Abstract: Absorbent products for feminine protection, for example sanitary pads, pantiliners or tampons, comprising a cationic modified starch. The starch is modified by a cationizing agent comprising an ammonium group, wherein the degree of substitution of the cationizing agent is from about 0.070 to less than 0.50.

Abstract: The present invention provides a translucent absorbent composite having a substrate with a light transmittance of at least about 60% and a flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition applied to the substrate. The polymer composition may be prepared from the reaction product of a monomer solution including at least 15% by mass monoethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid salts, sulphonic acid, sulphonic acid salts, phosphoric acid, or phosphoric acid salts; an acrylate or methacrylate ester that contains an alkoxysilane functionality; a copolymerizable hydrophilic glycol containing an ester monomer; an initiator system; and a neutralizing agent. The unsaturated monomer is neutralized to at least 25 mol % and the flexible superabsorbent binder polymer composition has a residual monoethylenically unsaturated monomer content of less than about 1000 ppm. The absorbent composite has a light transmittance of at least 45%.

Abstract: A body attachable absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent layer arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: Absorbent surgical towels with reduced lint particle generation are provided. The surgical towels are formed from fibrous substrates containing binder material that limits lint particle generation to 5,000 or less according to INDA standard test 160.1. The binder material can limit lint particle generation to 500 or less.

Abstract: [Subject] To provide a body fluid absorbent article including a second sheet, which fulfills its own function, while the “sticking”, which would have been caused by the conventional second sheet, is prevented on the account of embossing. [Means for Solving Problem] A body fluid absorbent article having a face sheet 1, a body fluid permeable member 20 including an assembly of fibers in tows, a body fluid retainable absorbent element AB in this order, and a face-side second sheet 10, which is interposed between the above face sheet 1 and the above body fluid permeable member 20 with such a positional relation that the above face-side second sheet 10 is at least partly superposed on the above body fluid permeable member 20; and embossing is carried out integrally on the above face sheet 1 and the above face-side second sheet 10 while embossing is not carried out on the above body fluid permeable member 20.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent layer arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: A body attachable absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a cover layer, a barrier layer and an absorbent system arranged between the cover layer and the barrier layer, the absorbent article being drapeable and possessing the absorbency attributes required of a sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An absorbent core comprising fluff pulp fiber treated with polysiloxane, wherein the absorbent core has a density of about 0.15 g/cm3 or greater and a Young's modulus of about 75 psi or less. The polysiloxane may comprise an amino-functional moiety, The absorbent core may comprise superabsorbent, and may be employed in a disposable absorbent product.

Abstract: [Subject] To obtain a body fluid absorbent article with the perfect protection against the body fluid leakage. [Means for Solving Problem] In the body fluid absorbent, the body fluid retainable absorbent member 53A is disposed under the face sheet 51. Then, the body fluid permeable absorbent member 52, which include the assembly of fibers in tows, is disposed between the face sheet 51 and the body fluid retainable absorbent member 53A.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] To prevent shingly hand feeling and unintentional bias of absorption characteristics in the case of using tow (fiber bundle). [SOLUTION] An absorption element having a super absorbent polymer 54, comprising a fiber aggregate formed by opening tow 21, a super absorbent polymer 54 and a wrapping sheet 58 for wrapping them, wherein the whole face or almost whole face of part provided at least with the super absorbent polymer 54 in the sheet 58 is applied with an adhesive in a continuous plane, which is bonded to the sheet 58 with the adhesive.

Abstract: An inter-labium product capable of disintegration in water, fitted to the inter-labium part; and a surface-side sheet for inter-labium product that simultaneously realizes comfortability at wearing of the inter-labium product and capability of water disintegration such that the inter-labium product is disintegrated when thrown in flush water of water closet after use. The surface-side sheet for use in an inter-labium product fitted to the inter-labium part is comprised of hydrophilic fibers composed of single fibers and fibril fibers having fuzzes branched from the surface thereof, wherein at least some of the branched fuzzes link the single fibers and the fibril fibers to each other. Thus, not only can the wet tensile strength be increased but also inter-fibrous bonds are slowly decomposed in the presence of a large amount of water to thereby enable disposal of the inter-labium product in a flush toilet.

