Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer exhibiting more improved absorption under pressure and liquid permeability, even while basically maintaining excellent centrifuge retention capacity and absorption rate, and a method for producing the same. The super absorbent polymer comprises: a base polymer powder including a first crosslinked polymer of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least partially neutralized acidic groups; and a surface crosslinked layer formed on the base polymer powder and including a second crosslinked polymer in which the first crosslinked polymer is further crosslinked via a surface crosslinking agent, wherein the surface crosslinking agent includes at least two compounds having a solubility parameter value (?) of 12.

Abstract: A patterned apertured web is disclosed. The patterned apertured web includes a plurality of land areas in the patterned apertured web and a plurality of apertures defined in the patterned apertured web. At least some land areas of the plurality of land areas surround at least some apertures of the plurality of apertures. The patterned apertured web has an Effective Open Area in the range of about 3% to about 30%, according to the Aperture Test herein. The plurality of apertures include a first set of apertures defining a first shape and a second set of apertures defining a second shape. The first shape is positioned within the second shape.

Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent core having a fluid distribution layer and fluid storage layer, the fluid distribution layer being formed of two or more sub-layers. A first sub-layer has a first amount of multiple component binder fibers or crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof. A second and/or subsequent sub-layer comprises treated or untreated pulp and a second amount of multiple component binder fibers, crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof. The % by weight of the first sub-layer of the first amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers is greater than the % by weight of the second or subsequent sub-layer of the second amount of multiple component binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer. The super absorbent polymer exhibits excellent initial absorption capacity, and thus can provide a sanitary material such as a diaper or a sanitary napkin which can quickly absorb body fluids and impart a dry and soft touch feeling.

Abstract: An implant comprising an implant body, wherein the implant body comprises one or more regions of macro-texturisation on a surface of the implant body. Various methods of making an implant comprising one or more regions of macro-texturisation on a surface of the implant body are described, the methods being (i) making an implant comprising forming a shell on a mandrel, wherein the mandrel is shaped to form regions of macro-texturisation in the shell and filling the shell with a core material; (ii) making an implant comprising securing a scaffold comprising a silicone polymer to a surface of an implant body or (iii) making an implant comprising extruding a material that will form regions of macro-texturisation onto an implant body or (iv) making an implant comprising laser etching a surface on an implant body to form regions of macro-texturisation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable absorbent article with a chassis body having a first end margin and a second end margin longitudinally spaced from the first end margins. The article further includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent composite disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent composite includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and absorbent particles disposed between the first and second fabric. The first fabric is intermittently attached to the second fabric to define a plurality of containers situated therebetween, each containing an aggregate of absorbent particles. The absorbent composite includes regions of such absorbent particles aggregates, including a primary region having containers of a first size and a secondary region having a plurality of containers of a second size.

Abstract: The present invention leverages the techniques for expansion microscopy (ExM) to provide improved high-throughput super-resolution whole-organ imaging methodology to image protein architectures over whole organs with nanoscale resolution by using high-throughput microscopes in combination with samples that have been iteratively expanded more than once, in a method referred to herein as “iterative expansion microscopy” (iExM). In the ExM method, biological samples of interest are permeated with a swellable material that results in the sample becoming embedded in the swellable material, and then the sample can be expanded isotropically in three dimensions The process of iteratively expanding the samples can be applied to samples that have been already expanded using ExM techniques one or more additional times to iteratively expand them such that, for example, a 5-fold expanded specimen can be expanded again 3- to 4-fold, resulting in as much as a 17- to 19-fold or more linear expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer exhibiting more improved absorption under pressure and liquid permeability, even while basically maintaining excellent centrifuge retention capacity and absorption rate, and a method for producing the same. The super absorbent polymer comprises: a base polymer powder including a first crosslinked polymer of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer having at least partially neutralized acidic groups; and a surface crosslinked layer formed on the base polymer powder and including a second crosslinked polymer in which the first crosslinked polymer is further crosslinked via a surface crosslinking agent, wherein the surface crosslinking agent includes at least two compounds having a solubility parameter value (?) of 12.

Abstract: A dressing for negative pressure wound therapy includes an absorbent layer comprising a gelling absorbent material for absorbing exudate, a peripheral adhesive skin contact layer comprising a hydrocolloid adhesive and defining a window through which the absorbent layer is able to contact a wound, and a cover layer that is water impermeable and air permeable. The cover layer defines an aperture to be used with a pump assembly to provide negative pressure to a wound site.

