Kimberly-clark Worldwide, Inc.

Feng Chen

Gregory James Wideman

Michael John Faulks

Mark Michael Mleziva

James Hongxue Wang

James Wang

Jian Qin

Neil T Scholl

Wing-Chak Ng

Priyadarshini Gadgil

Joy Lynn Holgerson

James Dudek

Superabsorbent particles having less than 1000 ppm non-solvent, a median size of from about 50 to about 2,000 micrometers, and containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers are provided. The superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less.

Nanoporous superabsorbent particles with low non-solvent levels

Described herein are absorbent composites containing embossed superabsorbent materials and methods of manufacturing absorbent composites containing embossed superabsorbent materials. The absorbent composites have significantly improved rates of intake. Compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.

Absorbent composites containing embossed superabsorbent materials

A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article is provided. The film contains an ethylene polymer, a nanoclay having an organic surface treatment, and a compatibilizer that includes an olefin polymer containing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the modulus and tensile strength of the film can be significantly improved without having an adverse impact on its ductility.

Thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article

A package that contains a wrapper material that defines an interior cavity within which an absorbent article is removably positioned is provided. The wrapper material is formed from a film that includes a polymer composition containing at least one ethylene polymer and at least one nanofiller. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of these components, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the resulting package may generate a relatively low degree of noise when physically deformed.

Absorbent article package with reduced noise

A film for use in an absorbent article is provided. The film is formed from a polymer composition that contains an ethylene polymer and a nanofiller. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of these components, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the resulting film may generate a relatively low degree of noise when physically deformed.

Film with reduced noise for use in an absorbent article

A multi-layered nanocomposite film for use in packaging is provided. More particularly, the film contains at least one core layer positioned adjacent to at least one outer layer. For example, in one embodiment, the film contains a core layer that is positioned between two outer layers. The core layer(s) and/or outer layer(s) may be formed from a polymer composition that contains an ethylene polymer, nanoclay having an organic surface treatment, and a compatibilizer that includes an olefin component and a polar component.

Nanocomposite packaging film

A thin nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article (e.g., sanitary napkin) is provided. The film contains a first ethylene polymer having a density of about 0.94 g/cm3 or less, second ethylene polymer having a density of greater than 0.94 g/cm3, and nanoclay having an organic surface treatment. The present inventors have discovered that through selective control over the particular type and concentration of the components used to form the film, as well as the manner in which it is formed, the properties of the film can be significantly improved.

Stiff nanocomposite film for use in an absorbent article

A continuous process for manufacturing a blended polymer includes mixing a native starch, a polyolefin, and a compatibilizer; and forming the blended polymer from the resulting mixture using an extruder. The process can also include mixing the native starch, the polyolefin, and the compatibilizer in the extruder. The polyolefin can be a petroleum- or bio-based polyethylene, and the compatibilizer can be a maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin. The process can further include mixing a processing aid such as glycerin, and forming the blended polymer into a film.

Growing community of inventors

Neenah, WI, United States of America

Feng Chen