Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the swellability and the swelling kinetics of superabsorbent material (9) such as polymer gels, for example, which comprises introducing a defined volume of the dry superabsorbent material (9) into a measuring vessel (7), using a movable element (4) within said measuring vessel (7) to apply a restraining force (12) to said superabsorbent material (9) and capturing the expansion of said superabsorbent material (9) contactlessly within a chamber (14) in a continuous manner by capturing the change in height of a piston (4) which bounds said chamber (14), travels in a measuring vessel (7) and is marked with a height scale (6).

Abstract: In a production process for a water-absorbent resin, comprising the steps of: blending a liquid material and a water-absorbent resin; and heating the resultant mixture in order to produce a modified water-absorbent resin, the present invention is to provide: a method for uniformly and efficiently treating a water-absorbent resin favorably in view of industry, and as a result, a good-balanced water-absorbent resin having various excellent properties, such absorption capacity without a load, absorption capacity under a load, and single-layer absorption capacity under a load in contact with an aqueous liquid. The production process comprises the step of spray-blending a water-absorbent resin (A) and a liquid material (B) with a blending apparatus equipped with a spray nozzle (C), wherein the liquid material (B) is sprayed from the spray nozzle (C) and its spray pattern is a circular and hollow cone shape or a double-convex-lens and elliptic cone shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to superabsorbent polymer particles with improved surface cross-linking and their use in absorbent articles. The superabsorbent polymer particles of the present invention comprise a water-absorbing resin and the reaction product of a radiation activatable surface cross-linker wherein the reaction product of the radiation activatable surface cross-linker is present at surfaces of the superabsorbent polymer particles. The radiation activatable surface cross-linker comprises at least two radiation activatable groups R, which are covalently bound to each other or to at least one spacer group S. Moreover, the invention relates to a process for making these superabsorbent polymer particles.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device, and the like having fused layers is provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprises a liquid pervious thermoplastic apertured film topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core, and a fibrous acquisition web of spunlaced nonwoven fibers. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and backsheet which are joined at least about a portion of the periphery of the absorbent article and the topsheet is fused to the acquisition web at discrete points of attachment. The acquisition web is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: This invention relates to antimicrobial polyester-containing articles and methodology for the preparation of antimicrobial polyester-containing articles utilizing chitosan and chitosan-metal complexes as the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water-swellable material comprising water-swellable polymers that are coated with a coating agent that comprises a phase-separating elastomeric material, which allows swelling of the water-swellable polymers, without breakage of the coating. The invention also relates to a process of making specific coated water-swellable polymers using a phase-separating elastomeric material, and materials obtainable by such a process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising an acidic or basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer, a basic or acidic second material, and, optionally, a buffering agent, wherein the absorbent structure exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent structure having the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid while maintaining a substantially desired and balanced pH profile on or along the upper surface of the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb body liquids.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer materials are provided including absorbent polymers having a fast vortex time, desirably about 10 seconds or less, and a stiffness index of at least about 0.7, as determined by test procedures described herein. The absorbent polymers can be modified to obtain a faster vortex time by a method including providing an absorbent polymer having a first vortex time, absorbing water with the absorbent polymer, freeze-drying the swollen absorbent polymer to remove at least a portion of the absorbed water, and obtaining a modified absorbent polymer having a second vortex time. The ratio of the first vortex time to the second vortex time is at least about 5, and desirably the modified absorbent polymer has a stiffness index of at least about 0.7.

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: A composite absorbent member containing layers that have a controlled pore size distribution is provided. For example, in some embodiments, the composite absorbent member has an inner layer and two outer layers, in which the inner layer has a higher weight percentage of pulp fibers than the outer layers and also contains smaller pores than the outer layers. In this embodiment, the resulting composite member can have a fast intake rate, less leakage, reduced rewetting, and reduced bunching and twisting.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, feminine hygiene product, or an incontinence product includes a stabilized first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer that contains a superabsorbent and absorbent fibers treated with a non-fugitive densification agent.

Abstract: There is provided a resilient, three dimensional material having fibrous texture and appearance and capable of fluid handling. It consists of a top surface and a bottom surface wherein fiber-like elements typically extend from one surface to the other forming flat to undulating surfaces characterized by a multiplicity of interconnected fluid passageways. Deformed, discontinuous film-like or encapsulated regions connect fiber-like elements and stabilize the material. The material of this invention is unique based on the three principle characteristics which are communicated in this application: 1) ff(?)<0.87, 2) SA/VV<186 cm2/cm3, and 3) caliper<0.150 inches. This material is useful for a number of purposes, such as for use as a liner for personal care products like diapers, absorbent underpants, swim wear, feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: A bio-compatible, biodegradable macromolecular water-absorbent polymeric material having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups selected from OH, SH, NH2, and COOH. The polymer is formed by polymer-polymer inter-coupling interaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 500,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in a ratio of A:B of 15:85 to 85:15.

