Disposable absorbent products with tear-resistant film

Abstract

Disposable absorbent articles comprising an elastic film material resistant to crack growth, wherein the elastic film material comprises a SEEPS block copolymer, the SEEPS block copolymer comprising a rubber center block of a hydrogenated copolymer of isoprene and butadiene, the SEEPS block copolymer having a mass ratio of isoprene to 1,3-butadiene of 46 / 54 to 44 / 56, and wherein the elastic film material has a melting temperature T m between 10°C and 20°C and exhibits a failure time of more than 1 hour according to a slow tear test.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application generally relates to a disposable absorbent article comprising an improved elastic film material. More particularly, a disposable absorbent article and / or component(s) thereof comprising a film having improved resistance to the unwanted growth of a tear, hole, opening, or other discontinuity are disclosed. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Disposable absorbent articles are widely used to absorb and store liquid soils for disposal. Commonly known disposable absorbent articles include diapers, pull-on diapers, diaper pants, adult incontinence products, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. It is not uncommon for disposable absorbent articles to incorporate film materials, particularly elastic films, to control the movement of liquids and provide a comfortable, snug fit when the disposable absorbent article is worn by a wearer. However, conventional elastic film materials are known to develop holes or tears when subjected to the normal wear and tear of the disposable absorbent article during use.Such damage may, for example, be related to material defects, contact with sharp objects, pulling and stretching by a wearer, intense activity of a wearer, and / or repeated mechanical tension during wear. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for film materials incorporated into disposable absorbent articles to be subjected to intense mechanical and / or thermal stress during various manufacturing processes (e.g., incremental stretching processes or bonding processes such as high pressure bonding, thermal bonding, and ultrasonic bonding), which may lead to unwanted tears and / or holes in the film. In certain applications, it may even be desirable to intentionally incorporate into a disposable absorbent article a film that has one or more pre-formed irregularities (e.g.,one or more apertures extending at least partially through the thickness of the film), for example to control the breathability, permeability to liquids and / or solids, turbidity and / or extensibility of the disposable absorbent article or article component.

[0003] Initially, openings in the film, whether desired or undesired, may start small and be relatively insignificant with respect to the desired function of the film, disposable absorbent article component, and / or disposable absorbent article. However, as the size of the opening increases, partial or complete (catastrophic) failure of the film, disposable absorbent article component, and / or disposable absorbent article may ultimately occur. Unintentional catastrophic failure of a disposable absorbent article or disposable absorbent article component is undesirable because, for example, bodily exudates may leak from the disposable absorbent article and / or the disposable absorbent article may separate from the wearer. To further address the potential problems associated with conventional films, at least some manufacturers wish to use thinner and / or lower basis weight films to reduce material costs.The above-mentioned problems related to the formation of cracks, holes and openings in a film can be even more acute with thinner films / films with lower basis weight.

[0004] To reduce the possibility of an elastic film failing due to the presence and / or formation of a tear, hole, and / or opening, the strength of the film can be increased. Increasing the strength of the film typically means increasing the thickness of the film or forming the film from different materials, both of which can undesirably affect the cost and / or complexity of manufacturing the film or the suitability of the film for a particular use. For example, the use of a stronger film in a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper or pants can result in undesirably high pressure on a wearer's skin, which can lead to red marks and / or discomfort.Furthermore, increasing the overall strength of the film can only improve the resistance of the film to the initial formation of a hole, crack or opening and not to their subsequent growth.

[0005] Another method for reducing the possibility of unwanted growth of a tear, hole, or opening in a film, particularly in a low basis weight film, involves adding one or more reinforcing layers to the film. For example, the film may be sandwiched between two or more nonwoven layers, and / or the film may be formed with one or more commonly known "skin layers" (e.g., by a coextrusion process). However, adding additional layers of material to enhance the performance of the film may undesirably increase the cost and / or complexity of manufacturing a particular disposable absorbent article or article component incorporating the film and / or may render the film unsuitable for its intended purpose.Thus, there remains a need to provide a film suitable for use in a disposable absorbent article that exhibits resistance to the growth of tears, holes and / or openings in a variety of circumstances (e.g., low basis weight) without the use of additional reinforcing materials.

[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a disposable absorbent article having a film with improved resistance to the growth of a tear, hole, or opening.

[0007] US 2007 / 0 066 753 A1 shows a polymer blend of improved processability comprising a conventional block polymer, a controlled distribution block polymer and one or more components selected from the group consisting of olefin polymers, styrene polymers, resins, extender oils, waxes, fillers and engineering thermoplastic resins.

[0008] EP 1 226 214 B1 discloses an elastomer material for low-stress relaxation comprising a block copolymer with an elastomeric soft block portion and thermoplastic hard block sections, at least one vinylarene resin, and mineral oil. The elastomer material can be used in a film comprising an elastomer layer and at least one skin layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer.

[0009] US 2009 / 0 247 703 A1 shows a process for improving the tear strength of elastic films comprising an anionic block copolymer of monoalkenyl arenes and conjugated dienes, a monoalkenyl arene polymer prepared via anionic polymerization and a rubber plasticizer modifier.

[0010] US 7 717 893 B2 shows an absorbent article comprising at least one topsheet of a liquid-impermeable backsheet bonded to the topsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a slow-recovery elastomer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the invention is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a disposable absorbent article. Fig. Figure 3 is a graph of stress as a function of strain. Fig. Figure 4 is a graph of time as a function of temperature for use in the DSC test. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONDefinitions.

[0012] "Disposable absorbent article" means a device that absorbs and contains body exudates, and special devices positioned on or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary disposable absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, pull-on diapers (i.e., a diaper with a preformed waist opening and preformed leg openings, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,120,487 (US 6 120 487 A)), refastenable diapers or pull-on diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holders and liners, feminine care garments such as panty liners, absorbent inserts, and the like.

[0013] "Activation" is the mechanical deformation of a plastically extensible material that results in the permanent elongation of the extensible material in the direction of activation in the material's XY plane. For example, activation occurs when a web or a portion of a web is subjected to a stress that causes the material to be stretched beyond the onset of plasticity, which may or may not involve complete mechanical failure of the material or a portion of the material. Activation of a laminate comprising an elastic material bonded to a plastically extensible material typically results in permanent deformation of the plastic material, while the elastic material essentially returns to its original dimension. "Activation" and variations thereof mean that the material is subjected to an activation process.

[0014] "Aperture" means an opening in a film intentionally added during film formation or laminate formation to impart a desired property, such as breathability. Aperture growth is the increase in the size of the opening due to mechanical failure of the section(s) of film adjacent to the opening.

