The Procter Gamble Company

E.i. Dupont De Nemours and Company

J Michael McKenna

John Joseph Curro

Hyun Sung Lim

George Joseph Ostapchenko

Shailaja R Vaidya

Gary Dean Lavon

Richard L Sparks

Nora Liu Carroll

Gary Dean LaVon

Theodora Beck

A breathable composite sheet material, a method for making such a sheet material, and an absorbent article utilizing the sheet material are provided. The composite sheet material is comprised of a thermoplastic film adhered directly to a fibrous substrate. The thermoplastic film comprises at least 50% by weight of a polymer material from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides and polyurethanes. The substrate comprises a fibrous web of at least 50% by weight of polyolefin polymer synthetic fibers. The composite sheet exhibits a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/mwhen subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 1500 g/m/24 hr. The absorbent article comprises (a) a topsheet; (b) a backsheet; and (c) an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the backsheet comprises the non-porous, substantially fluid impermeable, moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material described above. The composite sheet material is oriented such that the film layer of the composite sheet material faces toward the absorbent core. The absorbent article may comprise a disposable diaper.

Breathable composite sheet structure and absorbent articles utilizing same

A moisture vapor permeable, substantially liquid impermeable composite sheet material comprising a fibrous substrate and a moisture vapor permeable thermoplastic film layer. The moisture vapor permeable film has an average thickness of less than 25 microns, a peel strength of at least 0.1 N/cm, a dynamic fluid transmission of less than about 0.75 g/m,when subjected to an impact energy of about 2400 joules/m,, a hydrostatic head of at least 60 cm, and a moisture vapor transmission rate, according to the desiccant method, of at least 2800 g/m,/24 hr. The moisture vapor permeable film is preferably comprised of at least about 50% by weight of polymer selected from the group of block copolyether esters, block copolyether amides, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof. A method for making such a sheet material is also provided.

Breathable composite sheet structure

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence garments, and feminine hygiene products. The present invention further relates to such absorbent articles having outer coverings designed to provide breathability and promote more healthy internal environmental conditions for the wearer. More specifically, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising (a) a topsheet; (b) a backsheet; and (c) an absorbent core located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the backsheet comprises a non-porous, substantially fluid impermeable, moisture vapor permeable composite sheet material. Preferably, the composite sheet material is oriented such that the film layer of the composite sheet material faces toward said absorbent core. Where the film layer of the composite sheet comprises a substantially hydrophilic elastomer film layer, the substantially hydrophilic elastomer film is preferably located in contact with the fibrous substrate. Where the film layer of the composite sheet comprises a multiple layer film with a substantially hydrophilic elastomer film layer and a substantially hydrophobic elastomer film, the substantially hydrophilic elastomer film is preferably located between the substantially hydrophobic elastomer film and the fibrous substrate. In another embodiment, the film layer may further comprise a third film layer comprising a substantially hydrophobic elastomer film located between the substantially hydrophilic elastomer film and the fibrous substrate. The absorbent article may comprise a disposable diaper.

Absorbent articles exhibiting improved internal environmental conditions

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Hockessin, DE, United States of America

J Michael McKenna