Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods of making high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) and inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (I-HIPE) using super critical fluids. Such foams may be used in a wide variety of articles such as absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent structure having high integrity is provided. A first superabsorbent polymer precursor composition including a monomer, a crosslinking agent and a reducing agent, and a second superabsorbent polymer precursor composition including a monomer, a crosslinking agent and an oxidizing agent are combined at a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart locations on or in a substrate. The precursor compositions react with each other to form discrete, spaced-apart microdomains of superabsorbent polymer adhering to the substrate. The spacing is sufficient to avoid gel blocking when the microdomains swell due to liquid absorption. The adhesion to the substrate is sufficient to maintain spacings between the microdomains of superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent fibrous web composite including a stable, controllable dispersion of superabsorbent polymer is provided. A pre-formed web, desirably including cellulose fibers and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers is provided. First and second superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions are added to the fibrous web using separate streams. The first and second superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions combine with each other and chemically react on or in the fibrous web, to form a superabsorbent polymer which sticks to the surface of the fibrous web.

Abstract: A process for forming an absorbent fibrous web composite includes the initial step of forming a fibrous web from hydrophilic fibers and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers. Then, a superabsorbent polymer is completely formed in situ on or in the fibrous web by adding one or more superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions to the fibrous web using a non-contact process, and performing the polymerization reaction(s) completely on or in the web.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) technology comprising an oil-in water system prepared by dispersing an oil phase in a water phase. The oil phase forms dispersed droplets surrounded by the continuous monomer containing water phase. When the two phases are emulsified, they polymerize. The water phase contains an in-situ SAP monomer solution and a reducing initiator. The oil phase contains an oxidizing initiator dispersed in an oil. The polymers of the present invention may further comprise fibers dispersed in the foam structure.

Abstract: An absorbent structure devoid of capillary obstruction (gel blocking) is formed by applying one or more superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions to a substrate at a plurality of predetermined, controlled spaced apart locations using a precision non-contact process, and chemically reacting the precursor composition(s) in situ to form superabsorbent polymer domains adhered to the substrate. The superabsorbent polymer domains have controlled size and spacing so that, when the superabsorbent polymer domains are in a fully swollen state following maximum liquid absorption, adjacent superabsorbent polymer domains will not touch each other and will not block capillaries existing between the domains in the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure has excellent liquid intake and distribution, and optimal absorbent capacity.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent composite including absorbent fibers, superabsorbent polymer and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers and other ingredients is provided. The synthesis (i.e., polymerization) of the superabsorbent is completely integrated into the process for forming the absorbent composite. Specifically, the polymerization of superabsorbent is initiated from within a plurality of absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, which are then formed into a web. The integrated process eliminates the need for separate manufacture of superabsorbent polymer prior to the fiber forming and web forming processes. Also, the superabsorbent polymer thus formed tends to disperse better and remain adhered to the absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, providing a stable and uniform absorbent composite for various end use applications.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent structure having high integrity is provided. A first superabsorbent polymer precursor composition including a monomer, a crosslinking agent and a reducing agent, and a second superabsorbent polymer precursor composition including a monomer, a crosslinking agent and an oxidizing agent are combined at a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart locations on or in a substrate. The precursor compositions react with each other to form discrete, spaced-apart microdomains of superabsorbent polymer adhering to the substrate. The spacing is sufficient to avoid gel blocking when the microdomains swell due to liquid absorption. The adhesion to the substrate is sufficient to maintain spacings between the microdomains of superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods of making high internal phase emulsion foam (HIPE) and inverse high internal phase emulsion foam (I-HIPE) using super critical fluids. Such foams may be used in a wide variety of articles such as absorbent articles.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent fibrous web composite including a stable, controllable dispersion of superabsorbent polymer is provided. A pre-formed web, desirably including cellulose fibers and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers is provided. First and second superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions are added to the fibrous web using separate streams. The first and second superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions combine with each other and chemically react on or in the fibrous web, to form a superabsorbent polymer which sticks to the surface of the fibrous web.

Abstract: A process for forming an absorbent fibrous web composite includes the initial step of forming a fibrous web from hydrophilic fibers and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers. Then, a superabsorbent polymer is completely formed in situ on or in the fibrous web by adding one or more superabsorbent polymer precursor compositions to the fibrous web using a non-contact process, and performing the polymerization reaction(s) completely on or in the web.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent composite including absorbent fibers, superabsorbent polymer and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers and other ingredients is provided. The synthesis (i.e., polymerization) of the superabsorbent is completely integrated into the process for forming the absorbent composite. Specifically, the polymerization of superabsorbent is initiated from within a plurality of absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, which are then formed into a web. The integrated process eliminates the need for separate manufacture of superabsorbent polymer prior to the fiber forming and web forming processes. Also, the superabsorbent polymer thus formed tends to disperse better and remain adhered to the absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, providing a stable and uniform absorbent composite for various end use applications.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions are made by a distillation method to include chemical impregnants (such as animal repellants, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth stimulants, perfumes and deodorizers, fertilizers, and drugs) in biodegradable, microporous structures. Each microporous structure collapses upon drying but swells upon rewetting to allow the impregnant entrapped in it to diffuse from the structure. Never-dried wood pulp is a particularly desirable microporous structure because it has large pores initially, a large surface area initially, and demonstrated swelling capability. The method is particularly useful when the impregnant is insoluble in the fluid initially within the microporous structure and when the solvent for the impregnant is immiscible with that fluid.