Absorbent articles comprising surface cross-linked superabsorbent polymer particles made by a method using ultraviolet radiation

US7569618B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• Andreas Flohr · Kronberg, DE
• Torsten Lindner · Schwalbach am Taunus, DE
• Esther Oliveros · Barbelroth, DE
• Yoshiro Mitsukami · Himeji, JP

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 2006
• Grant date: Aug 4, 2009
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2991
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of surface cross-linking superabsorbent polymer particles using UV irradiation is provided. The method is carried out in a so-called drum reactor, which comprises a hollow drum and an irradiation source. The drum has a longitudinal axis and a cross-section. Radical former molecules are applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles. These superabsorbent polymer particles are fed into the drum and are irradiated while they move within the drum, which is rotated around its longitudinal axis. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation emitted by the irradiation source is able to reach superabsorbent polymer particles within said drum. The irradiation source for use in the method is able to emit UV radiation of a wavelength between about 201 nm and about 400 nm.