Topsheet systems for absorbent articles exhibiting improved hydrophilicity gradients

An absorbent article comprising:

• (a) a topsheet comprising an apertured polymeric film web having a first surface, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from said first surface, and a plurality of fluid passageways, said fluid passageways being formed by a three dimensional network of interconnecting elements extending between said first surface and said second surface to place said first surface and said second surface in fluid communication with one another, said web being formed of a polymeric film comprising at least one bulk modified layer, wherein said bulk modified layer comprises a substantially homogeneous stabilized two-phase dispersion of a low surface energy, hydrophobic additive in a polymeric material,
• (b) a backsheet peripherally joined with said topsheet;
• and
• (c) a hydrophilic absorbent core positioned between the second surface of said topsheet and said backsheet;
• wherein a surface energy gradient is produced between said hydrophobic topsheet and said hydrophilic absorbent core whereby fluid is effectively transported away from the first surface of the web.

An absorbent article comprising:

• (a) a topsheet comprising an apertured polymeric film web having a first surface, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from said first surface, and a plurality of fluid passageways, said fluid passageways being formed by a three dimensional network of interconnecting elements extending between said first surface and said second surface to place said first surface and said second surface in fluid communication with one another, said web being formed of a polymeric film comprising at least one bulk modified layer, wherein said bulk modified layer comprises a substantially homogeneous stabilized two-phase dispersion of a low surface energy, hydrophobic additive in a polymeric material, said second surface of said topsheet including a hydrophilic adhesive deposited thereon;
• (b) a backsheet peripherally joined with said topsheet;
• and
• (c) a hydrophilic absorbent core positioned between the second surface of said topsheet and said backsheet, said second surface of said topsheet being joined to said absorbent core by said hydrophilic adhesive;
• wherein a surface energy gradient is produced between the relatively hydrophobic topsheet and said hydrophilic adhesive and said absorbent core whereby fluid is effectively transported away from the first surface of the web.