Absorbent structure with aggregate clusters

A stabilized absorbent structure comprising,

• a. 5 to 50 wt % meltblown elastomeric polyolefin binder fibers having an average fiber length greater than 1 cm;
• b. 1 to 50 wt % cellulose fibers constrained within the elastomeric polyolefin binder fibers;
• c. 30 to 90 wt % superabsorbent particles constrained or entrapped within the polyolefin binder fibers;
• and
• d. 1 to 50 wt % aggregate clusters each having a periphery and interior, the aggregate clusters comprising meltblown polyolefin binder fibers having meltblown polyolefin binder fiber ends, cellulose fibers constrained within the polyolefin binder fibers within the aggregate clusters, superabsorbent particles constrained or entrapped within the polyolefin binder fibers within the aggregate clusters, wherein the meltblown polyolefin binder fiber ends are located at the periphery of the aggregate clusters and the interiors of the aggregate clusters are substantially free of meltblown polyolefin binder fiber ends.

A method of making a stabilized absorbent structure comprising;

• a. providing a first absorbent structure comprising long thermoplastic binder fibers;
• b. dividing the first absorbent structure to create aggregate clusters;
• c. providing a stream of the aggregate clusters;
• d. providing a stream of extruded molten polymeric fibers;
• e. merging the aggregate cluster stream and polymeric fiber stream into a single product stream;
• and
• f. collecting the single product stream on a forming surface to make a second absorbent structure.