Abstract: A disposable diaper has an absorbent core. The core contains therein hydrophilic fibers of 30–70 wt % and super-absorbent polymer particles of 70–30 wt %. Of the super-absorbent particles, first super-absorbent polymer particles having a relatively long liquid-absorbing duration lying in a middle zone of the core as viewed in a transverse direction as well as in a thickness direction of the core to form a polymer phase and second super-absorbent polymer particles having a relatively short liquid-absorbing duration lying in the core above, below and laterally outside the polymer phase to form a mixture phase containing therein the hydrophilic fibers mixed therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and aldehyde functional groups “acid aldehydes.” The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a pigmented cover; a pigmented apertured transfer layer; an absorbent core; and a pigmented backsheet that provides masking of synthetic menstrual fluid and discretion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles suitable for controlling odors, especially odors associated with bodily fluids, which comprise a cationic polysaccharide, preferably chitosan material, together with an odor controlling agent, preferably an odor absorbent agent and/or a chelating agent. This combination provides synergistic reduced odor control towards malodors associated with bodily fluids like menses.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures for use in disposable absorbent products for absorbing bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent structure includes a fluid storage layer including matrix fibers and a superabsorbent polymer for receiving fluids and a distribution strip positioned below the fluid storage layer. The distribution strip includes cellulosic fibers and has a basis weight of between 45 grams per square meter and 140 grams per square meter and a density of between 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter and 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A substantially flat disposable absorbent article for wearing adjacent a body discharge area having a longitudinal centerline, and a lateral centerline orthogonal thereto, and defining longitudinal and lateral directions respectively. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious top sheet, a back sheet joined to the top sheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent core includes a layer of compressed, cellulose based, linear fibers for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The layer of compressed, cellulose based, linear fibers is activated by body fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid retentive absorbent member, interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged to form an opposing pair of barrier cuffs which are within longitudinal edges of the top layer and extend along the longitudinal edges. A pocket portion is formed between the pair of barrier cuffs.

Abstract: An absorbent article has two side edges (9, 10), two end edges (11, 12), a liquid-permeable surface layer (2), a liquid-tight surface layer (3), and an absorption body (4) arranged between the surface layers (2, 3). The absorption body (4) includes at least one intermediate storage part (22–25) arranged along a side edge (9, 10), in direct contact with a liquid transfer part (26). The liquid transfer part (26) has a higher liquid affinity than the intermediate storage layer, so the liquid transfer layer drains from the intermediate storage part (22–25) better than the intermediate storage part (22–25) drains liquid from the liquid transfer part (26).

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A method of making a dry defibered fluff pulp suitable for absorption products is described. In the making of fluff pulp bentonite (montmorillonite), and optionally an additional inorganic particle compound, such as a synthetic silicate compound, is added to the pulp in an amount that in the final fluff pulp yields an amount of bentonite of 0.2 to 7 kg per ton fluff pulp and optionally an amount of the additional inorganic particle compound of 0.2 to 7 kg per ton fluff pulp, the total amount of retained particle additives amounting to no more than 8 kg per ton fluff pulp. Moreover, a thus made fluff pulp for absorption products, an absorption core for absorption products comprising such dry defibered fluff pulp and optionally a superabsorbent, and an absorption product comprising such a dry defibered fluff pulp and/or an absorption core are described.

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: Sphagnum, sphagnum moss, and/or sphagnum peat is milled to create a multitude of sphagnum, sphagnum moss, and/or sphagnum peat particles substantially all of which have a size less than about 850 microns. Particles of milled sphagnum moss have been shown to retain excellent water and oil absorption capabilities until particle sizes become smaller than 180 microns.

Abstract: A fibrous structure is described for use in hygienic articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, incontinence guards, wipes and the like, having one or more polar, silicon containing compounds bound to at least one portion of the surface of the fibrous structure by interaction between the surface and the silicon containing compounds. The fibrous structure exhibits a predetermined degree of hydrophilicity and adhesion properties which are substantially unaffected by wetting of the fibrous structure. Absorbent, hygienic and textile articles comprising such a fibrous structure are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, nursing pads and baby diapers, having a breathable backsheet, and comprising a chitosan material. Absorbent articles are provided that deliver not only initial high performing breathability but also maintain effective breathability in use as well as high protection level while delivering also effective odor control towards odor associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having fibrous bands is described. The composite includes one or more fibrous bands in a fibrous base. The base includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous bands are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite and methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, preferably disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise a cationic polysaccharide, typically chitin-based material and/or chitosan material, and an acidic pH buffering means. Such disposable absorbent articles deliver improved odor control performance even upon prolonged wearing time of the articles.

Abstract: There is provided 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 pulp cellulose fiber in an amount of from 80 to 95 weight percent, at most 20 weight percent binder and 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 0.08 and 0.20 g/cc, and a basis weight between 120 and 200 gsm.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a built-in draining mechanism for releasing excess swim water. The draining mechanism can include a liquid-permeable outer cover in a crotch area of the garment and/or liquid-permeable containment flaps. In addition, an absorbent assembly can be configured to direct incoming fluid away from the most liquid-permeable areas of the outer cover and containment flaps. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the hydrostatic head of any excess water in the garment is sufficient to drain through the liquid-permeable outer cover and/or containment flaps, thereby allowing swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out the bottom of the garment.

Abstract: Paper sheets useful for tissues, paper towels, napkins, disposable absorbent products and the like can be made to exhibit a high degree of wet resiliency. This property is achieved by using a combination of high yield pulp fibers (such as bleached chemithermomechanical pulp fibers) and a wet strength agent in an uncreped throughdrying process. The resulting product, when wetted, can spring back after being crumpled in one's hand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to cross-linked cellulosic fiber in the sheet from, obtainable by cross-linking a blend of mercerized pulp and conventional pulp. The method includes heating treated cellulosic fibers to promote intra-fiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by an improved acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbency, and absorbency under load. Moreover, the inventive cross-linked fibers exhibit a reduction in centrifuge retention capacity, and have low knots, nits and fines contents. The cross-linked cellulosic fibers of the invention are useful in the acquisition layer and/or absorbent core of absorbent articles.