Abstract: A method for forming an absorbent pad including a first layer, a second layer and an absorbent material interposed between the first and the second layer and arranged according to a spreading pattern M1 having at least one channel which is free of absorbent material, includes a step of feeding a first web, intended to form the first layer of the pad; a step of feeding a second web, intended to form the second layer of the pad; a step of spreading the absorbent material on the first web according to the spreading pattern M1; a step of joining the first and second webs, a step of removing any absorbent material that may be present in the channel.

Abstract: A diaper (10) includes an absorbent assembly (20) including a topsheet (21), a backsheet (22), and an absorbent core (24), and has an article longitudinal direction (X) and an article lateral direction (Y). The absorbent core (24) is formed of a sheet-like article (1) including a plurality of absorbent units (4), each including a long base portion (2) and water-absorbent polymer particles (3). The sheet-like article (1) includes a plurality of unit portions arranged in the longitudinal direction (x1 direction), each unit portion including a plurality of the absorbent units (4) arranged side by side in the lateral direction (y1 direction). The sheet-like article (1) includes a pair of longitudinal joined regions (41, 41), a pair of lateral joined regions (42, 42), and intermediate lateral joined regions (43, 43).

Abstract: A liquid discharging device includes a liquid discharging head including a nozzle and having a nozzle forming surface, the liquid discharging head configured to discharge a liquid through the nozzle, a wiping member configured to wipe the nozzle forming surface, the wiping member having a first layer configured to be brought into contact with the nozzle forming surface and at least one more layer, and a cleaning liquid that is applied to the nozzle forming surface, wherein the static surface tension of the cleaning liquid is greater than the static surface tension of the liquid.

Abstract: A water absorbing and releasing body that absorbs water in engine oil and releases water when the temperature of the engine oil is high in order to maintain the performance of the engine oil, automotive parts including the water absorbing and releasing body, and a method for producing the water absorbing and releasing body for engine oil.

Abstract: A package comprising an interior space and an exterior surface may have a plurality of disposable absorbent articles disposed within the interior space of the package. Each of the disposable absorbent articles may have a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent products may exhibit an In-Bag Stack Height of less about 80 mm as measured according to an In-Bag Stack Height Test.

Abstract: An absorbent core (28) for use in an absorbent article, the absorbent core extending in a transversal direction (x) and a longitudinal direction (y), the absorbent core comprising: a fluid-permeable top layer (41), a bottom layer (42), and a central layer (43) sandwiched between the top layer and the bottom layer. the central layer is a high loft fibrous nonwoven layer, in particular having a density of less than 0.200 g/cc, measured at a pressure of 4.14 kPa. Superabsorbent polymer particles (60) are blended with the fibers of the central layer, except for one, two or more longitudinally-extending channels (26) substantially free of superabsorbent polymer particles. The superabsorbent polymer particles may have a UPM of below 30×10?7 cm3·s/g, wherein the UPM is measured by the Urine Permeability Measurement Test described herein.

Abstract: An absorbent member is intended for insertion in diapers to boost the absorptive capacity. The construction increases the flow of fluid to the diaper, yet in preferred embodiments, blocks the reflow of fluid pressed of the diaper from reaching the wearer to reduce the propensity to cause or aggravate diaper rash.

Abstract: Patterned apertured webs are provided. The patterned apertured webs include a plurality of land areas and a plurality of apertures defined in the patterned apertured webs. At least some land areas of the plurality of land areas surround at least some apertures of the plurality of apertures. The patterned apertured webs have an Effective Open Area in the range of about 3% to about 30%, according to the Aperture Test.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core located in a chassis and including absorbent particulate polymer material defining at least one cavity. The absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free or comprise a combination of particulate absorbent polymer material and wood pulp. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core located in a chassis and including absorbent particulate polymer material defining at least one cavity. The absorbent core may be substantially cellulose free or comprise a combination of particulate absorbent polymer material and wood pulp. Methods for making such an absorbent core and corresponding disposable absorbent article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid absorber includes a plurality of small chips. Individual ones of the small chips include a first substrate containing fibers, a second substrate containing fibers, an absorbent resin supported between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an ion exchange resin supported between the first substrate and the second substrate. At least one of the absorbent resin and the ion exchange resin is exposed at an end face of the small chips.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to improve the diffusibility of body fluid such that the body fluid can be quickly absorbed. The sanitary napkin 1 represented by FIG. 3 includes an absorbing body 4 with a highly water-absorbent polymer 12 interposed between an upper layer sheet 10 disposed on the skin side and a lower layer sheet 11 disposed on the non-skin side. The upper layer sheet 10 has a plurality of first protrusions 14 forming first space parts 13 that are to be filled with the highly water-absorbent polymer and that expand to the skin side, and a plurality of second protrusions 16 forming second space parts 15, each of which having a smaller volume than each of the first space part 13, that are to be filled with the highly water-absorbent polymer and that expand to the skin side.

