Abstract: There is disclosed an absorptive article including a liquid-permeable surface material on a liquid receiving side. The surface material is formed of a nonwoven fabric including an upper layer to face the skin of a wearer, and a lower layer positioned under the upper layer. At least the fibers forming the upper layer contain titanium oxide. The fibers forming the lower layer have a lower elongation percentage and a higher tensile strength, as measured according to the JIS L 1013, than those of the fibers forming the upper layer.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing or the like comprising a layer of continuous fibers (9), so called tow, which is bonded in a random pattern where the bonding sites are randomly distributed in the xy- as well as in the z-direction of the layer, but where the fibers otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. Preferably the layer is bonded by means of so called through-air-bonding. The layer can either be used as a liquid acquisition layer between the topsheet and the absorbent body, as a topsheet or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer.

Abstract: A color-stable superabsorbent polymer composition having long-term color stability, and methods of manufacturing the composition, are disclosed. The superabsorbent polymer composition contains an inorganic reducing agent and an optional metal salt, and resists color degradation during periods of extended storage, even at an elevated temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven, absorbent fibrous web, including a layer of airlaid substantially opened fibers. The fibers include more than 70% by weight short fibers. Also included in the web is an interfiber binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material structure for use in absorbent articles, and an absorbent article comprising such a material structure. The material structure (1) comprises a liquid-pervious cover layer (2), a liquid-impervious cover layer (3), and an absorbent structure (4, 4′) enclosed between the cover layers (2, 3). Thereby, the absorbent structure (4, 4′) comprises polylactide fibres or filaments, the properties of which contributing to a rapid acquisition of liquid through the liquid-pervious cover layer (2) for absorption into the absorbent structure (4, 4′) also when the material structure (1) is subjected to repeated wettings. The invention can advantageously be applied within the field of absorbent hygiene articles, such as different types of diapers and incontinence guards, sanitary napkins, pantyliners, and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are fast blooming surfactants that are suitable for inclusion in film compositions that will subsequently treated with a low surface energy material to create a surface energy gradient between the underlying polymeric structure of the film and spaced apart microscopic depositions of the low surface energy material. The surfactants have a permeation rate of less than 240 hours, a surface tension in an aqueous solution at a concentration that is greater than the critical micelle concentration that lies between the critical surface tension of the underlying polymeric structure of the web material and the critical surface tension of the low surface energy depositions; and an HLB between about 6 and about 16. Preferred surfactants also have a weight loss on heating to 250° C. that is less than about 20%. More preferred surfactants have a hydrophobic chain that is substantially saturated.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent layer composed of a crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the binder is a bicomponent binding fiber. In combination with one or more other layers in an absorbent article, the unitary absorbent layer can rapidly acquire, distribute, temporarily store, and then release the acquired liquid to other liquid retention layers. Methods for forming the unitary absorbent layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent panel including openings and a barrier which comprises, in turn, a shape keeping layer formed with a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers and a body fluid retaining layer formed with a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic fibers mixed with an absorbent material, wherein the synthetic resin fibers are hot welded together at contact points of these fibers in the shape keeping layer as well as in the body fluid retaining layer and the synthetic resin fibers of these layers are hot welded together at contact points of these fibers along an interface of the shape keeping layer and the body fluid absorbent layer.

Abstract: The invention provides synthetic polymeric fibers which have utility as temporary acquisition/distribution absorbent structures and permanent storage/distribution absorbent structures in a wide range of absorbent products such as diapers, feminine napkins, and adult incontinent pads. These fibers are short, highly distorted, and bulky characterized by lengths between 2 and 37 mm, short-range distortion factors between 5 and 70, long-range distortion factors between 0.05 and 0.9, and single fiber bulk factors between 0.5 and 10.0. They may or may not have capillary channels on the surface. The advantages of these materials are their increased absorbency, reduced wet collapse at low densities, reduced rewet, reduced loss of liquid under pressure, and their ability to be desorbed by distribution materials such as capillary channeled fibers or by conventional storage materials such as fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer fiber or powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which comprises an anionic crosslinked polymer and a cationic crosslinked polymer, and is excellent in the desalting property and further in the absorption properties under load, and is therefore highly practicable. In a water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition which is particulate and comprises a cationic crosslinked polymer and an anionic crosslinked polymer, the improvement satisfies the following requirements (1) and/or (2): (1) At least either one of the cationic crosslinked polymer and the anionic crosslinked polymer has a bulk density of not more than 0.5 g/ml. (2) The water-swellable crosslinked polymer composition has a bulk density of not more than 0.5 g/ml.

