The Procter Gamble Company

Jeffery T Cook

Gerald A Young

Peter A Graef

Glen Ray Lash

Walter Douglas Daniels

Pedro Antonio Rodriguez

Danny R Moore

Clifford R Bolstad

William L Duncan

Disclosed is a process for making reduced odor individualized, crosslinked fibers which includes the steps of providing cellulosic fibers, contacting the fibers with a solution containing a C.sub.2 -C.sub.9 polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agent, mechanically separating the fibers into substantially individual form, drying the fibers and reacting the crosslinking agent with the individualized fibers to form intrafiber crosslink bonds. The individualized cellulosic fibers are then contacted with a strong alkaline solution and strong oxidizing agent to reduce the odor and increase the brightness. Preferably, the crosslinking agent is citric acid, and preferably, between about 1.0 weight % and about 12.0 weight % of the crosslinking agent reacts to form the intrafiber crosslink bonds. Preferably, the alkaline solution is an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, and preferably, about 0.09 weight % of the sodium hydroxide, on a dry fiber weight basis, is applied to the crosslinked fibers. Preferably, the oxidizing agent is hydrogen peroxide, and preferably, about 0.04 weight % of the hydrogen peroxide, on a dry fiber weight basis, is applied to the crosslinked fiber. The reduced odor individualized, crosslinked fibers are useful in a variety of absorbent structure applications.

Process for preparing reduced odor and improved brightness

Absorbent structures having a fluid acquisition/distribution layer with an average dry density of less than about 0.30 g/cc, an average density upon wetting with 1.0% NaCl aqueous solution of less than about 0.20 g/cc, and an average dry basis weight from about 0.001 to about 0.10 g/cm.sup.2 ; and a fluid storage layer positioned beneath the acquisition/distribution layer comprising at least about 15% superabsorbent material. The fluid acquisition/distribution layer comprises from about 50% to 100% chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers and from 0% to about 50% binding means.

Absorbent structures containing stiffened fibers and superabsorbent

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Memphis, TN, United States of America

Jeffery T Cook