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 an absorbent article which includes a backsheet, a liquid-pervious topsheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the backsheet and the topsheet. At least the backsheet is made from a water-decomposable material. The backsheet is formed of a fibrous sheet that contains water-dispersible fibers and water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose. The water-insoluble carboxymethyl cellulose has a degree of etherification (D.S.) falling between 0.3 and 0.6, and is modified so that the hydrogens of at least 95% of carboxylic acids therein are substituted with metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and aldehyde functional groups “acid aldehydes.” The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.

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 an absorbent article which combines a hydrophobic topsheet with a good liquid acquisition performance. The absorbent article of the present invention comprises a topsheet, a backsheet, a liquid storage structure intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet, and a liquid handling structure intermediate the topsheet and the liquid storage structure. The topsheet of the present invention has a liquid retention of less than 150 mg for a test liquid having a surface tension of 33 mN/m. The liquid handling structure of the present invention has a basis weight to uncompressed caliper ratio of less than 100 grams per square meter per millimeter. The topsheet of the present invention may comprise a fiber coating such as fluoropolymers in order to lower the contact angle of the topsheet.

Abstract: Absorbent structures that form superabsorbent polymers in situ. The structures include an absorbent material and a fibrous material containing an activating agent. The fibrous material releases the activating agent upon stimulation with an activator, which causes the polymer to become a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent component is desirably a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer. The absorbent structures form a superabsorbent composition in situ. Methods of making the activating agent containing fibrous material are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures for use in disposable absorbent products for absorbing bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent structure includes a fluid storage layer including matrix fibers and a superabsorbent polymer for receiving fluids and a distribution strip positioned below said fluid storage layer. The distribution strip includes cellulosic fibers and has a basis weight of between 45 grams per square meter and 140 grams per square meter and a density of between 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter and 0.60 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further serves as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are provided. In one embodiment, an absorbent article includes free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Also provided are methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an ultimate fluid storage region and a fluid distribution region, positioned between the ultimate storage region and the garment oriented surface of the article, in fluid communication with the ultimate fluid storage region, the ultimate fluid storage region includes a material which has: (1) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 100 cm (CSDC 100) of at least 10 g/g; (2) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 0 cm (CSDC 0) higher than the CSDC 100; (3) a Loosely Bound Liquid Capacity (LBLC); and (4) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Release Height when 50% of the LBLC are released (CSDRH 50) less than 60 cm. Further, the liquid distribution layer material has a Capillary Sorption Absorption Height at 30% of its maximum capacity (CSAH 30) of at least 35 cm. Disuibution material can be foam materials, particularly those derived from high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A personal care article including an isoprenoid compound, and a method of inhibiting attachment of pathogenic fungi to skin using an isoprenoid compound in combination with a personal care article. The isopreniod compound may be farnesol, which is particularly effective against the pathogenic yeast Candida albicans.

Abstract: The invention refers to an absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin etc., the absorbent structure comprises an open-cell foam structure, the pore walls of said foam structure comprising a liquid-storing material having the capacity to store more than 7% synthetic urine defined according to the CRC method. The absorbent structure is characterized by that the pores of the foam structure contains hydrophilic fibers, at which at least the main part of the hydrophilic fibers are firmly anchored in the pore walls of the foam structure, and that the fiber amount is at least 10% by weight of the total weight of the open-cell foam in dry condition. The invention also refers to an absorbent article containing such an absorbent structure.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures for use in disposable absorbent products for absorbing bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent structure includes a fluid storage layer including matrix fibers and a superabsorbent polymer for receiving fluids and a distribution strip positioned below said fluid storage layer. The distribution strip includes cellulosic fibers and has a basis weight of between 45 grams per square meter and 140 grams per square meter and a density of between 0.20 grams per cubic centimeter and 0.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core is formed from a folded laminate having an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer that are bonded together and together assist to maintain the dry and wet integrity of the core. The fibrous layer includes about 50 to 95 percent by weight superabsorbent polymer and about 5 to 50 percent by weight stabilization additives. The upper and lower layers may be tissue, airlaid fluff pulp or synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. Folding the thin absorbent laminate provides an absorbent core that can handle large doses of urine, by providing a central channel having a free volume for temporary liquid storage and increasing the surface area of the laminate available for liquid absorption. The garment thus formed is thin, lightweight and economical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting the skin barrier. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic and non-aqueous components as well as extracted botanical actives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent core for use in an absorbent article and methods to make the absorbent core and absorbent articles. The absorbent core has a discrete wicking layer made with compressible fibers such as eucalyptus or chemically treated fibers. The absorbent core and articles made with it have improved vertical wicking capacity and superior rewet characteristics.