The Procter Gamble Company

First Quality Nonwovens, Inc.

Pfnonwovens LLC

W Andrew Coslett

John C Parsons

Kevin Ronald Kanya

Antonius Lambertus De Beer

Lynda A Kelly

An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 &#x3bc;m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-machine direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

Absorbent article and components thereof having improved softness signals, and methods for manufacturing

A method of manufacturing a nonwoven including the steps of: forming a nonwoven web substantially comprised of continuous fibers; applying a bonding pattern to said nonwoven web using a smooth roll and a calender roll wherein said bonding pattern comprises a pattern having unbonded areas; and subjecting the side of said nonwoven web contacted by said smooth roll to a hydraulic treatment at a pressure of between 25 and 75 bars and a total energy of about 0.01-0.04 kwhr/kg., wherein said continuous fibers are comprised of between 97% and 98.5% by weight of an olefin resin comprising substantially of polypropylene and between 1.5% and 3% by weight of a whitener.

Method for manufacturing a nonwoven having improved softness signals

An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 &#x3bc;m; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.

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Drums, PA, United States of America

W Andrew Coslett