Unitary stratified composite
View Patent ↗An 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 severs as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.
1. An absorbent article, comprising:
(a) a liquid pervious topsheet,
(b) an absorbent composite, comprising a first stratum, a second stratum, and a transition zone intermediate and coextensive with the first stratum and the second stratum;
the first stratum comprising hydrophobic fibers and a binder;
the second stratum comprising a binder and fibers selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic fibers, hydrophobic fibers, and mixtures thereof; and
the transition zone comprising fibers from the first stratum and the second stratum commingled substantially uniformly across the composite's width and along the composite's length;
(c) a storage stratum comprising a superabsorbent polymer; and
(d) a liquid impervious backsheet.
2. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic fibers comprise synthetic fibers.
3. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophilic fibers comprise crosslinked cellulosic fibers.
4. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the binder is at least one of a bicomponent fiber or a wet strength agent.
5. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the article is at least one of an infant diaper or an adult incontinence product.
6. An absorbent article, comprising:
(a) a liquid pervious topsheet;
(b) an absorbent composite, comprising a first stratum, a second stratum, and a transition zone intermediate and coextensive with the first stratum and the second stratum;
the first stratum comprising first fibers and a binder,
the second stratum comprising second fibers and a binder; and
the transition zone comprising fibers from the first stratum and the second stratum commingled substantially uniformly across the composite's width and along the composite's length;
(c) a storage stratum comprising a superabsorbent polymer; and
(d) a liquid impervious backsheet.
7. The absorbent article of claim 6 , wherein the first fibers comprise synthetic fibers.
8. The absorbent article of claim 6 , wherein the second fibers comprise crosslinked cellulosic fibers.
9. The absorbent article of claim 6 , wherein the binder is at least one of a bicomponent fiber or a wet strength agent.
10. The absorbent article of claim 6 , wherein the article is at least one of an infant diaper or an adult incontinence product.
11. An absorbent article, comprising:
(a) a liquid pervious topsheet,
(b) an absorbent composite, comprising a first stratum, a second stratum, and a transition zone intermediate and coextensive with the first stratum and the second stratum;
the first stratum comprising synthetic fibers and a binder;
the second stratum comprising crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder; and
the transition zone comprising fibers from the first stratum and the second stratum commingled substantially uniformly across the composite's width and along the composite's length;
(c) a storage stratum comprising a superabsorbent polymer; and
(d) a liquid impervious backsheet.
12. The absorbent article of claim 11 , wherein the binder is at least one of a bicomponent fiber or a wet strength agent.
13. The absorbent article of claim 11 , wherein the article is at least one of an infant diaper or an adult incontinence product.