Topsheet for absorbent articles exhibiting improved masking properties

Abstract

The present invention provides a fluid previous fibrous, preferably nonwoven, web having a first surface and a second surface. The web comprises a hydrophilic nonwoven web comprising a plurality of individual, preferably whitened, brightened, and/or opacified, fibers associated with one another. The web includes a plurality of surface energy gradients defined by the boundaries of discontinuous, spaced regions of the web which are located on the first surface which exhibit a different surface energy than an adjacent portion of the web. The regions comprise depositions of a preferably whitened, brightened, and/or opacified low surface energy material randomly distributed over the first surface. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven web is formed of shaped fibers of substantially non-circular cross-section, preferably a trilobial or delta cross-section, which include whitening, brightening, and opacifying agents within the fiber material. Preferably, the low surface energy material includes whitening and opacifying agents within the material itself, with a preferred material comprising a UV curable silicone resin including a titanium dioxide particle suspension. The nonwoven fibrous webs of the present invention may be utilized advantageously as a topsheet and/or secondary topsheet in an absorbent article such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, or the like.