Process for making absorbent material with in-situ polymerized superabsorbent

US6645407B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Stanley R. Kellenberger · Appleton, US
• David M. Jackson · Roswell, US
• Young Chan Ko · Seoul, KR
• Dave Allen Soerens · Neenah, US
• Jason Matthew Laumer · Appleton, US
• Sridhar Ranganathan · Suwanee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 14, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 11, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC D): Textiles; Paper
• CPC primary: D04H3/02
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A process for making an absorbent composite including absorbent fibers, superabsorbent polymer and, optionally, thermoplastic fibers and other ingredients is provided. The synthesis (i.e., polymerization) of the superabsorbent is completely integrated into the process for forming the absorbent composite. Specifically, the polymerization of superabsorbent is initiated from within a plurality of absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, which are then formed into a web. The integrated process eliminates the need for separate manufacture of superabsorbent polymer prior to the fiber forming and web forming processes. Also, the superabsorbent polymer thus formed tends to disperse better and remain adhered to the absorbent and/or thermoplastic fibers, providing a stable and uniform absorbent composite for various end use applications.