Abstract: A water-absorbent resin composition excelling in an absorption capacity under pressure, a first transition of initial absorption, and the small amount of rewet is provided. It comprises a water-absorbent resin obtained by aqueous solution polymerization and by reversed-phase suspension or reversed-phase emulsion polymerization and shows a CSF of not less than 20 g/g or an AAP of not less than 20 g/g or an SFC of not less than 10 (unit: 10−7×cm3×s×g−1). The gaps among resin particles owing to the difference in shape form optimum gap widths for the sake of capillarity. The resin composition consequently formed, therefore, manifests such excellent properties without the influences of a surfactant or an emulsifier.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable wearing article that is formed with a plurality of fine openings each having an area of about 0.16-5 mm2 and a part of the peripheral edge of each opening is protuberated upward from an upper surface of the topsheet. The topsheet is thereby improved so that body fluids can be rapidly absorbed and stuffiness as well as eruption of the wearer's skin can be reliably avoided.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an absorbent article including: a topsheet formed from a nonwoven fabric; a backsheet; and a cushion layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is achieved by applying heat to a cushion layer unwound from a material roll to restore the bulkiness of the tissue layer, blowing air into the cushion layer for rapid cooling after the application of heat to maintain the restored bulkiness of the cushion layer, and laminating the topsheet, cushion layer, and the backsheet onto each other.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid absorbent including a liquid-absorbing layer of synthetic fibers by hydrophilic treatment and/or hydrophilic fibers; and a synthetic resin film bonded to a surface of the liquid-absorbing layer and having a large number of through-holes. The synthetic resin film is laminated on the surface of the liquid-absorbing layer through melt extrusion thereon, and the liquid-absorbing layer and the synthetic resin film are airtightly bonded to each other.

Abstract: A nonwoven surge material for personal care products, which is a nonwoven fabric made of a homogeneous blend of large and small denier fibers. The small or first denier fiber preferably has an average denier less than 2, is at least 3 denier less than the second or larger fiber and the large or second denier fiber has an average denier between 4 and 15. The nonwoven fabric is a mixture of these fibers in amounts of from 25 to 75 weight percent of each type of fiber. The fabric may have a basis weight between 30 and 200 gsm. The first denier fiber may be a bicomponent fiber which may be a sheath/core polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. The second denier fiber may be made from a polyester. It is also possible that the fibers have a hydrophilic treatment added to their surface to increase their hydrophilicity.

Abstract: A personal care product that has a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet, and an absorbent composite located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent composite has an upper layer made of synthetic fiber with at most 20 weight percent pulp and the upper layer has a density between about 0.03 and 0.15 g/cc and a basis weight between about 20 to 75 gsm. The composite has a lower layer having from 80 to 95 weight percent pulp, at most 20 weight percent binder, and has a density greater than the upper layer and between 0.06 and 0.20 g/cc, and a basis weight between 120 and 200 gsm.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent layer is formed of at least one composite sheet of a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer layer and a water-decomposable fibrous layer, of which the uppermost layer adjacent to the surface layer is the water-decomposable fibrous layer.

Abstract: A polypropylene blend including from 0.5 to 50% by weight of a syndiotactic polypropylene having a multimodal molecular weight distribution and at least 50% by weight of an isotactic polypropylene.

Abstract: An absorbent composite that can handle complex fluids and maintain high absorbent capacity under high loads even after the material has been subjected to rigorous processing conditions. The absorbent composite includes an inhomogeneously crosslinked superabsorbent polymer having a highly crosslinked outer shell. The surface of the superabsorbent polymer includes a protective fibrous coating material and an association agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a water-absorbent resin powder, which includes no fine metallic foreign substance, and in which the deterioration is suppressed; its production process; and uses. The present invention production process for a water-absorbent resin powder comprises the steps of: polymerizing an unsaturated monomer; and drying the resultant crosslinked hydrogel polymer, wherein the water-absorbent resin powder has a crosslinked structure and a mass-average particle diameter of 300 to 600 &mgr;m wherein the ratio of fine particles having particle diameters of not larger than 150 &mgr;m is less than 10 mass % of the water-absorbent resin powder, with the production process being characterized by further comprising a magnetic-flux irradiation step of passing a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of not less than 0.05 Wb/m2 through the water-absorbent resin powder after the drying step in the production process.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment having a liquid-absorbent panel that 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: Environmentally degradable molded or extruded articles comprising a polyhydroxyalkanoate C4C6 copolymer composition having short annealing cycle times are provided. Such short annealing cycle times are achieved by compositions having a percentage of C6 units of 2-8%. Desirable annealing cycle times are obtained for molded or extruded articles, particularly for tampon applicators.

