Absorbent structure including a thin, calendered airlaid composite and a process for making the composite
US6479061B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24994
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention pertains to an airlaid composite which is made of pulp fibers, at least about 2% by weight bicomponent fiber, and moisture. This airlaid composite is unique in that a uniformly even composite is made which upon calendering, becomes a thin structure which maintains significant absorbency when saturated. The bicomponent fibers of the present invention include a first polymer component and a second polymer component, and the first polymer component melts at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer component. Mixing of the pulp fibers with the bicomponent fibers is done in such a way that the fibers are evenly dispersed in the airlaid composite. This airlaid composite is then heated such that at least a portion of the first polymer component of the bicomponent fiber is melted, which bond the bicomponent fibers to many of the pulp and bicomponent fibers when cooled. Moisture is added on to the composite to further facilitate bonding when the composite is subsequently subjected to calendering. Optionally, a sheet layer may be attached to the airlaid composite to form a multi-layered absorbent structure. Such composites and absorbent str…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.