Method for making polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression

Abstract

A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 325,323, filed Dec. 20, 2002.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one surface. More particularly, the present invention relates a three-dimensional polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression that can be used as a body-facing topsheet in disposable absorbent.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is extremely desirable to construct disposable articles, such as absorptive devices, including sanitary napkins, pantyliners, interlabial devices, diapers, training pants, incontinent devices, wound dressings and the like, with a soft cloth-like surface feel to the user's skin at any anticipated points of contact. Likewise, it has long been known in the disposable articles art to construct absorptive devices that present a dry surface feel to the user, especially ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution achieves superior tactile softness and fluid retention, reducing rewet and improving skin health and cleanliness by creating a web with hair-like fibrils and macroscopic apertures that are resistant to compression and shear forces.

Problems solved by technology

Despite its advancements in eliminating gloss, the structure of the surface aberrations of the web in Ahr, et al. can lack desired softness.

This lack of sufficient deflection detracts from the softness impression experienced by the user's skin.

These pathways in the web structures therefore cause decreased fluid retention and increased rewet in the absorbent structures.

The compression resistance of the rigid polymers helps reduce rewet, but the rigid polymers utilized tend to decrease the softness of the web.

'643 and Lee '462 for making macroscopically expanded, three dimensional, apertured polymeric webs results in a formed film that must be dried after hydroforming Due to the many interstices of the microapertures that can retain water, drying commercial quantities of these webs consumes significant amounts of energy, and can require significant capital investments in drying equipment.

One further drawback associated with the webs disclosed in Curro '643 and Lee '462 when used as topsheets on sanitary napkins is the tendency of the microapertures to entrap fluid, such as menses.

This contact negatively affects the skin health of the wearer and causes the topsheet to not have a clean appearance post-use.

However, screen printing is a relatively slow process for making commercial webs for consumer articles.

Images