[0015] "Grain per unit area" is the property of a layer or sheet of material, calculated as the weight of the material divided by its surface area. The units for the grain per unit area are grams per square meter (g / m 2 ).

[0016] “Breathable” means that a film or laminate has air permeability values ​​between 5 and 50 m 3 / m 2 / min in the air permeability test described below.

[0017] “Copolymer” means a polymer derived from two or more types of monomers, each polymer chain comprising repeat units of more than one type of monomer.

[0018] Crystallite melting temperatures are determined by differential scanning calorimetry, which is described in more detail below. The endothermic melting peak temperature is referred to as the T m (T pm for ASTM D3418-08) of a particular crystal population. Materials of the present invention may exhibit one or more endothermic melting peaks.

[0019] “Arranged” means that an element is positioned at a specific location with respect to another element.

[0020] “Elastic,” “elastomeric,” and “elastically extensible” mean the ability of a material to stretch by at least 50% without tearing or breaking under a given load, and upon removal of the load, the elastic material or component exhibits at least 80% recovery (i.e., less than 20% residual deformation). For example, an elastic material that has an initial length of 100 mm can be stretched to at least 150 mm (50% elongation) and, upon release of the force, can contract to a length of 110 mm (i.e., exhibit a residual deformation of 10 mm or 10%). Elongation, sometimes referred to as yield, percent elongation, engineering strain, draw ratio, or extension, as well as recovery and residual deformation, can each be determined according to the hysteresis test described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that this definition of elastic does not apply to materials that do not have the correct dimensions (e.g.,not wide enough) to properly undergo the hysteresis test. Instead, such a material is considered elastic if it can stretch to at least 50% upon application of a clamping force and essentially return to its original length (i.e., less than 20% residual deformation) upon release of the clamping force.

[0021] “Extensible” means the ability to stretch or elongate by at least 50% without tearing or breaking.

[0022] "Film" means a sheet material where the length and width of the material far exceed the thickness (e.g., 10x, 50x, or even 1000x or more). Films are typically impermeable to liquids but can be configured to be breathable.

[0023] A "hole" refers to an undesirable opening in a film that tends to act as a "crack" in the sense of fracture mechanics. Mechanical failure of a film can result from the growth of a hole. Hole growth is the increase in the size of the hole due to mechanical failure of the section(s) of the film adjacent to the hole.

[0024] "Connected" means structures in which one element is attached to another element by attaching the element directly to it, and structures in which one element is attached indirectly to another element by attaching the element to one or more intermediate elements which are in turn attached to another element.

[0025] “Laminate” means two or more materials bonded together by a suitable process known in the art (e.g., adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or high pressure bonding with heated or unheated pattern roll).

[0026] "Longitudinal" means a direction substantially perpendicular from one waist end edge to an opposite waist end edge of a disposable absorbent article when the disposable absorbent article is in a flat, uncollapsed state, or from a waist end edge to the crotch bottom for a single-fold or double-fold disposable absorbent article. Directions within 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered "longitudinal." "Transverse" refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from one side edge to an opposite side edge of a disposable absorbent article. Directions within 45 degrees of the transverse direction are considered transverse.

[0027] "Machine direction" or "MD" is the direction parallel to the direction of travel of the web in a manufacturing process. Directions within 45 degrees of the machine direction are considered machine directions. The "cross machine direction" or "CD" is the direction substantially perpendicular to the machine direction and in the plane generally defined by the web. Directions within 45 degrees of the cross machine direction are considered cross directions.

[0028] "Nonwoven fabric" means a porous fibrous material made from continuous (long) filaments (fibers) and / or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) using processes such as melt spinning, meltblowing, air-laying, carding, coforming, hydroentangling, and the like. Nonwoven fabrics do not have a woven or knitted filament pattern. Nonwoven fabrics can be liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable.

[0029] "Plastic" and "plastically ductile" mean the ability of a material to stretch by at least 50% without cracking or breaking under a given load, and upon removal of the load, the material or component exhibits at least 20% residual deformation (i.e., a recovery of less than 80%). For example, a ductile material that has an initial length of 100 mm can stretch to at least 150 mm (50% elongation) and, upon release of the applied force, contract to a length of 135 mm (i.e., exhibit a residual deformation of 35 mm (35% residual deformation)) when subjected to a suitable hysteresis test well known in the art.

[0030] “Relaxed” means the state of an element, material, or component at rest, with essentially no external force acting on the element other than gravity.

[0031] "Crack" means an undesirable opening in a film that overlaps one or more of the film's edges and can act as a "tear" in the sense of fracture mechanics. Crack growth is the increase in the size of the crack due to mechanical failure of the section(s) of the film adjacent to the crack.

[0032] "Web" means a material that can be wound into a roll. Webs can be films, nonwovens, laminates, apertured films and / or laminates, and the like. The area of ​​a web refers to one of its two-dimensional surfaces, as opposed to its edge.

[0033] “XY plane” means the plane defined by the machine direction and cross-machine direction of a moving web or the length and width of a piece of material. polymer

[0034] A variety of elastomeric polymers can be used to produce an elastic film. Non-limiting examples of elastomeric polymers include homopolymers, block copolymers, random copolymers, alternating copolymers, graft copolymers, and the like. Particularly suitable polymers for use in films that exhibit resistance to crack propagation are block copolymers, which are typically made from blocks (or segments) of different repeating units, each of which contributes to the properties of the polymer. One reason block copolymers are considered suitable, at least in part, is that the blocks of the copolymer are covalently bonded to one another, forming microphase-separated structures, with rubbery domains providing good extensibility, while the glassy end-block domains provide mechanical integrity (e.g.,good mechanical strength and the avoidance of undesirable stress relaxation or flow). Block copolymers suitable for use herein can exhibit both elastomeric and thermoplastic properties. For example, the end blocks can form domains that exhibit stiff, rigid mechanical properties at temperatures prevailing during end use (e.g., 20-40°C), thereby imparting rigidity and strength to the overall polymer. Such an end block is sometimes referred to as a "hard block." The middle block can accommodate the relatively large deformations associated with elastomers and provides strength when the material is stressed (i.e., stretched or elongated). Such a middle block is sometimes referred to as a "soft block" or "rubbery block." Suitable block copolymers for use herein include at least one hard block (A) and at least one soft block (B).The block copolymers may consist of multiple blocks. In certain embodiments, the block copolymer may be an ABA triblock copolymer, an ABAB tetrablock copolymer, or an ABABA pentablock copolymer. Other suitable copolymers include triblock copolymers with endblocks A and A', where A and A' are derived from different compounds. In certain embodiments, the block copolymers may have more than one hard block and / or more than one soft block, where each hard block may be derived from the same or different monomers, and each soft block may be derived from the same or different monomers.

