Densification agent and oil treated cellulose fibers

Abstract

Densification agent and oil treated cellulose fibers exhibit densification properties that are superior to oil treated fibers that have not been treated with a densification agent and cellulose fibers that have not been treated with oil or a densification agent. The densification agent and oil treated cellulose fibers are useful in absorbent articles that may contain superabsorbent materials.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to cellulose fibers that have been treated with an oil and a densification agent to modify the properties of the cellulose fibers and to methods for producing such modified cellulose fibers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In the production of absorbent articles, such as diapers and incontinent devices, it is known to combine superabsorbent materials and cellulose fibers to form an absorbent core. The absorbent core receives fluid to be absorbed and retains the fluid. When superabsorbent materials are in the form of powder or small particles, it is a challenge to retain the superabsorbent material in the absorbent core which comprises a matrix of fibers, commonly cellulose fibers. Various methods of retaining superabsorbent material in an absorbent core have been described. For example, it has been proposed that the cellulose fibers be embedded within the surface of the superabsorbent material. [0003] Another approach de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention provides fibers treated with oil and a densification agent that are useful in absorbent cores formed from the treated fibers and superabsorbent materials. The compositions of the present invention can be formed into absorbent articles for absorbing fluids such as aqueous fluids like urine or blood. The compositions are useful in methods for retaining superabsorbent materials in webs or masses of fibers commonly used as absorbent structures in absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent devices and feminine hygiene products. The methods provide absorbent structures that are able to retain superabsorbent materials at a level that manufacturers of absorbent articles should find desirable. The compositions of the present invention can be compressed to densities that manufacturers of absorbent articles should find desirable.

Problems solved by technology

When superabsorbent materials are in the form of powder or small particles, it is a challenge to retain the superabsorbent material in the absorbent core which comprises a matrix of fibers, commonly cellulose fibers.

While humidifying the manufacturing location is effective, it requires a capital investment and increases the costs of production.

Retaining the superabsorbent material in an absorbent core over an extended period of time is another challenge that faces manufacturers.

The retention of superabsorbent materials in the absorbent core may fail over time for a number of reasons such as vigorous handling of the absorbent core which results in dislodgment of the superabsorbent material or a reduction in the moisture content of the absorbent core.

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