Meltfusion bonded absorbant structure comprising fibres and superabsorbant particles method for manufacturing such structure

An absorbent structure exhibiting an x-, y-, and thickness or z-direction

• comprising
• fibres forming a fibrous matrix having an x-, y-, and thickness or z-extension;
• superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles which are capable of exerting an expansion force upon swelling upon absorption of a liquid and which are positioned within the pores of said fibrous matrix;
• and meltfusion bond points arranged in an x-y-directionally extending bonding pattern, penetrating z-directionally through said fibrous matrix,
• whereby said bond points exhibit an elongated shape and an aspect ratio of their long axis to their short axis of at least 1.05 to 1 and a de-bonding strength up to which the bond point holds and above which the bond point de-bonds,
• and whereby said matrix with said particles exhibits an overall thickness when dry,
• wherein further said fibrous matrix comprising said particles is capable of increasing its overall thickness upon swelling of said SAP particles,
• and wherein said expansion force exerted by said SAP particles to said bond points is higher than the de-bonding strength of said bond points such that said bond points de-bond upon swelling of said SAP particles,
• characterized in that
• said absorbent structure further comprises.
• at least two cover webs positioned parallel to the x-y-directionally extending surface of said structure and being melt fusioned together in said bond points.

A method for the manufacture of an absorbent structure,

• said structure comprising
• fibres forming a fibrous matrix having an x-, y-, and thickness or z-extension;
• superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles which are capable of exerting an expansion force upon swelling upon absorption of a liquid and which are positioned within the pores of said fibrous matrix;
• at least two cover webs,
• and meltfusion bond points arranged in an x-y-directionally extending bonding pattern, penetrating z-directionally through said fibrous matrix,
• said method comprising the steps of
• providing a fibrous matrix;
• providing SAP particles;
• positioning said SAP particles in interfibre pores of said matrix;
• providing at least two cover webs;
• providing a support structure;
• positioning said fibrous matrix with said SAP particles and said at least two cover webs which are positioned parallel to the x-y-directionally extending surface of said structure on said support structure;
• applying energy to said structure to form meltfusion points in a predetermined pattern determined by said support structure,
• wherein said meltfusion points connect said two cover webs and exhibit an aspect ratio of their long axis to their short axis of at least 1.05 to 1.