Kimberly-Clark Corporation

D Keith Osteen

Lawrence Howell Sawyer

Kenneth Yin Wang

Hannong Rhim

M Chris Wanek

E G Varona

Disclosed herein is a duo-functional nonwoven composite having a support layer with a top surface and a bottom surface separated by a thickness. On the bottom surface of the support layer is a fibrous nonwoven web with all or a portion of the fibers being formed from a material which is soluble in a fluid such as water. At least a portion of the fibers extend through the thickness of the support layer from the bottom surface and project beyond the top surface to give the top surface a cloth-like appearance. Upon wetting the top surface of the support layer by a fluid such as water, urine or menses, the soluble fibers begin to shrink and dissolve until all or a portion of the filaments have retracted back into and through the thickness of the support layer. In so doing, the applied fluid is transported substantially away from the top surface of the composite. As a result, when the material of the present material is used as a liner material for personal care products, it initially provides a surface which is more cloth-like and comfortable to the wearer. However, after being insulted, the soiled portion of the nonwoven dissolves and retracts back into the composite thereby giving a cleaner, dryer appearance as is more commonly found when using films.

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Marietta, GA, United States of America

D Keith Osteen