Abstract: A breathable disposable absorbent article such as, for example, a diaper, is provided which comprises a top sheet, a backsheet and an absorbent layer therebetween. The top sheet and the backsheet are sealed together to form a unitary structure and include a medial cutout portion on each side which define openings for the leg of the wearer. One or more so-called landing zones are provided on the backsheet, adapted to releasably adhere to fastening tabs located at each side of the article. A liquid impervious sheet or film is laminated to the top surface of the backsheet in order to prevent leakage of fluids and exudates.

Abstract: A continuous sheet having a combination of acidic and basic water-absorbing resin particles that are essentially not neutralized and can be continuously manufactured on conventional papermaking apparatus, using a wet, dry, or wet-dry process to manufacture a water-absorbent sheet-like substrate containing 50%-100% by weight of the combination of acidic and basic water-absorbent particles. The acidic and basic essentially unneutralized resins can be contained in the sheet material articles of the present invention as separate acidic and basic resin particles, or as multicomponent particles containing both the acidic and basic resins. The sheet materials can be manufactured having new and unexpected structural integrity, with little or no shakeout or loss of superabsorbent particles during or after manufacture while exhibiting exceptional water absorption and retention properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent composite having improved surface dryness. The composite has three strata with adjacent strata separated by a transition zone. The composite's first stratum includes synthetic fibers and provides the composite with improved surface dryness. Methods for forming the composite and absorbent articles that incorporated the composite are also provided.

Abstract: A multiple layer water-absorbent core is described which is suitable for use in an absorbent article. The water-absorbent core comprises a water-absorbent layer and a water-management layer which acts to reduce the exposure of the core to water. The water-management layer is preferably formed from the hydrophobic material. An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious cover sheet, a liquid impervious backsheet and a multiple layer water-absorbent core of the invention is also described.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment has a liquid-absorbent panel, and the panel includes a body fluid absorbing/holding layer formed with a plurality of depressions each extending in the thickness direction thereof and a nonwoven fabric layer placed upon upper surface of the absorbing/holding layer. Heat-sealable fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer over contacting surfaces of these absorbing/holding layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric layer is partially engaged in the depressions of the absorbing/holding layer so that the heat-sealable synthetic fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer also over contacting surfaces of these two layers in the respective depressions.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a breathable microporous film is disclosed. The breathable microporous film is made by stretching a mixture of a thermoplastic resin and inorganic fillers at least in one direction. At least a part of the breathable microporous film is deformed such that Z number specified by equation (1) is 3.0 or above, wherein MS: average material strain at break of breathable microporous film; AS: average applied strain for deformation; N: neck down prevention coefficient; &sgr;MS: standard deviation of material strain at break; &sgr;AS: standard deviation of applied strain.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbent composites having enhanced intake properties. The absorbent composites of the present invention have a Composite Permeability (CP) value at full swelling of greater than about 100 ×10−8 cm2. Further, the absorbent composites, of the present invention have a Composite Permeability/3rd Insult Fluid Intake Flowback Evaluation (FIFE) intake relationship, which results in enhanced intake properties. The present invention is also directed to a method of making absorbent composites having enhanced intake properties. The present invention is further directed to absorbent composites and their applicability in disposable personal care products.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains microdomains of the acidic resin and/or the basic resin homogeneously dispersed throughout the particle.

