Method for selectively aperturing a nonwoven web exhibiting surface energy gradients

Abstract

The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a method for selectively aperturing a nonwoven web exhibiting a plurality of surface energy gradients. The method includes the steps of: providing a nonwoven web of fibers exhibiting a surface energy, the nonwoven web having a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of fluid passageways placing the first and second surfaces in fluid communication with one another; applying a surface treatment to the first surface of the nonwoven web, the surface treatment having a surface energy less than the surface energy of the fibers of the nonwoven web creating a plurality of surface energy gradients defined by discontinuous, spaced regions which are adapted to exert a force on a fluid contacting the first surface, such that the fluid will be directed toward the fluid passageways for transportation away from the first surface and in the direction of the second surface; weakening the nonwoven web at a plurality of locations creating a plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations; and applying a tensioning force to the nonwoven web to cause the nonwoven web to rupture at the plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations creating a plurality of apertures in the nonwoven web coincident with the plurality of weakened, melt-stabilized locations. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.