[0035] Suitable hard block components have a glass transition temperature (T g) of greater than 25°C or 45°C or even 65°C, but typically less than 100°C. The hard block portion may be derived from vinyl monomers, including vinylarenes such as styrene and alpha-methylstyrene, or combinations thereof. The soft block portion may be a polymer derived from conjugated aliphatic diene monomers. Typically, the soft block monomers contain fewer than 6 carbon atoms. Suitable diene monomers, such as butadiene and isoprene, may be used as polymerized or in their hydrogenated form. Suitable soft block polymers include poly(butadiene), poly(isoprene), and copolymers of ethylene / propylene, ethylene / butene, and the like. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to partially or fully hydrogenate any remaining olefinic double bonds contained in the copolymer or a portion thereof (e.g., midblock or endblock).

[0036] In a particularly suitable embodiment, the elastomeric polymer may be a styrene-ethylene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer ("SEEPS") comprising two polystyrene endblocks of approximately 8 kg / mol each and a midblock of 45 kg / mol. The midblock may be prepared, for example, by copolymerization and subsequent hydrogenation of isoprene and butadiene. It may be desirable to hydrogenate the copolymer such that 95-99% or even 98-99% of the original C=C double bonds in the midblock are saturated, but the polystyrene endblocks remain aromatically intact. If the degree of hydrogenation is too low, the polymer may begin to lose its ability to undergo strain-induced crystallization. It is believed, without being bound by theory, that strain-induced crystallization in a polymer is important to impart tear-resistant properties to films made with such polymers.In certain embodiments, copolymerizing isoprene and butadiene to produce the rubbery midblock can result in a copolymer that varies in both comonomer sequence and vinyl content. While a SEEPS copolymer is a block copolymer, the ethylene-ethylene-propylene ("EEP") midblock is a random copolymer rather than block or alternating. However, slight deviations from randomness can occur. The deviations from randomness, as well as the vinyl content of the copolymer, can be controlled by adjusting the conditions during polymerization. For example, copolymerizing isoprene and butadiene followed by hydrogenation can allow for a variety of branching modes. Table 1 below exemplifies the different branching modes that can result.With the partial exception of the methyl branches, the branches generally do not “fit” into the polyethylene-like crystals and therefore reduce the degree of crystallinity and the T. m of the middle block. For example, the middle block of a SEEPS block copolymer can be approximately 7% crystalline at temperatures below -50 °C and have a T m of approximately 0 °C. In comparison, an essentially unbranched polyethylene is approximately 75% crystalline and has a T m of approximately 135 °C. Table 1 isomer Branching type after hydrogenation 1,2-Isopren Methyl, Ethyl 3,4-Isopren Isopropyl 1,4-Isopren methyl 1,2-butadiene Ethyl 1,4-Butadien No branching - crystallization possible

[0037] The length of the crystallizable CH2 sequences, which directly influence the melting temperature of the polymer midblock, depends at least in part on the sequence of comonomer integration into the midblock (e.g., isoprene always results in branching of some kind) and the overall balance between 1,4- and 1,2- (or 3,4-) polymerization of the dienes. The Tm of the crystal can provide information on the length of the crystallizable sequences and the material's ability to undergo strain-induced crystallization, both of which are related to the number, type, and distribution of branches on the midblock main chain. Suitable elastomers herein include sufficiently long crystallizable sequences of CH2 groups (forming polyethylene-like crystals) that have a T m of more than 10 °C (compared to, for example, -5 °C for previously known materials). A suitable T m for the elastomers herein is between 10 °C and 20 °C, 12 °C and 18 °C; 13 °C and 17 °C; or even between 14 °C and 16 °C.

[0038] In addition to the EEP midblocks described above, it may be desirable to provide an "EB" type midblock (i.e., hydrogenated polybutadiene) containing similar crystallizable sequences, for example, by selecting the appropriate solvent polarity (which controls the 1-4 vs. 1-2 content), as described in Anionic Polymerization: Principles and Practical Applications, Henry Hsieh, Roderick Quirk; Chapter 9, pp. 197-229; Marcel Decker, New York (1996) (HSIEH: Anionic polymerization. CRC Press, 1996, pp. 197-229). film

[0039] Unlike conventional elastomeric films (e.g., films made from known elastomers such as Vector 4211 from Dexco Polymers LP, Houston, TX, USA), which form films having minimal or no tear resistance, the elastic films disclosed herein comprise an effective amount of at least one elastic polymer that imparts suitable tear resistance to the film. Such resistance is believed to be not limited to tears, but also includes slits, openings, holes, and / or any other irregularities in the film. The slow tear test, set forth in co-pending U.S. Patent Ser. No. 13 / 026,533, entitled "Tear Resistant Film," filed by Mansfield on February 14, 2011 (US 2012 / 0 207 969 A1) and further assigned as Docket No.11993 of the P&G Attorneys, provides a method for quantifying the resistance of a film to the growth of a crack, hole, opening, or other discontinuity. Suitable failure time values ​​for the films disclosed herein are greater than 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 10 hours, 15 hours, or even up to 24 hours or more, for example, up to 30 hours, 36 hours, 40 hours, 44 hours, 48 ​​hours, or even up to 60 hours when measured according to the slow tear test. Ideally, the film can be indefinitely resistant to the growth of a crack. While the present films desirably exhibit suitable resistance to the growth of a crack as described herein, it may also be desirable for the films herein to exhibit resistance to the rapid application of a relatively high mechanical stress.For example, the present films may exhibit a quick tensile strength between 10 and 25 MPa; 15 and 20 MPa; 16 and 19 MPa; or even between 17 and 18 MPa, as measured according to the quick tensile test set forth in the above-referenced, co-pending application entitled "Tear Resistant Film." It may further be desirable to provide a film exhibiting a notched quick tensile strength between 10 and about 20 MPa; 14 and 19 MPa; or even between 15 and 18 MPa, as measured according to the notched quick tensile test set forth in the above-referenced, co-pending application entitled "Tear Resistant Film." It is believed, without being bound by theory, that appropriate quick tensile strength and / or notched tensile strength may be important to provide at least some resistance to film failure associated with relatively high rates of undesirable mechanical stress.

