MULTI-LAYER UNITARY ABSORBENT STRUCTURES
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to multi-layer unitary absorbent structures and their use in absorbent articles. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter relates to unitary layered structures having a particular fibrous content that have improved fluid acquisition and retention characteristics.
1 . A multi-layer unitary absorbent structure, comprising:
a first layer comprising a first bicomponent fiber and having a basis weight from about 5 gsm to about 50 gsm; and
a second layer, adjacent to the first layer, comprising a second bicomponent fiber and having a basis weight from about 5 gsm to about 50 gsm;
wherein the first bicomponent fiber is different than the second bicomponent fiber.
2 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , further comprising a third layer, adjacent to the second layer, comprising spunbond fibers.
3 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , wherein the second bicomponent fiber has a greater dtex than the first bicomponent fiber.
4 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , wherein the first bicomponent fiber has a greater dtex than the second bicomponent fiber.
5 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , wherein the first layer comprises a blend of at least two different bicomponent fibers.
6 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 5 , wherein the at least two different bicomponent fibers differ by at least one of composition, configuration, dtex, and length.
7 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , further comprising a cellulosic fiber layer adjacent to the second layer.
8 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , further comprising an absorbent core.
9 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 8 , wherein the absorbent core comprises SAP.
10 . The multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of claim 1 , further comprising a binder on at least a portion of the external surface of at least one outer layer.
11 . An absorbent article comprising the multi-layer unitary absorbent structure of any one of claims 1 - 10 .
12 . The absorbent article of claim 11 , wherein the absorbent article is a hygiene product.
13 . The absorbent article of claim 12 , wherein the hygiene product is selected from a baby diaper, an adult incontinence product, and a sanitary napkin.