Abstract: A distinctive absorbent garment article generally delimits a front waistband section, a rear waistband section and an intermediate section which interconnects the front and rear waistband sections. The article has a substantially fluid-impermeable backsheet layer, a liquid permeable topsheet layer, positioned in facing relation with the backsheet layer, and an absorbent body located between the backsheet layer and topsheet layer. The absorbent body includes a distinctive humidity transfer region which is advantageously configured to exhibit relatively low moisture retention. A vapor permeable panel is connected to the backsheet layer at one or more waistband sections of the article, and is arranged in an overlying registry with the humidity transfer region of the absorbent body.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent layer is disclosed. The absorbent layer comprises a superabsorbent polymer and hydrophilic fiber or foam that does not swell with water or hydrophilic fiber or foam that has a water retention of 0.7 g/g or less when it is swollen with water and then dewatered by centrifugation. The absorbent article has a physiological saline fixing ratio of 90% or more when it absorbs 10 g of physiological saline and, after 5 minutes, is dewatered by centrifugation.

Abstract: A stretch-activated elastic composite includes a non-woven fabric having a potential elongatability of higher than 100% in a predetermined direction, and an elastically recoverable, elastic sheet. The elastic sheet in its unstretched state is partially bonded to the non-woven fabric in its unelongated state. The elastic composite exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 1000 g at 30% stretch, (2) a stress of higher than 400 g at 100% stretch, (3) a breaking point of higher than 400 g and (4) an elastic limit of higher than 200%. The elastic composite after being stretched at a rate of lower than 200% exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 500 g at 30% stretch and (2) a stress of higher than 100 g at 100% stretch. The elastic composite after three repeated cycles of 150% stretching and relaxing exhibits an elastic recovery rate of higher than 60%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing superabsorbent foam wherein the method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising a superabsorbent foam forming composition, stirring, and applying mechanical waves to form a superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: A sheet which gives an absorbent article improved recovery from distortion is disclosed. The sheet has a recovery force of 0.7 cN or more in the cross direction, a compressive strength of 100 cN or less, and a basis weight of 20 g/m2 or more.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover graphic that appears brighter and more noticeable than present outer cover graphics. The outer cover includes a liquid impermeable inner layer and a fibrous outer layer which layers jointly define a graphic region where the inner and outer layers are intimately bonded together. The fibrous outer layer has a Light Transmittance Value in the graphic region of about 80 percent or higher, and an outer cover graphic is disposed on the inner layer in a location corresponding to the graphic region.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a liquid permeable topsheet 2, a liquid impermeable backsheet 3, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 interposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3, the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 being joined by sealing to form sealed parts S, in which the backsheet has a tear strength of 120 to 500 cN.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) such as a sanitary napkin, having an elongate absorbent core (12) delimited by an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (16), a pair of opposed longitudinal edge portions (18, 20) terminating in longitudinal edges (22, 24), and a pair of opposed transverse edges (26, 28). The core has a first end portion (30), a second end portion (32) and a mid portion (34) located between the end portions. The article further includes a liquid permeable topsheet (36) extending over the upper surface (14) and a liquid impermeable sheet (38) covering the longitudinal edge portions (18, 20) of the absorbent core (12). A strip of generally hydrophobic resilient material (40) is placed between the liquid impermeable sheet (38) and the absorbent core (12) along each longitudinal edge portion (18, 20) of the absorbent core in at least the mid portion (34) to thereby increase the flexure resistance of the article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products. The article has a flexible chassis made up of a top-sheet, a two layer fluid acquisition system, and a fluid absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the selection of materials which are particularly useful as fluid distribution material for being used in disposable absorbent articles by being characterized in that they have a wicking time of less than 120 seconds and a cumulative flux of more than 0.075 grams/cm2/second for said preferential fluid distribution direction at 12.4 cm height, when applying the Vertical Wicking Test. A further useful selection criteria for such materials is a non-isotropic fluid distribution behavior, expressed in that the wicking time in the preferential distribution direction is less than 80% of the wicking time of perpendicular direction at 8.3 cm height, when applying the same test.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing in an undergarment, such as a sanitary napkin, pantiliner, or incontinence pad is described. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a stiffening feature. The stiffening feature places the absorbent article in an initially stiffened condition during placement of the article in an undergarment. After the article is subjected to the forces exerted by the body of the wearer, the stiffening feature no longer provides an increased initial stiffness and the article becomes more flexible.

