly improved absorbance properties. The compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymers are made of copolymers including a major portion of low molecular weight monomers each individually including a backbone and a charged moiety, a minor portion of high molecular weight monomers each individually including a backbone and a charged moiety, and optionally a crosslinker. The copolymer-based superabsorbent polymers have significantly improved absorbency under load.

Abstract: Described herein are superabsorbent polymers that are made of copolymers of multiple charged monomers, where the charged moieties of different charged monomers have different distances from copolymer backbones. The copolymer-based superabsorbent polymers have significantly improved absorbency under load. The compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.

Abstract: Described herein are superabsorbent polymers that are made of copolymers of charged monomer and neutral monomers, where the neutral monomers are alkyl or aryl end-capped neutral and hydrophilic monomers that lack free hydroxyl groups and have a water solubility of at least 200 mg/mL. The copolymer-based superabsorbent polymers have significantly improved absorbency under load. The compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for increasing absorbent capacity of a superabsorbent material (SAM) by treating the SAM with a selected salt or a combination of such salts. The selected salt(s) may interact with the polymer chain of the SAM through one or more absorbent capacity enhancement mechanisms. The absorbent capacity enhancement mechanism(s) between selected salt(s) and the SAM may lead to greater absorbent capacity of the SAM.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for increasing absorbent capacity of a superabsorbent material (SAM) by treating the SAM with a selected multifunctional chemical agent (MCA) or a combination of a plurality of selected MCAs. The selected MCA(s) may interact with the polymer chain of the SAM through one or a plurality of mechanisms that enhance the absorbent capacity of the SAM. In various preferred embodiments, SAMs include polyelectrolytes that are made from polymerizing mixtures of acrylic acid monomer and acrylic acid sodium salt, and L-arginine or lysine is selected as the MCA.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent product includes a double-network polymer element including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the element has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the element, wherein the element comprises a latent retractive force, and wherein the element is configured to release the retractive force to achieve a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid. Manufacturing a disposable absorbent product includes producing a double-network hydrogel; elongating by force and dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel, wherein elongating and dehydrating captures a latent retractive force in the element; and positioning the element in a disposable absorbent product such that a dimensional change in the disposable absorbent product is achieved with exposure of the element to an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A wetness indicating composition can include a mixing solvent including water and a water-miscible volatile organic solvent. The wetness indicating composition can also include an amphiphilic polydiacetylene and a hydrophobic binder. In some embodiments, the wetness indicating composition can be applied to a substrate and serve as a wetness indicator for an absorbent article.

Abstract: Odor control articles (10) including hydrophobic polymers of intrinsic porosity (HPIM) and their use in personal care products and hygienic products is disclosed. The odor control article (10) includes a HPIM and a colorant. The odor control article (10) may be applied to a substrate (11), and more specifically to a liquid absorbent member (30), to form an odor-absorbing member (20). The substrate (11) may absorb liquid. The odor-absorbing member (20) may be placed in such products as diapers (200), incontinence pads (60) and refrigerator pads. A method of making an odor control suspension with HPIMs including the use of surfactants is also disclosed. The odor control suspension may also be applied to a substrate (11).

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; dehydrating while still elongated the double-network hydrogel to form a substantially-dehydrated double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composite structure that is generally planar in shape. The composite structure has one or more layers; at least one of the layers includes one or more types of fibers. In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a composite structure including a hydrophobic support layer and a hydrophilic reservoir layer. The hydrophilic reservoir layer includes a composition that is liquid at temperatures below 30-35 degrees Celsius and that is a hydrogel at temperatures above 30-35 degrees Celsius. In order to better control the phase change of the composition and, therefore, to insulate the hydrophilic reservoir layer from warmth, the hydrophobic support layer may have a thermal conductivity that is 5 to 30 times less, in watts per meter kelvin, than water.

Abstract: A substrate includes a double-network polymer system including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, partially ionicly-bonded polymer, wherein the substrate has a moisture level less than or equal to 15 percent of the total weight of the substrate, wherein the substrate is porous, and wherein the substrate includes a latent retractive force. A method for manufacturing a substrate includes producing a double-network hydrogel including a cross-linked, covalently-bonded polymer and a reversible, ionicly-bonded polymer; elongating by force the double-network hydrogel in at least one direction; treating the double-network hydrogel with an organic solvent with a volatile and water-miscible organic solvent to replace a majority of water within the double-network hydrogel; evaporating the organic solvent while the double-network hydrogel is still elongated to form a substantially-dried double-network polymer system; and releasing the force to produce the substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a composite structure that is generally planar in shape. The composite structure has one or more layers; at least one of the layers includes one or more types of fibers. In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a composite structure including a hydrophobic support layer and a hydrophilic reservoir layer. The hydrophilic reservoir layer includes a composition that is liquid at temperatures below 30-35 degrees Celsius and that is a hydrogel at temperatures above 30-35 degrees Celsius. In order to better control the phase change of the composition and, therefore, to insulate the hydrophilic reservoir layer from warmth, the hydrophobic support layer may have a thermal conductivity that is 5 to 30 times less, in watts per meter kelvin, than water.

Abstract: A feminine care absorbent article (e.g., feminine care pad, sanitary napkin, incontinence article, pantiliner, etc.) that employs a color changing indicator graphic for signaling to the wearer an appropriate time to remove and/or replace the feminine care absorbent article following a liquid insult. This can be particularly useful in warm environments in which a wearer may secrete a significant amount of perspiration which may act as a carrier for microorganisms. In this manner, the wearer can wear the article without fear of a bacterial infection and/or the generation of an odor. After a time period of usage, the wearer can visually inspect the color of the color changing indicator graphic for an indication of whether it is time to remove and/or replace the feminine care absorbent article.

Abstract: Color-change compositions for detecting urine and feces volatiles include the following pH indicator dyes: m-Cresol Purple, Basic Fuchsin, Brilliant Blue G, Brilliant Blue R, Cresol Red and Thymol Blue. The compositions may be applied to various substrates. Such substrates may be used in the construction of a personal care absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant or incontinence garment.