Disposable absorbent nonwoven structure

Abstract

Disposable absorbent structures comprising alternate layers of absorbent nonwoven material and nonwoven hydrophobic thermoplastic material, minimally bonded together. The outer layers of the structures are of absorbent nonwoven material and the structures comprise at least two such absorbent layers and at least one nonwoven hydrophobic thermoplastic layer. The hydrophobic thermoplastic material may comprise one or more webs of any appropriate polymer and of any structural form having an open area sufficient to permit the free passage of liquids therethrough. The absorbent layers may comprise spunbonded rayon webs or webs of air laid, wet laid or carded rayon fibers of staple length or longer, with or without mechanical or hydraulic needling. The outer absorbent layers may also comprise stabilized rayon webs and the inner absorbent plies, when the ultimate desired characteristics of the absorbent structure will permit, may be of other cellulosic materials such as layers of tissue, fluff, wadding and the like. The absorbent structures demonstrate synergistic absorbency, excellent wet and dry bulk, low lint discharge and a cloth-like aesthetic primarily consisting of quietness and good hand, including such attributes as drape, softness and flexibility.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.