Abstract: An absorbent incontinence pad is provided with a liquid impervious air permeable back sheet and an absorbent unit partly covered by the back sheet, wherein the absorbent unit has a non-woven fabric substrate, an absorbent zone formed by a plurality of highly absorbent layers extending in the form of bands on the surface of the non-woven fabric substrate and an air permeable zone where no such highly absorbent layer exists, which has sufficiently adequate properties to meet incontinence requirements and provides a comfortable feeling during use.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including a main body having a liquid-pervious top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet an the back sheet; a layer containing a skin-protective ingredient; and a support layer for covering the ingredient-containing layer. The ingredient-containing layer and the support layer are provided on the surface of the main body to be in contact with the skin of a wearer. The solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at 25° C. or higher, and/or the moisture absorbability or the solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at a relative humidity of at least 30%.

Abstract: A novel synthetic fiber is disclosed including a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer, a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, an admixture of the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55° C.

Abstract: Bi-component superabsorbent materials are disclosed. The superabsorbent materials comprise a mixture of about 20% to about 40%, by weight, poly-(vinylamine) polymer or other basic resin and about 60% to about 80%, by weight of an acidic water-absorbing polymer, like polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a top sheet having a number of perforations and disposed on a body facing surface of the absorbent layer. The top sheet is made of a multi-layered resin film having at least two resin layers composing of an outer resin layer exposed outside the body facing surface and at least one inner resin layer disposed nearer to the absorbent layer than the outer resin layer thereto. At least, the outer resin layer contains a particulate material having a mean particle size of from 2 &mgr;m to 20 &mgr;m, and the inner resin layer has the resin density smaller than that of the outer resin layer.

Abstract: Multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles are disclosed. The multicomponent particles comprise at least one acidic water-absorbing resin and at least one basic water-absorbing resin. Each particle contains at least one microdomain of the acidic resin in contact with, or in close proximity to, at least one microdomain of the basic resin.

Abstract: A three-piece tape landing zone is provided which allows repeated fastening and unfastening of the tape tabs for inspection of the diaper. The three-piece TLZ is located at the front waist portion of the diaper. A center TLZ piece is positioned between and overlaps or underlaps the edges of the two outer TLZ pieces. The center TLZ piece has release characteristics different from that of the outer two pieces such that the tape tabs do not adhere securely to the center TLZ piece. This arrangement ensures correct alignment of the tape tabs on the outer TLZ surfaces.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the back sheet. While worn, the absorbent article forms a front waist body portion located at the front waist of a wearer and a rear waist body portion located at the rear waist of a wearer. The rear waist body portion has at each side thereof a fastening member for fastening the absorbent article, wherein the back sheet is made up of laminated sheeting composed of a finely porous resin film and nonwoven fabric. The fastening member is formed of a male sheet member of a mechanical fastener and designed to be brought into direct contact with the surface of the nonwoven fabric constituting the back sheet. The above-mentioned absorbent article has a good fit on a wearer, exhibits excellent leakproofness and breathability while worn, and has an excellent texture.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which comprise biodegradable fibers and fabrics made therefrom. The fibers are made from starch-based biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, which preferably include a an additional biodegradable thermoplastic polymer blended with thermoplastic starch for improved chemical and physical properties. Threads or fibers for the manufacture of these articles are drawn in a process that improves their mechanical properties, particularly their strength. These threads or fibers can be used in the manufacture of articles that have open, semi-densely packed or densely packed structures.

