Composite having improved in-plane permeability and absorbent article having improved fluid management

An absorbent article, comprising:

• a liquid-impermeable backsheet defining an inner surface and an outer surface;
• an absorbent core, disposed on the inner surface of the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core comprises:
• an absorbent material defining an upper surface and a lower surface of the absorbent core;
• and
• a composite fabric surrounding at least a portion of the upper surface and the lower surface, comprising:
• a nonwoven layer comprising polymeric fibers and/or filaments;
• a crosslinked cellulose layer comprising crosslinked cellulose fibers, wherein the crosslinked cellulose layer is positioned opposed to the nonwoven layer;
• and
• an interfacial region between the nonwoven layer and the crosslinked cellulose layer, comprising physically entangled polymeric fibers and/or filaments from the nonwoven layer and crosslinked cellulose fibers from the crosslinked cellulose layer,
• wherein the nonwoven layer and the crosslinked cellulose layer are mechanically inseparable in a dry state;
• and
• a topsheet overlying the upper surface of the absorbent core and contacting the inner surface of the backsheet.

A feminine hygiene product, comprising:

• a composite fabric comprising:
• a nonwoven layer comprising polymeric fibers and/or filaments;
• a crosslinked cellulose layer comprising crosslinked cellulose fibers, wherein the crosslinked cellulose layer is positioned opposed to the nonwoven layer;
• and
• an interfacial region between the nonwoven layer and the crosslinked cellulose layer, comprising physically entangled polymeric fibers and/or filaments from the nonwoven layer and crosslinked cellulose fibers from the crosslinked cellulose layer,
• wherein the nonwoven layer and the crosslinked cellulose layer are mechanically inseparable in a dry state.