Unitary stratified composite

An absorbent article, comprising:

• (a) a liquid pervious topsheet;
• (b) an absorbent composite, comprising a first stratum, a second stratum, and a transition zone intermediate and coextensive with the first stratum and the second stratum;
• the first stratum comprising first fibers and a binder,
• the second stratum comprising second fibers and a binder;
• and
• the transition zone comprising fibers from the first stratum and the second stratum commingled substantially uniformly across the composite's width and along the composite's length;
• (c) a storage stratum comprising a superabsorbent polymer;
• and
• (d) a liquid impervious backsheet.

An absorbent article, comprising:

• (a) a liquid pervious topsheet,
• (b) an absorbent composite, comprising a first stratum, a second stratum, and a transition zone intermediate and coextensive with the first stratum and the second stratum;
• the first stratum comprising synthetic fibers and a binder;
• the second stratum comprising crosslinked cellulosic fibers and a binder;
• and
• the transition zone comprising fibers from the first stratum and the second stratum commingled substantially uniformly across the composite's width and along the composite's length;
• (c) a storage stratum comprising a superabsorbent polymer;
• and
• (d) a liquid impervious backsheet.