Method of producing an absorbent panel having densified portion with hydrocolloid material fixed therein

A method of producing an absorbent component for use in an absorbent product which comprises:

• providing an air-laid, cellulosic fibrous batt in which the cellulosic fibers constitute at least 50% of the batt having relatively low cohesive strength, relatively low capillarity, relatively poor shape and volume stability, relatively low fluid retentivity, and containing moisture distributed throughout the batt;
• distributing a particulate hydrocolloid material within said batt,
• simultaneously subjecting at least one surface of said batt to an elevated temperature sufficient to cause a migration of moisture away from surface, but below the boiling temperature of water, while compressing said batt at a pressure of at least about 2 kg./cm..sup.2 to form in said batt an integral, densified, compacted, porous, absorbent fibrous region, said region having relatively high cohesive strength, relatively good capillarity, relatively good shape and volume stability, and relatively high fluid retentivity, and fixing a substantial portion of said distributed hydrocolloid material in said batt.