[0040] The present tear-resistant films are not limited to any particular dimension and can be configured as relatively thin layers of material. In certain embodiments, the film can have an effective average thickness between 1 µm - 1 mm; 3 µm - 1500 µm; or 5 µm - 100 µm, or any value within these ranges. The tear-resistant films can be formed by any suitable method known in the art, such as extruding a molten thermoplastic and / or elastomeric polymer through a slot die and then cooling the extruded layer. Other non-limiting examples for preparing films include casting, blowing, solution casting, calendering, and formation from aqueous or cast, non-aqueous dispersions. Suitable methods for preparing films from polymeric materials are described in the Plastics Engineering Handbook of the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., fourth edition, 1976, on pages 156, 174, 180 and 183 (Society of the Plastics Industry: Plastics Engineering Handbook of the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1976. pp. 156, 174, 180, 183). In certain embodiments, the elastic film may have an engineering load stress at 200% elongation (L200) between approximately 0.8 and 2 MPa, 1.0 and 1.5 MPa, or even between 1.0 and 1.2 MPa, and an engineering unload stress at 50% elongation (UL50) between 0.3 and 0.8, 0.4 and 0.6, or even between 0.5 and 0.6 MPa according to the hysteresis test described in more detail below. The L200 and UL50 values ​​disclosed above may be important for providing a film suitable for use in a disposable absorbent article (e.g.to provide low-force recovery stretch, a snug, comfortable fit, less unwanted sagging, containment of body waste in a desired location, resistance to the initial formation of a hole or tear).

[0041] The present tear-resistant films may include optional additives such as antioxidants and / or modifying resins. Furthermore, the films may be physically modified (e.g., apertured, slitted, incorporated into a multilayer laminate material, or subjected to an incremental stretching process) and still exhibit suitable tear resistance. Exemplary films including optional additives, modifying resins, and physical modifications are disclosed in the above-referenced, co-pending application entitled "Tear Resistant Film." Laminat

[0042] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to incorporate the film into a laminate, such as a trilaminate, wherein a film layer is sandwiched between two nonwoven layers (e.g., a film layer sandwiched between two SMS nonwoven layers). It is understood that the laminate may be configured to include any number of film and / or nonwoven layers, as desired. Laminates herein may have a laminate integrity time of greater than 2 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 20 hours, 30 hours, or even greater than 50 hours, but typically less than 100 hours, tested according to the laminate integrity test set forth in copending U.S. Patent Ser. No. 13 / 026,563, filed February 14, 2011 by Mansfield, entitled "Tear Resistant Laminate" (US 2012 / 0 209 230 A1), further filed as P&G Attorneys Docket No. 11994.Ideally, the tear-resistant laminates described herein can be indefinitely resistant to the growth of a hole, tear, or opening. Suitable examples of laminate structures are disclosed in the above-referenced, co-pending application entitled "Tear Resistant Laminate" and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007 / 0249254, filed by Mansfield on April 24, 2006, entitled "Stretch Laminate, Method of Making and Absorbent Article" (US 2007 / 0 249 254 A1). Disposable absorbent articles

[0043] The film and / or laminate are incorporated into a disposable absorbent article (e.g., a diaper or training pants). For certain disposable absorbent articles, it is particularly important that they function as intended for a predetermined period of time (e.g., overnight while the wearer sleeps). Thus, appropriate laminate integrity times and failure time values ​​are important for providing an indication that a disposable absorbent article or article component incorporating the laminate or film is less likely to fail in use.

[0044] While one or more of the following exemplary embodiments relate to a diaper, training pant, or similar wearable disposable absorbent article, it should be understood that the tear-resistant film disclosed herein can be applied to great advantage in a variety of disposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, hard-surface cleaning wipes or pads; pre-moistened rags; paper towels; dryer sheets and dry cleaning wipes; adult incontinence briefs and undergarments; feminine care garments such as panty liners, sanitary napkins, absorbent inserts, and the like; toilet paper; wood pulp paper; personal cleansing wipes or sheets such as baby wipes or facial tissues; packaging components and substrates and / or containers for laundry detergents and coffee, which may be produced in pellets or pouches and manufactured in a converting or web process.

[0045] Fig.1 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a diaper 20 in a flat, uncontracted state (i.e., without elastically induced contraction). The garment-facing surface 120 of the diaper 20 faces the viewer. The diaper 20 has a longitudinal axis 100 and a transverse axis 110. The diaper 20 has a front waist region 36, a back waist region 38 opposite the front waist region 36, and a crotch region 37 located between the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38. The waist regions 36, 38 generally include those portions of the diaper 20 that encircle the waist of the wearer when worn. The waist regions 36 and 38 may include elastic members (e.g.,made of a tear-resistant film or polymer as disclosed herein) that gather the material in the front and / or back waist region 36, 38 around the wearer's waist to provide improved fit and containment. The crotch region 37 is the portion of the diaper 20 that, when the diaper 20 is worn, is generally located between the wearer's legs. The outer periphery of the diaper 20 is defined by longitudinal side edges 12 and end edges 14. The opposing longitudinal side edges 12 may be generally aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 100. Elastic members (e.g., made of the tear-resistant film or polymers as disclosed herein) may be disposed adjacent the side edges 14 of the diaper 20 to form gasket cuffs when the diaper 20 is in a fastened configuration. In certain embodiments, elastic members incorporating a tear-resistant polymer may extend inwardly from the side edges 12 (i.e.,toward the longitudinal axis 100) to form barrier leg cuffs. Suitable examples of gasket cuffs and barrier leg cuffs are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,032,120, issued July 16, 1991 to Freeland et al. (US 5 032 120 A), and 7,527,616, issued May 5, 2009 to Miyamoto (US 2003 / 0 120 247 A1).

[0046] The Fig.1 includes a liquid pervious topsheet 24, a liquid impervious backsheet 26, and an absorbent core 28 disposed therebetween. The absorbent core 28 may have a bodyfacing surface and a garmentfacing surface. The topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 may be joined together in a number of well-known configurations. For example, the topsheet 24 may be joined to the core 28 and / or the backsheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined to the core 28 and / or the topsheet 24. It should be understood that other structures, elements, or substrates may also be disposed in joined or unjoined relationship between the core 28, the topsheet 24, and / or the backsheet 26. Non-limiting examples of suitable diaper configurations are generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,860,003; 4,808,178; 4,909,803; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234; 5,580,411; 6,004,306; und 7,626,073; und US-Patent Veröffentlichungs-Nr. 2007 / 0249254 (US 3 860 003 A, US 4 808 178 A, US 4 909 803 A, US 5 151 092 A, US 5 221 274 A, US 5 554 145 A, US 5 569 234 A, US 5 580 411 A, US 6 004 306 A, US 2005 / 0 177 123 A1, US 2007 / 0 249 254 A1) beschrieben.

