Foamed composite web with low wet collapse

Abstract

An absorbent composite foam is provided having a density below 0.04 g / cc and low wet collapse comprising (i) between about 5 to about 40% by wt. fluid resistant fibers; (ii) between about 30 to about80% by wt. cellulosic fibers; (iii) between about 5 to about 35% by wt. binder; and (iv) a foaming surfactant. The combination of ultra-low density and wet stability is achieved, despite a high proportion of cellulosic fibers, by having both hydrogen bonding between cellulosic fibers as well as inter-fiber bonds formed by the binder.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to US Provisional Application No. 62 / 250,227, filed November 3, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein. Background technique [0002] Wood pulp fibers are natural fibers widely used in personal care products and other household applications due to their favorable properties such as high absorbency, relative softness, and biodegradability. In addition, wood pulp fibers are relatively cheap and readily available renewable resources. As a specific example, wood pulp fibers are commonly used in absorbent cores of diapers as well as wipes. However, wood pulp fibers are not moisture stable, and the flexural stiffness of wood pulp fibers decreases significantly when wet. This characteristic is problematic for many articles. In this regard, many applications and / or products utilizing wood pulp fibers require maintenance of liquid handling properties and / or bulk after initial wetness. For example, absorbent personal...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, while such airlaid webs have significant levels of wood pulp fibers, they still typically suffer from low wet integrity, often collapsing (i.e., losing bulk) when wet

While the wet integrity of airlaid webs can be improved by reducing the amount of wood pulp fibers and adding significant levels of binder fibers or binders, changes in nonwoven web composition often result in nonwoven webs that lose their desired properties such as absorbency, softness and / or flexibility

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