Abstract: A disposable article including a biodegradable nonwoven material having improved fluid management properties. The nonwoven material may be produced using thermoplastic compositions which comprise an unreacted mixture of a poly(lactic acid) polymer; a polybutylene succinate polymer or a polybutylene succinate adipate polymer, or a mixture of such polymers; and a wetting agent. The thermoplastic composition exhibits substantial biodegradable properties yet is easily processed. The biodegradable nonwoven materials may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a disposable diaper using a pressure-resistant absorbent resin manifesting a ratio of water absorption capacity under pressure of 30 g/g or more to artificial urine under a load of 50 g/cm2, and a pressure-resistant absorption ratio of 0.6 or more, wherein the pressure resistant absorption ratio is defined as the ratio of the ratio of water absorption capacity under high pressure to artificial urine under a load of 100 g/cm2 to a ratio of water absorption capacity under pressure to artificial urine under a load of 50 g/cm2.

Abstract: A medical compress for use in treating chronic wounds includes a non-woven textile fabricated from air laid fibers containing a superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent material is enclosed by a knitted mesh which can be formed to the shape of the wound. An irrigation solution is preferably contained by the compress to keep the wound irrigated and to encourage healing.

Abstract: The invention provides a water-degradable polyolefin-containing film having greater than about 55 weight percent of a polyolefin and less than about 45 weight percent of poly(ethylene oxide) of weight average molecular weight of less than about 100,000. Preferably, the polyolefin is low density polyethylene. The polyolefin-containing film, when immersed in water for about 30 seconds, loses at least 10% in two or more of the tensile properties: percent strain-to-break, peak stress, energy-to-break and modulus when compared to the dry or pre-immersion values.Also provided are flushable personal care articles such as infant diapers, feminine hygiene napkins, and adult incontinence garments having a backing or barrier layer comprising a water degradable polyolefin-containing film of the invention.

Abstract: The invention clarifies absorption properties of a water-absorbent resin as needed in the case where the ratio by weight of the water-absorbent resin to the total of the water-absorbent resin and the fibrous material is ".alpha.," and further the invention provides an absorbent article using a water-absorbent resin which is optimal to the ratio by weight ".alpha." of the water-absorbent resin. A water-absorbent resin, having a concentration absorption index of 35 or more as shown by the following equation (1):A(1-.alpha.)+B.alpha. (1)wherein A (g/g) is an absorption capacity of the resin under no load, andB (g/g) is an absorption capacity of the resin under a load, is used as the water-absorbent resin as used for the absorbent article of at least 0.4 in the ratio by weight ".alpha." of the water-absorbent resin to the total of the water-absorbent resin and the fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibers, and nonwovens comprising said fibers, comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU monomer unit has the structure ##STR1## and the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a biodegradable liquid impervious backsheet comprising the above fibers and/or nonwovens, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a flexible, fibrous support structure or framework in a fixed shape or configuration having particles of a superabsorbent material adhered thereto with temperature softened outer support surfaces, or with an adhesive to maintain sufficient spacing between adjacent superabsorbent particles such that liquid can more freely enter the absorbent article for contact with the superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a synthetic fiber including providing a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, mixing the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55.degree. C.

Abstract: A urine-receiving pad for men including a bag of a laminated sheet which includes an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an absorbent core therebetween, and a pair of elastic members provided along the opening. By holding and pushing both ends of the elastic members with fingers, the elastic members are buckling-deformed to open the opening. When a penis is inserted into the opening and then the fingers are released, the penis is suitably pressed by elastic restoration forces of the elastic members, to prevent easy coming out of the penis therefrom. Since the pressing force resulting from the buckling-deformation of the elastic members is so small, too much pressure onto the penis is prevented. Further, the urine-receiving pad can be attached with only one hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flushable fibrous structure that is particularly useful as a disposable tissue product and as a component (e.g., topsheets) for absorbent articles such as catamenial pads, diapers, incontinent articles and the like. The invention specifically relates to a flushable fibrous structure that has an in-use wet tensile strength of at least about 100 g/in. and a disposal wet tensile strength of not more than about 30 g/in. The invention also relates to absorbent articles comprising the fibrous structures, and methods for making the structures.

Abstract: Poly(vinylamine)-based superabsorbent gels are disclosed. The superabsorbent gels either comprise a mixture of a poly(vinylamine) polymer and an acidic water-absorbing polymer, like polyacrylic acid, or comprise a salt of a poly(vinylamine) polymer. An improved method of preparing poly(vinylamine) also is disclosed.