Kimberly-clark Corporation

M Chris Wanek

Lawrence Howell Sawyer

Frank Paul Abuto

Kenneth Yin Wang

Billie Jean Matthews

Brendon Frank Ribble

Edward E Werner

Hannong Rhim

William A Georger

Thomas W Van Den Bogart

D Keith Osteen

E G Varona

Disclosed is an absorbent structure comprising first and second surge management layers and an absorbent layer located between said first and second surge management layers. The first surge management layer comprises synthetic polymeric fibers and the second surge management layer comprises hydrophilic fibers. The density of the absorbent layer is greater than the density of the first and second surge management layers.

Multi-layer absorbent composite

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.

Duo-functional nonwoven material

Growing community of inventors

Marietta, GA, United States of America

M Chris Wanek