[0047] The topsheet 24 typically comprises a portion of the diaper 20 that is at least partially in contact with or in close proximity to a wearer. Suitable topsheets 24 can be made from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams; cross-linked foams; apertured films (e.g., the tear-resistant film disclosed herein); or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers, or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers; or multi-layer laminates of these materials. Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid permeable so that liquids can readily penetrate through the thickness of the topsheet 24. Any portion of the topsheet 24 can be coated with a lotion, as is known in the art. Examples of suitable lotions include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,607,760; 5,609,587; 5,635,191; and 5,643,588 (US 5 607 760 A, US 5 609 587 A, US 5 635 191 A, US 5 643 588 A).

[0048] The absorbent core 28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other disposable absorbent articles (e.g., superabsorbent polymer ("SAP") particles and / or airfelt). These materials may be combined to provide a core 28 in the form of one or more layers, including liquid handling layers such as acquisition layers, distribution layers, and storage layers. Such absorbent cores 28 may have layers for stabilizing other core components. Such layers may include a core cover and a dusting layer. In certain embodiments, one or more of the core layers may comprise a tear-resistant film as described herein. In certain embodiments, the absorbent core 28 may be composed of less than 20 wt.-% Airfelt, based on the weight of the absorbent core 28, or the absorbent core 28 may even be free of Airfelt. Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231; 5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; 5,397,316; and 5,625,222; 7,750,203; and 7,744,576 (US 4,610,678 A, US 4,673,402 A, US 4,834,735 A, US 4,888,231 A, US 5,137,537 A, US 5,147,345 A, US 5,342,338 A, US 5,260,345 A, US 5 387 207 A, US 5 397 316 A, US 5 625 222 A, US 2004 / 0 162 536 A1, US 2004 / 0 167 486 A1).

[0049] The backsheet 26 may be positioned to enclose at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 120 of the diaper 20. The backsheet 26 may be configured to prevent exudates absorbed by and contained within the diaper 20 from soiling articles that may contact the diaper 20, such as bedsheets and undergarments. In certain embodiments, the backsheet 26 is substantially water impermeable. One or more portions of the backsheet may be formed from the tear-resistant film material disclosed herein. Other suitable materials of the backsheet 26 may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the diaper 20 while still preventing exudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Such breathable composite materials are described in PCT Application No. WO 95 / 16746 (WO 95 / 16746 A1) and U.S. Patent No.No. 5,865,823 (US Pat. No. 5,865,823). Other breathable backsheets including nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,096 (US Pat. No. 5,571,096). An exemplary suitable backsheet is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537 (US Pat. No. 6,107,537). Other suitable materials and / or manufacturing methods may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26, including, but not limited to, surface treatments, special film selection and processing, special yarn selection and processing, etc.

[0050] The backsheet 26 may also comprise more than one layer, configured, for example, as separate, unbonded layers or as a laminate. It should be understood that such laminate structures are not limited to the backsheet 26, but may be incorporated as desired into any of the components of the diaper 20 described herein or generally known in the art (e.g., wings or side panels). As shown in the sectional view of Fig.2, the backsheet 26 may include an outer cover 26a and an inner layer 26b that is at least partially disposed beneath the outer cover 26a when viewed from the garment-facing side of the diaper 20. The outer cover 26a may have longitudinal side edges 27a, and the inner layer 26b may have longitudinal side edges 27b. The outer cover 26a may be made of a soft nonwoven material. The inner layer 26b, or a portion thereof, may be made of a substantially water-impermeable film, such as the elastic, tear-resistant film disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the waist regions 36 and 38 of the inner layer 26b may include the tear-resistant elastic film material, while the crotch region 37 of the inner layer 26b includes no film or another film.The outer cover 26a and an inner layer 26b may be bonded together using an adhesive or other suitable material or method. Furthermore, the outer cover 26a and / or the inner cover 26b may each comprise more than one layer of material, such as in a laminate structure.

[0051] The diaper 20 may also include a fastening system 50. When fastened, the fastening system 50 typically interconnects the front waist region 36 and the back waist region 38, resulting in a waist circumference that generally surrounds a wearer of the diaper 20. It may be desirable to provide portions or components of the fastening system 50 with elastic extensibility. Thus, one or more portions or components of the fastening system may comprise a tear-resistant film material as described herein. Exemplary surface fastening systems are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and 5,221,274 (US 3,848,594 A, US 4,662,875 A, US 4,846,815 A, US 4,894,060 A, US 4,946,527 A, US 5,151,092 A, US 5,221,274 A). An exemplary positive fastening system is disclosed in US Patent No. 6,432,098 (US 6,432,098 B1).The fastening system 50 may also provide a means for holding the article in a disposal configuration, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,963,140 (US 4 963 140 A). The fastening system 50 may also include primary and secondary fastening systems, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,699,622 (US 4 699 622 A). The fastening system 50 may be constructed to reduce displacement of overlapping portions or to improve fit, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978; 5,507,736; 5,591,152; and co-pending U.S. Patent Ser. No. 12 / 794,103, filed June 4, 2010 by Rezai et al. and further filed as Case No. 11357M of P&G Attorneys, (US 5 242 436 A, US 5 499 978 A, US 5 507 736 A, US 5 591 152 A, US 2010 / 0 312 207 A1).

