Absorbent panel having densified portion with hydrocolloid material fixed therein

Abstract

A densified bonded layer is formed in a panel of fluffed wood pulp fibers having particulate hydrocolloid material distributed therein by passing the panel between first and second compression means to apply pressure to the panel, at least one of the compression means being heated. By suitably selecting the temperature and pressure applied to the panel, an integral, densified, compacted, porous, absorbent fibrous layer or region having relatively high cohesive strength, relatively good capillarity, relatively good shape and volume stability and relatively high fluid retentivity can be formed therein. Particles of the hydrocolloid material are fixed within the panel by being bonded to the fibers substantially throughout the panel, and by mechanical entrapment between fibers in the densified bonded layer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.