Hot melt wetness indicator adhesive composition with controllable color change

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a hot melt wetness indicator composition based on an ethylene-alkylacrylate-acrylic acid terpolymer. The wetness indicator composition comprises the terpolymer, a tackifying resin, a compatible surfactant having a HLB value less than 20 and a pH indicator or a dye that is capable of changing color when insulted with urine, as the primary ingredients. One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a wetness indicator that has excellent heat and environmental stability, improved fastness, vivid color change, easy manufacturing, and easy application. Another embodiment is directed towards a composition having a delayed response and therefore can withstand multiple insults daily.

Description

field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot melt wetness indicator adhesive composition useful in disposable nonwoven absorbent articles. The indicator adhesive will indicate wetness when bodily fluids are expelled from the wearer. The adhesive can be formulated to have varying speeds of color change, from a nearly instantaneous reaction to a delayed color change of several hours. Background of the invention

[0002] Disposable nonwoven absorbent products have broad acceptance in the care of infants, children and incontinent adults. Typical disposable nonwoven absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pads and briefs, feminine napkins or pads, and tampons. Disposable nonwoven absorbent articles such as these function to receive and contain urine and other bodily fluids excreted by the wearer. These articles are worn next to or next to the skin of the wearer.

[0003] A typical disposable nonwoven ...