[0052] In certain embodiments, a portion of the fastening system 50 may be disposed on one or more of the wings 40, 42 of the diaper, which are described in more detail below. For example, the Fig. 1, the fastening system 50 comprising an engagement element 52 and a receiving element 54 may be configured such that the engagement element 52 is disposed on the rear wing 42. The engagement element 52 has an engagement surface 53 that can engage a complementary receiving surface on the receiving element 54 and / or another portion of the diaper 20. The engagement element may be disposed on a wing 40, 42 of the diaper 20 such that it extends laterally outwardly therefrom, as shown in Fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the engagement element 352 may be an integral part of the wing 40, 42, for example as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0053] The diaper 20 may include one or more wings 40, 42, sometimes referred to as "side panels" or "sides" when the diaper 20 (or pant) is in a fastened or pre-fastened configuration, extending laterally outwardly from one or both side edges 12 in the front and / or back waist region 36, 38. The wings 40, 42 may extend longitudinally from the end edge 14 of the diaper 20 to the portion of the side edge 12 of the diaper 20 that forms the leg openings 355 when the diaper 20 is in a fastened configuration, for example, as shown in Fig.2. The wings 40, 42 may be configured as integral elements of the backsheet, the topsheet, and / or the core (i.e., they are formed from materials of the backsheet, the topsheet, and / or the core and are extensions thereof), or the wings 40, 42 may be separately handled elements attached to the backsheet and / or the topsheet by any suitable means known in the art. The wings 40, 42 may be configured as a single film layer or as a laminate structure of one or more film layers and one or more nonwoven layers. For example, the wings 40, 42 may be configured as a tear-resistant film layer sandwiched between two nonwoven layers. Each nonwoven layer may also be configured as two or more layers.Laminates suitable for use herein have a minimum laminate integrity time of greater than 2 hours, 5 hours, 10 hours, 20 hours, 30 hours, or even greater than 50 hours, but typically less than 100 hours, when tested according to the laminate integrity test described in the above-referenced, co-pending application entitled "Tear Resistant Laminate." Ideally, a tear-resistant laminate can be indefinitely resistant to the growth of a hole, tear, or opening. The laminate structure used to form a flap 40, 42 can be subjected to an incremental stretching process before or after integration into the flap 40, 42 or the diaper 20 to activate the nonwoven layers and provide an elastically extensible flap, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,464,401 issued to Hasse et al. on November 7, 1995 (US 5,464,401 A), and US Patent No. 4,834,741, issued to Sabee et al. on November 30, 1995 (US 5,464,401 A).May 1989 (US Pat. No. 4,834,741). In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to configure the wing or a portion thereof to be breathable, for example, by providing micropores, openings, capillaries, or other irregularities in the film.

[0054] Fig.2 shows a diaper 300 in a partially fastened configuration (i.e., one fastener is fastened and the other fastener is unfastened). The front and back waist regions 336 and 338 include front and back wings 340, 342 that are permanently or refastenably connected together (e.g., with the engagement feature 352) to form a waist opening 350 that surrounds the waist of a wearer when the diaper 300 is worn as intended. One or more components forming a fastening system, such as the engagement feature 352, may be disposed on the back wings 342. The engagement feature 352 may engage another portion of the diaper 300, such as a receiving feature disposed on the front wings 340 or a portion of the front waist region 336.The engagement feature 352 and the receiving feature, if provided, may each have a surface feature that is complementary and capable of forming a mechanical bond with the surface feature of the other (e.g., hook and loop or tab and fly). The diaper 100 may include a crotch region 337 extending between the front and back waist regions 336 and 338. The front and back waist regions 336 and 338 may each include one or more elastic waist features. The attached diaper 300 may include one or more leg openings 355 defined by a leg band region. The leg opening 355 may have a minimum circular diameter of at least 4 cm and / or a maximum circular diameter of at least 10 cm.The leg opening 355 may be configured to have a range of circle diameters, with the maximum circle diameter being at least 3x, 5x, or even 10x the minimum circle diameter.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the disposable absorbent article may be prefabricated (i.e., packaged in a fastened configuration) by the manufacturer to create a panty product such as a commonly known training pant. A panty may be preformed using any suitable method, including, but not limited to, joining sections of the disposable absorbent article together using resealable and / or non-resealable connections (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive material, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). For example, the disposable absorbent article may be manufactured such that the fastening system is pre-connected (i.e., the engagement member is connected to the receiving member 54 prior to packaging the disposable absorbent article for sale).As an additional example, the disposable absorbent article may be manufactured such that the front wings 40 are joined to the back wings 42 by means of a bond such as an adhesive bond, a mechanical bond, or other bonding technique known in the art. It may be desirable to have a wetness indicator on the panty that provides a sensory cue (e.g., visual or audible) to indicate the presence and / or amount of urine and / or feces in the panty (or the diaper 20 described above). Suitable pantyhose are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,246,433; 5,569,234; 6,120,487; 6,120,489; 4,940,464; 5,092,861; 5,897,545; and 5,957,908 (US 5,246,433 A, US 5,569,234 A, US 6,120,487 A, US 6,120,489 A, US 4,940,464 A, US 5,092,861 A, US 5,897,545 A, US 5,957,908 A). Suitable wetness indicators are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 7,332,642, issued February 19, 2008 to Liu; 7,159,532, issued March 9, 2008 to Liu;January 2007 to Klofta et al.; 7,105,715, issued September 12, 2006 to Carlucci et al.; 6,904,865, issued June 14, 2005 to Klofta et al.; and 6,772,708, issued August 10, 2004 to Klofta et al. (US 2005 / 0 234 414 A1, US 2005 / 0 199 177 A1, US 2005 / 0 256 479 A1, US 2003 / 0 154 904 A1, US 2003 / 0 164 136 A1). Test procedures.

[0056] Environmental conditions for the test procedures herein include a temperature of 23°C ± 2°C, unless otherwise specified. In some cases, a film sample to be tested may have one or more layers of other material bonded to the film material (e.g., samples from commercially available articles). In such cases, the film is carefully separated from the other layers of material so that damage to the film is avoided. If the film becomes damaged (i.e., torn, cut, punctured, etc.) as a result of separating the film from the other material, discard the sample and obtain another that is undamaged. Basis weight (weight per unit area)

[0057] The basis weight of each film is determined according to the INDA standard test WSP 130.1 (09). All conditioning and testing are carried out in an atmosphere of 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity.

[0058] The average of 5 test specimens is calculated as the average basis weight in grams per square meter (g / m 2 ) to 3 decimal places. Effective average thickness

[0059] The effective average thickness of the film is calculated from the average basis weight as follows.

[0060] Effective average thickness = average basis weight / density

[0061] Units: Thickness: micrometers (µm) Basis weight: g / m 2 Density = 0.92 grams per cm 3 (g / cm 3 ) The results are given in micrometers (µm) to 3 decimal places. Hysteresis

[0062] The hysteresis test is conducted in accordance with ASTM D882-02 using linear jaws and a load / hold / unload sequence, subject to the exceptions and / or conditions set forth below. Fig. Figure 3 is provided to illustrate the portion of the stress-strain curve that exhibits the L200 value (i.e., the engineering stress at 200% strain during loading) and the UL50 value (i.e., the engineering stress at 50% strain during unloading) generated during the hysteresis test. One loading-unloading cycle is one sweep. • Test specimen width: 25.4 mm • Measuring length: 25.4 mm • Test speed: 4.233 mm / s • Temperature: 22 - 24 °C • applied displacement: 50.8 mm (200% technical elongation) • Holding time of the applied displacement: 30 seconds • If the clamp design does not accommodate the 50 mm additional specimen length specified in Section 6.1 of ASTM D882-02, prepare specimens with a length that allows the appropriate gauge length to be gripped without interference from other parts of the clamp. In such cases, care must be taken to attach the specimen with the correct orientation, grip, and measurement definition. Note the following: • technical stress at 200% technical strain during the loading segment (L200) • technical stress at 50% technical elongation during the loading segment (UL50) • technical elongation during unloading, when the sample starts to sag (Ls).