Abstract: An adsorbent pad including an elongated core positioned substantially in the center of the pad, wherein the core protrudes out of the top surface of the pad. The adsorbent pad helps to direct the flow of fluids such as urine and blood to the elongated core, so that the wearer of the pad experiences less leakage of fluids to help with leaks better coverage throughout the use of the pad.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper can include three or more absorbent core structures for improved acquisition speed, reduced bulkiness, increased retention capacity, and improved dryness, including over multiple insults. The three or more absorbent core structures can at least partially overlap in a stacked or layered configuration in an insult zone of the article. At least one of the core structures can include an absorbent polymer or airlaid material. The absorbent polymer can be located primarily in the insult zone, and one or more of the absorbent core structures can extend beyond the insult zone. In an example, each of the at least three absorbent core structures has a different body-side surface area.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a three-dimensional liquid permeable topsheet. The topsheet comprises a first layer comprising a hydrophobic material and a second layer comprising a hydrophilic material. The first layer is joined to the second layer. The topsheet comprises a plurality of recesses, a plurality of projections, and a plurality of land areas. The land areas surround at least a majority of the plurality of projections and a plurality of the recesses. The absorbent article comprises a liquid impermeable backsheet, an acquisition material, an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the acquisition material and the liquid impermeable backsheet, and an indicia. The indicia is on the acquisition material or the liquid permeable topsheet. The indicia is visible from a wearer-facing side of the absorbent article. The indicia is different color than the acquisition material or the liquid permeable topsheet.

Abstract: Absorbent cores comprising a core wrap which comprises a liquid permeable substrate layer, the core containing from about 87% to about 100% of superabsorbent polymer and having a funnel-shaped swelling chamber. The area of the core is at least twice the area of the swelling chamber, and the core contains a water responsive immobilizing agent to immobilize the superabsorbent polymer prior to water insult. The funnel-shaped swelling chamber is a portion of the absorbent core containing superabsorbent polymer and delimited by continuous permanent seals. Two permanent continuous seals form first opposing funnel wall segments, wherein first opposing funnel wall segments collectively comprise a first chamber angle about 20° to about 120°, the first chamber angle being the sum of angles formed by each first opposing wall segment with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent body obtained by mixing and accumulating fibers and high absorbent polymer particles. A wrapping sheet includes an intermediate part located on a front face side of the absorbent body and both side parts folded back to a back face side of the absorbent body from the intermediate part. Distal ends of the both side parts of the wrapping sheet are overlapped on the back face side of the absorbent body to form a connecting portion. A total weight of the high absorbent polymer particles is larger than a total weight of the fibers in the absorbent body. A content rate of the high absorbent polymer particles of the absorbent body increases stepwise or continuously from the back face side toward the front face side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound care article relates having at least one flat layer consisting of a woven fabric or nonwoven comprising superabsorbent fibers and superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: Pulpless absorbent cores and methods of manufacture are disclosed. A method of forming a pulpless absorbent core may comprise moving a foraminous forming surface having un-masked portions and masked portions in a machine direction, the un-masked portions defining an absorbent core region. The method may further comprise depositing particulate material at a velocity of less than 1200 meters per minute in the absorbent core region while applying a vacuum. The absorbent core region may comprise: a front core region spanning a first half of the absorbent core region and a rear core region spanning a second half, wherein the front core region trails the rear core region in the machine direction, and the masked portions of the foraminous forming surface block airflow through the forming surface to cause greater than 60% of the particulate material deposited in the absorbent core region to locate in the front core region.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a first waist region, a second waist region, and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; and a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core. The article also includes a waist feature joined to the chassis a waist region and having a portion extending longitudinally outboard of the chassis in said waist region. The backsheet has a barrier layer having a maximum length, LBS. The absorbent core has absorbent material and a maximum length, LCW, and wherein LCW is substantially the same as LBS. The absorbent material is disposed in an absorbent material deposition area. The absorbent material deposition area has a maximum length, LAB, wherein LAB is about 90% or greater of LBS. The first absorbent area lateral edge is disposed a longitudinal distance, D1, from the first barrier lateral edge, wherein D1 is 5% or less of LBS.

Abstract: A method for forming pellets of an evaporite mineral, the method comprising: exposing starch to water at greater than 70° C. so as to at least partially gel the starch; while the gelled starch is substantially fully hydrated, mixing the starch with a powder of the evaporite mineral to form a mixture; and pelletising the mixture.