Abstract: A nonwoven web and method of preparing a novel nonwoven web of synthetic fiber are disclosed. An aqueous solution amide crosslinked synthetic precursor polymer is extruded under defined conditions through a plurality of die orifices to form a plurality of threadlines. The threadlines are attenuated with a defined primary gaseous source to form fiber under conditions of controlled macro scale turbulence and under conditions sufficient to permit the viscosity of each threadline, as it leaves a die orifice and for a distance of no more than about 8 cm, to increase incrementally with increasing distance from the die, while substantially maintaining uniformity of viscosity in the radial direction, at a rate sufficient to provide fiber having the desired attenuation and mean fiber diameter without significant fiber breakage. The attenuated threadlines are dried with a defined secondary gaseous source. The resulting fibers are deposited randomly on a moving foraminous surface to form a substantially uniform web.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pants-type diaper, an incontinence protector or a pants-like sanitary napkin, having a front part, a rear part and an intermediate central part. The article includes an absorbent body enclosed between an inner, liquid-permeable sheet and a liquid-impermeable outer sheet, and fastener devices for releasably connecting side-portions of the front and rear parts. The fastener devices are made of a renewable material. The fastener devices are welded to at least one of the sheets of the article and the fastener devices and the sheets are made of a material having a glass transition temperature which lies between 50-60° C. and a melting point which lies between 140-180° C., preferably between 150-175° C.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a pantyliner or a sanitary napkin, including a liquid-pervious topsheet (3), a liquid-impermeable backsheet (2), and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, wherein the topsheet (3) and absorbent body (4) either directly or via at least one intermediate layer are joined partly by a first adhesive (5) and partly by a second adhesive (6) The surface which is constituted of the topsheet (3) and which is adhesively joined with the first adhesive (5) and the second adhesive (6) is formed into a three-dimensional structure having alternating raised (8) and recessed regions (7), wherein the first adhesive (5) is arranged in the recessed regions (7) and the second adhesive (6) is arranged in the raised regions (8).

Abstract: Polyolefin fibers, filaments and fabrics made therefrom which comprise a melt blend which comprises (A) a polyolefin; and (B) at least one polyetheresteramide which contains aromatic diol-derived sections, exhibit excellent durable dyeability. The fabrics are useful in woven garments, carpeting, furniture and automobile upholstery, woven industrial fabrics, non-woven absorbents used in disposable diapers, non-woven garments including disposable medical garments, filter media, synthetic paper and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer produced from said coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used in the method for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable surface sheet placed on a liquid-receiving side of the absorbent layer for introducing excreted liquid from the human body to the absorbent layer. The surface sheet is of a corrugated configuration to have valleys and peaks extending in a longitudinal direction of the article and alternately arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each valley has a connecting part raised to connect between two adjacent peaks.

Abstract: A laminated panel including at least two sheet members which are overlapped with and joined to each other with adhesives B1 to B4 applied on at least one of inner surfaces of the sheet members. The adhesives B1 to B4 form a plurality of separated adhesive lines L extending in one direction while being bent; the number of times in which one of the adhesive lines L repeats bending is in the range of 50 to 200 per 1 m of dimension of the sheet members; and the number of times in which one of the adhesive lines L intersects is in the range of 0 to 200 per 1 m of dimension of the sheet members.

Abstract: The bonded composite in accordance with the invention has first and second thin-section sheet materials bonded together by bond elements defining a bond pattern. The bond elements can consist of stress receptor elements, stress transfer and dissipation elements, and stress termination elements. In general, the stress receptor elements, and the transfer and dissipation elements, receive stresses into the bond pattern, and distribute stresses internally, generally inwardly into the interior of the bond pattern. The termination elements function to accumulate and coordinate termination of stresses transferred from the receptor elements and the transfer and dissipation elements. In general, bond elements in the interior of the bond pattern are closer together than bond elements proximate the side edges of the bond pattern. Bonds corresponding to the bond elements can be formed via a wide variety of bond forming processes, including thermal energy and ultrasonic-frequency energy.

Abstract: The absorbent in accordance with the present invention is limited in at least two of the following requirements: ventilation resistance, absorbency under no load and/or under load, weight mean particle diameter, and water-soluble components. The absorbent exhibits a 24 g/g or more absorbency under a 2.0 kPa load and a 50 kPa·sec/m or less ventilation resistance under a 4.9 kPa load in a wet state. The absorbing product in accordance with the present invention is based on this absorbent and therefore exhibits improved ventilating properties when worn and relatively little wet back of water-based liquids, providing a further improved sense of comfort to users wearing the absorbing product.

Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a topsheet, a secondary absorbent layer, a primary absorbent layer and a backsheet is disclosed. The topsheet preferably is apertured and has a relatively high loft while also having a relatively low open area. The topsheet aids in the fluid flow through the topsheet to the secondary absorbent layer. The secondary absorbent layer absorbs the fluid and acts as a holding reservoir until the primary absorbent layer can absorb the fluid held in the secondary absorbent layer. The absorbent product has been shown to have improved rewet characteristics.

Abstract: A water-absorbing resin which has a specific surface area, as measured by the BET multipoint adsorption method employing krypton as an adsorbate gas, of 0.05 m2/g or larger and a water retentivity, as measured with 0.9 wt. % physiological saline, of 5 to 30 g/g. It is suitable for absorbing viscous liquids containing a high-molecular compound.

Abstract: A deformable, shrinkable fiber that is dimensionally stable at normal body temperatures of approximately 37° C. in the dry state, but is dimensionally unstable (i.e. shrinks and distorts) when wet at the same temperature. The fiber comprises a fiber forming polymer that has a dry glass transition temperature (“dry Tg”) of greater than or equal to 42° C. and a wet glass transition temperature (“wet Tg”) of less than or equal to 32° C. A method of making said fiber and absorbent article(s) made therefrom are also disclosed.

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 hydrophilic, highly swellable hydrogel based on (co)polymerized monomers or based on graft (co)polymers and prepared by a) free-radically (co)polymerizing one-or more hydrophilic monomers or graft (co)polymerizing one or more hydrophilic monomers onto a grafting base, the average degree of neutralization of the acid-functional monomers being from 0 to 40 mol %, b) comminuting the acidic hydrogel, c) neutralizing the acidic hydrogel to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 50-85 mol % by adding a neutralizing agent, d) drying, grinding and sieving the hydrogel particles characterized by a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum.value, coupled with an extractables content having a specified maximum value or a centrifuge retention and a vertical absorption swell height, each having a specified minimum value and an extractables content having a specified maximum value.

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: An absorbent composite having a reticulated core and a fibrous stratum is disclosed. The core and stratum are integrally formed, and the stratum is coextensive with a surface of the core. In one embodiment, the composite includes strata on opposing surfaces of the core. The core includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous matrix defines voids and passages between the voids, which are distributed throughout the composite. Absorbent material is located within some of the voids. On wetting, absorbent material located in these voids is expandable into the void. Methods for forming the composite and absorbent articles that include the composite are also disclosed.

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. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent super-absorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

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: There is provided a new nonwoven surge material for personal care products made of fibers, which is a nonwoven fabric made of a homogeneous blend of large and small denier fibers. The small or first denier fiber preferably has an average denier less than 2, is at least 3 denier less than the second or larger fiber and the large or second denier fiber has an average denier between 4 and 15. The first denier fiber may have a denier less than 1 and the second denier fiber may have a denier between 6 and 15. The nonwoven fabric is a mixture of these fibers in amounts of from 25 to 75 weight percent of each type of fiber. The fabric may have a basis weight between 30 and 200 gsm. The first denier fiber may be a bicomponent fiber which may be a sheath/core polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fiber. The second denier fiber may be made from a polyester. It is also possible that the fibers have a hydrophilic treatment added to their surface to increase their hydrophilicity.

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 about 20% to about 40%, by weight, of the basic resin, based on the total weight of the acidic resin and basic resin present in the particle. Blends of multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles with particles of a second water-absorbing resin also are disclosed. Improved diaper cores containing particles of the multicomponent superabsorbent gel particles also are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: There is provided a new structural composite comprising a web of Z-directionally oriented fibers. The web must contain a large percentage of superabsorbent fibers and the balance of the fibers may be synthetic or natural fibers. Binder fibers are present and should be present in an amount of between 10 and 45 weight percent, more particularly about 30 weight percent. Polyethylene/polypropylene side-by-side or sheath/core bicomponent fibers are particularly well suited for this purpose. Natural fibers or synthetic fibers that are hydrophilic may also be added to the web in order to control the wettability of the web. Pulp, cotton, and Rayon are suitable for this purpose and may be present in an amount between 0 and 40 weight percent, more particularly about 20 to 30 percent. These materials are suitable for use in personal care products like diapers, training pants, incontinence products, bandages, and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core therebetween. The backsheet comprises a microporous film. The microporous film is provided with a mark for registration for processing registered graphics. The microporous film has a web modulus of not less than 160 gf/mm and a bending force of not more than 3.3 mgf·cm2/cm. The microporous film also comprises a material having a material modulus of not less than 310 gf/mm2 at 3% strain.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and back sheet. The back sheet is formed of a resin film containing an inorganic filler in a resin base material. The back sheet includes: a stretched moisture-permeable region; and a high optical transmittance region having a lower degree of orientation than that of the moisture-permeable region and/or left unstretched.