[0063] The residual deformation is then defined as Ls, expressed as a fraction of the engineering strain at the applied displacement. For example, if 200% engineering strain is applied to the specimen and sagging occurs at a 20% engineering strain during unloading, the residual deformation is calculated as 20% / 200% = 0.10 = 10%.

[0064] When the hysteresis test is used to determine whether a material meets the definition of "elastic" or "plastic" as described in the definitions, an applied displacement of 12.7 mm (i.e., an engineering strain of 50%) is used. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)

[0065] The DSC test is used to determine the melting temperature (T m ) of a polymer. The T m is determined by DSC measurements according to ASTM D3418-08 (note that T m in the ASTM method as T mpreferred to), with the exception that the Fig. 4 is used for the measurement. Calibration is performed at a heating rate of 20 °C / min. The temperature profile may include the nonlinear section 401 of the profile at time = 30 - 42 minutes, as shown in Fig. 4. The nonlinear section 401 is a manifestation of limitations in the device's cooling capability. It is believed that this deviation from the nominal cooling rate may have a slight impact on the observed melting curve, however, all DSC data herein follow the same profile. Air permeability test

[0066] The air permeability of a substrate (e.g., a film, laminate, or disposable absorbent article component) is determined by measuring the flow rate of standard conditioned air through a test specimen resulting from a specified pressure drop. This test is particularly suitable for materials that exhibit relatively high gas permeability, such as nonwovens, apertured films, and the like. ASTM D737 is used, modified as follows.

[0067] A TexTest FX3300 instrument or equivalent is used, available from Textest AG, Switzerland, or from Advanced Testing Instruments ATI, Spartanburg, SC, USA. The procedures described in the TEXTEST FX 3300 Air Permeability Tester Instructions for Use for the airtightness test and the functional and calibration check are followed. If a different instrument is used, similar precautions for airtightness and calibration are taken according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0068] The pressure drop for the test is set to 125 Pascal, and the test head with an area of ​​5 cm 2 (Model FX3300-5). After measuring a test specimen according to the procedure specified in the TEXTEST FX 3300 Air Permeability Tester Instructions, the result is expressed to three decimal places. The average of the air permeability data from 5 test specimens of this sample (in m3 / m 2 / min) is calculated and recorded as the air permeability value. Examples

[0069] Table 2 shows the formulas for preparing various film samples. S4033, JL-007, and JL-014, listed in Table 2, are hydrogenated SEEPS block copolymers available from Kuraray America, Inc. in Pasadena, TX, USA. S4033 is a well-known SEEPS block copolymer, while the JL series (e.g., JL-007 and JL-014) can be considered S4033-type block copolymers modified for improved processability. The JL series of SEEPS block copolymers has a weight ratio of isoprene to 1,3-butadiene of 46 / 54 to 44 / 56 (e.g., 45 / 55). The oil in Table 2 is a white mineral oil, such as Drakeol 600, Hydrobrite 550, or Krystol 550. REGALREZ 1126 and REGALITE 1125 are adhesion promoters available from Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN, USA. PS 3190 is a polystyrene homopolymer available from NOVA Chemical Company, Canada. AO is a suitable antioxidant, such as Irganox 100, available from Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland.

[0070] Samples 1-11 are produced by extruding a thermoplastic composition through a slot die to form a film 100 mm wide and 100 µm thick. The thermoplastic composition is formed by extruding material in a Leistritz twin-screw extruder (27 mm) with extended mixing sections. First, the oil and Septon polymers are blended together, and then the polystyrene and coupling agent are added to the mixture, which is then fed to the extruder. Temperatures in the extruder are typically in the range of 170-230 °C. The compositions are then formed into films using a ThermoFisher single-screw extruder (20 mm). Temperatures in the ThermoFisher extruder are typically in the range of 170-230 °C. Table 2 Sample No. ingredient 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4033 60 56 JL-007 55 60 60 60 55 60 56 JL-0 14 55 60 Öl 15 20 20 16 15 15 20 20 20 31 31 Regalrez 1126 15 10 15 16 15 10 10 Regalite 1125 15 10 PS 3190 15 10 5 8 15 15 10 10 10 13 13 AO 0,05 0,05 0,05 0,1 0,1

[0071] Table 3 shows the failure time and melt temperatures of various elastomeric film materials. Samples 1-6 and 9-10 are provided to demonstrate suitable examples of the present film. Samples 7 and 11 are provided as comparative examples to demonstrate that not all SEEPS block copolymers necessarily provide suitable tear strength and / or processability. The failure time measurements are made according to the slow tear test, and the T mValues ​​are determined according to the DSC method. Samples 12-15 in Table 3 are formed by a two-stage compression molding process, whereby the elastomer is compressed between hot platens (215 °C) and held for a residence time of 3 minutes using shims, resulting in a thick elastomer sheet (approximately 2.5 mm thick). The thick sheet is then folded and stacked, pressed without a shim, and held for a residence time of approximately 30 seconds to yield a film with a thickness between 80-200 µm. The percentages of the various ingredients are each by weight based on the weight of the film. Sample 12 is provided as a comparative example and is made from 56% S4033, 13% PS3160, and 31% white mineral oil.Samples 13 - 15 contain the same relative amounts of SEEPS block copolymer, polystyrene homopolymer, and mineral oil as Sample 12, but vary in the type of SEEPS copolymer, including the T. m of the polymer used in their formation. Sample 13 is formed with 56% JL-007. Sample 14 is formed with JL-014. Sample 15 is formed with JL-013. These ingredients are placed in a small batch mixer (Haake) and mixed at 50 rpm at a temperature of 210°C for 3 minutes. The sheets are then formed by pressing between hot plates maintained at 210°C. Table 3 Sample No. Failure time (hours) T m (°C) 1 7,2 17,7 2 8,3 16,1 3 31,5 15,1 4 17,5 16,2 5 13,7 14,5 6 11,6 16,6 7 1,6 2,4 8 9,6 13,9 9 10,2 15,7 10 0,9 14,6 11 0,3 1,8 12 0,5 -1,0 13 2,1 13,0 14 0,8 13,0 15 7,0 18,0

[0072] As shown in Table 3, the samples containing the S4033-SEEPS block copolymer do not exhibit a failure time of approximately one hour or more and / or a T mbetween 10 and 20 °C, while the samples from the JL series of SEEPS block copolymers provide these desired properties.