Abstract: Fibrous elements, such as filaments, and more particularly to fibrous elements employing a polymer and a wetting agent, methods for making such fibrous elements, fibrous structures employing such fibrous elements, methods for making such fibrous structures and packages containing such fibrous structures are provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article (1) comprising a top sheet (2), a back sheet (3), an absorbent body (4) disposed therebetween and a second sheet (10) disposed between the top sheet (2) and the absorbent body (4), wherein the second sheet (10) is composed of a laminate having a nonwoven fabric layer (11) and a plastic film layer (12) from the top sheet side and has a plurality of through-holes (13).

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising a bridge portion connecting two or more portions of an absorbent layer that facilitates trimming of the wound dressing to suitable sizes. Some embodiments provide for trimming the dressing in a gap between two or more portions of an absorbent layer and sealing the exposed portion of dressing after trimming when the dressing is applied to skin surrounding a wound.

Abstract: A patterned apertured web is disclosed. The patterned apertured web includes a plurality of land areas in the patterned apertured web and a plurality of apertures defined in the patterned apertured web. At least some land areas of the plurality of land areas surround at least some apertures of the plurality of apertures. The patterned apertured web has an Effective Open Area in the range of about 3% to about 30%, according to the Aperture Test herein. The patterned apertured web has a plurality of Interaperture Distances, according to the Aperture Test herein. The Interaperture Distances have a distribution having a median and a mean, wherein the mean is different than the median. The plurality of apertures include a first set of apertures defining a first shape and a second set of apertures defining a second shape. The first shape is positioned within the second shape.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising an obscuring layer that may hide fluid contained therein. Some embodiments may further comprise one or more viewing windows disposed therethrough so as to enable monitoring or examination of fluids contained therein.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article is provided and comprises a core wrap enclosing an absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising superabsorbent polymer particles. The superabsorbent polymer particles represent less than 85% by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent material. The core wrap comprises a top side and a bottom side, the absorbent core comprises one or more area(s) substantially free of absorbent material through which the top side of the core wrap is attached to the bottom side of the core wrap, so that when the absorbent material swells the core wrap forms one or more channel(s) along the area(s) substantially free of absorbent material. The superabsorbent polymer particles have a value of Absorption Against Pressure (AAP) of at least 22 g/g according to the Absorption Against Pressure Test Method and a bulk density of at least 0.5 g/ml according to the Bulk Density Test Method.

Abstract: A preparation method of a superabsorbent polymer, and a superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby are provided. The preparation method of the superabsorbent polymer according to the present disclosure prevents polymer particles from being broken or the surface thereof from being damaged during preparation and handling of the superabsorbent polymer, thereby providing a superabsorbent polymer having excellent absorption properties and permeability.

Abstract: Provided is: a water-absorbent resin which has a better water absorption performance and with which it is possible to improve absorption performance under a load when used in an absorbent material. This water-absorbent resin, obtained by polymerising a water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of an internal-crosslinking agent and by post-crosslinking using a post-crosslinking agent, has a water-absorption capacity of physiological saline under a load of 4.14 kPa of 16 mL/g or more, has a mass proportion of particles from 150 to 850 ?m relative to the whole proportion of 85 mass % or more, moreover has a mass proportion of particles from 300 to 400 ?m relative to the whole proportion of 20 mass % or more, and has an absorption capacity elasticity index represented by formula (I) of 68,000 or more. Absorption capacity elasticity index=storage elastic modulus [Pa]×centrifugal retention rate [g/g] . . . (I).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a superabsorbent polymer for absorbing blood or highly viscous liquid including a) providing a superabsorbent resin; b) pre-treating the superabsorbent resin of step a) by mixing a water-soluble polyvalent cationic salt in an amount of 0.001 to 5.0 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the superabsorbent resin provided in step a); and c) surface treating the pre-treated superabsorbent resin of step b) by mixing a polycarbonic acid-based copolymer in an amount of 0.001 to 5.0 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the superabsorbent resin provided in step a).