[0073] Laminates were produced using films made from the SEEPS block copolymers listed in Table 4. The weight percentages of the individual film components are based on the total film weight and are also shown in Table 4. The films are formed by extrusion in laboratory extrusion equipment with a temperature profile between 180 °C at the first cylinder and 215 °C at the extrusion die. The films have basis weights in the range of 130 to 140 g / m 2 A hot-melt adhesive (e.g., item number 2031, available from Bostik) is applied in a spiral pattern to layers of release paper of sufficient dimensions to cover the nonwoven fabric to form the laminate samples described below. The adhesive is applied with a basis weight of 6.2 g / m2 applied by a spray-melting process. The adhesive is transferred from the release paper to a first nonwoven material (16.5 g / m 2SMS nonwoven fabric, available from Fibertex under article no. ESM0337) by placing the nonwoven fabric on the release paper and gently pressing down on the nonwoven fabric with moderate hand pressure to ensure good contact between the nonwoven fabric and the adhesive. The nonwoven fabric is then carefully peeled off the release paper to transfer the adhesive from the release paper to the nonwoven fabric. This process is repeated so that the adhesive is applied twice to the same side of the nonwoven fabric. After the second removal of the nonwoven fabric from the release paper, the adhesive-containing side of the nonwoven fabric is placed on the film to adhere the nonwoven fabric to the film. The process of applying adhesive to one nonwoven fabric is then repeated on a second, identical nonwoven material. The second nonwoven material is then adhered to the opposite side of the film (i.e.One nonwoven layer for each of the opposing surfaces of the film). It is ensured that the machine directions of the nonwoven and the film are the same. The laminates are cut to a length and width of 100 mm and 50.8 mm, respectively. All samples are then stacked on top of each other and subjected to a pressure of 20 kPa for three seconds. Each laminate is then subjected to an activation process, whereby the laminate is activated on ring roller plates with an interval of 200 to an engagement depth of 8 mm, with teeth having a tip radius of 120 µm. In this way, 250% engineering strain is applied to the laminate in 0.2 seconds along the machine direction of the laminate, to each piece of material sandwiched between a pair of teeth. This causes permanent deformation of the nonwoven fabric.Thus, the elastomeric film is able to stretch with substantially reduced mechanical interference from the nonwoven fabric (relative to a non-activated laminate). Table 4 Nr. Sample ID S4033 JL013 PS 3190 DRAKEOL 600 1 grf410-17a 0,56 0,13 0,31 2 grf410-17c 0,56 0,13 0,31

[0074] Table 5 shows the laminate integrity times and failure times of the laminates from Table 4 when tested according to the laminate integrity test. Table 5 Nr. Sample ID Laminate integrity time (hrs) Failure time 1 GRF410-17a 1,85 0,36 2 GRF410-17c 5,20 1,7

[0075] As shown in Table 5, Sample 2 exhibits a suitable laminate integrity time of more than 2 hours. In contrast, Sample 1, provided as a comparative example, does not exhibit a suitable laminate integrity time of more than 2 hours. Similarly, Sample 1 does not provide a suitable failure time of more than 1 hour.

[0076] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​stated. Instead, unless otherwise noted, each of these dimensions is intended to mean both the stated value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm." Furthermore, properties described herein may include one or more ranges of values. It should be understood that these ranges include any value within the range, even if the individual values ​​within the range are not expressly disclosed.

[0077] All documents cited in the detailed description of the invention are incorporated herein by reference in relevant portions; citation of any document does not imply agreement that it represents prior art to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this specification conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in any specification incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this specification shall govern.

[0078] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] A disposable absorbent article comprising an elastic film material resistant to the growth of a tear, wherein the elastic film material comprises a SEEPS block copolymer, wherein the SEEPS block copolymer comprises a rubber middle block of a hydrogenated copolymer of isoprene and butadiene, wherein the SEEPS block copolymer has a mass ratio of isoprene to 1,3-butadiene of from 46 / 54 to 44 / 56, wherein the elastic film material has a melting temperature T m between 10°C and 20°C and has a failure time of more than 1 hour according to a slow tear test. [2] The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the film has a failure time of greater than 12 hours. [3] Disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the elastic film has a quick tensile strength of between 15 and 22 MPa according to a quick tensile strength test. [4] Disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elastic film has a notch tensile strength of between 10 and 20 MPa according to a notch tensile strength test. [5] The disposable absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elastic film is incorporated into a component of the disposable absorbent article selected from the group consisting of a topsheet (24), a backsheet (26), an outer cover (26a), a cuff, a side panel, a wing (40, 340, 42, 342), a fastener, and combinations thereof. [6] The disposable absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the component is breathable. [7] The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein more than 90% of the isoprene and butadiene in the midblock are hydrogenated. [8] A disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the elastic film is bonded to one or more nonwoven layers to form a laminate. [9] The disposable absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the laminate has a laminate integrity time of greater than 2 hours according to a laminate integrity test. [10] A disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the disposable absorbent article is intended to be worn around the abdomen of a wearer, the disposable absorbent article comprising: a topsheet (24), a backsheet (26) and an absorbent core (28) disposed therebetween, first and second longitudinal side edges (12) facing each other, a front waist region (36, 336) and an opposite back waist region (38, 338); a first wing (40, 340) extending outwardly from the first longitudinal side edge (12) in the rear waist region (38, 338) and connected to at least one of the topsheet (24), the backsheet (26) and the absorbent core (28); a second wing 42, 342 extending outwardly from the second longitudinal side edge (12) in the rear waist region (38, 338) and connected to at least one of the topsheet (24), the backsheet (26) and the absorbent core (28); wherein at least one of the first and second wings 40, 340, 42, 342 comprises the laminate. [11] The disposable absorbent article of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second wings (42, 420) is breathable. [12] The disposable absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the disposable absorbent article is a pre-fastened panty. [13] The disposable absorbent article of claim 12, further comprising a wetness indicator.

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