Abstract: A biocompatible, covalently cross-linked, polymer that is obtained by reacting an electrophilically activated polyoxazoline (EL-PDX) with a nucleophilic cross-linking agent is disclosed. The EL-PDX comprises m electrophilic groups; and the nucleophilic cross-linking agent comprises n nucleophilic groups, wherein the m electrophilic groups are capable of reacting with the n nucleophilic groups to form covalent bonds; wherein m?2, n?2 and m+n?5; wherein at least one of the m electrophilic groups is a pendant electrophilic group and/or wherein m?3; and wherein the EL-PDX comprises an excess amount of electrophilic groups relative to the amount of nucleophilic groups contained in the nucleophilic cross-linking agent. Biocompatible medical products and kits comprising the cross-linked PDX-polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-layer mesh fabric includes an upper gauze layer and a lower gauze layer. The upper gauze layer includes upper carded yarns. First color yarns are provided to stretch across at least two of the upper carded yarns and turned and weaved back and forth. The lower gauze layer includes lower carded yarns. Second color yarns are provided to stretch across at least two of the lower carded yarns and turned and weaved back and forth. The first and second color yarns are exchanged at a setting position, enabling the first color yarns to be tuned and inserted through the lower carded yarns and the second color yarns to be tuned and inserted through the upper carded yarns to be knitted. The upper gauze layer having the first color yarns shows the second color yarns. The lower gauze layer having the second color yarns shows the first color yarns.

Abstract: A process of preparing an adhesive haemostatic product is provided. The process comprises: (a) coating a porous solid substrate with a coating liquid that comprises an electrophilically activated polyoxazoline (EL-POX) and a solvent to produce a coated substrate; and (b) removing the solvent from the coated substrate. The EL-POX comprises at least 2 reactive electrophilic groups. The process enables the application of an EL-POX coating that leaves the pore structure of the substrate largely intact so that the ability of the porous substrate to absorb body fluids, such as blood, remains essentially unaffected. The EL-POX coated haemostatic product obtained by the present process has excellent adhesive properties due to the presence of electrophilic reactive groups that are capable of reacting with e.g. amine groups that are naturally present in tissue, under the formation of covalent bonds.

Abstract: A non-adhesive absorbent wound dressing (10) is suitable for application about a jointed limb. The wound dressing (10) has a first portion (20) adapted to conform to and wrap around an upper part of the limb, a second portion (30) adapted to conform to and wrap around a lower part of the limb, and a hinge portion (40) between said first portion (20) and said second portion (30), said hinge portion (40) in use lying adjacent to the joint of the limb. The wound dressing (10) also comprises a porous wound contact sheet (80) and a substantially liquid-impermeable backing sheet (90), the wound contact sheet (80) and the backing sheet (90) being bonded (50) together at their periphery and along lines that define a plurality of pockets (60) in both the first portion (20) and the second portion (30), the pockets (60) containing absorbent material (70).

Abstract: Disposable absorbent article comprising a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core wherein the article has improved softness.

Abstract: A crushing mill for crushing fibrous material for a unit for forming absorbent cores in a machine which makes absorbent sanitary articles, including a casing having an infeed opening and an outfeed opening for the fibrous material, a rotor rotatable about its axis of rotation and housed in the casing at an intermediate position between the infeed opening and the outfeed opening. Also provided is an auxiliary opening operatively interposed between the infeed opening and the outfeed opening, with reference to a direction of rotation of the rotor, and adapted to allow feeding a particulate absorbent material into an intermediate zone between the infeed opening and the outfeed opening.

Abstract: An animal incontinence device comprises a base layer of a liquid-impervious polymer film, an intermediate absorbent layer comprising superabsorbent polymer particles intermediate a plurality of layers of tissue, and a top layer comprising a porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fiber mat.

Abstract: An absorbent article for personal hygiene comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core and a fibrous layer. The absorbent core comprises a core wrap and an absorbent material with superabsorbent polymers. The core wrap comprises a top side and a bottom side bonded to one other through one or more areas substantially free of absorbent material. The fibrous layer is at least partially bonded to one of the sides of the core wrap in the area substantially free of absorbent material. When the absorbent material swells, the core wrap forms one or more channels along the area substantially free of absorbent material. The formation of the channel in the absorbent core causes the formation of one or more corresponding ditches in the fibrous layer.

Abstract: Methods for localizing a biopsy site are disclosed. The method includes taking a tissue sample from a biopsy site and positioning a detectable, bioabsorbable element at the biopsy site at the time that the tissue sample was taken. The tissue sample is then tested. The biopsy site is then relocated by finding the bioabsorbable element. The bioabsorbable element may be made of collagen, gelatin, cellulose, polylactic acid, and/or polyglycolic acid. The detectable bioabsorbable element may be relocated using ultrasound or mammography. The bioabsorbable element may also swell upon contact with body fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an unbonded, absorbent, fibrous structure, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing of a first fibrous material in the form of a fibrous sheet (10); b) defiberizing the sheet (10) of first fibrous material to form a roughly graded material (16); c) mixing the roughly graded material (16) with a second material (26) to form a mixture; and d) air-laying the mixture on a foraminous carrier (50) to form the unbonded, absorbent, fibrous structure.