Absorbent Article Comprising A Synthetic Polymer Derived From A Renewable Resource And Methods Of Producing Said Article

Abstract

An absorbent article is disclosed having a topsheet, a backsheet joined with the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a synthetic superabsorbent polymer derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound, wherein said superabsorbent polymer exhibits a defined Saline Flow Conductivity value and Absorption Against Pressure value. Alternately, an absorbent article is disclosed having a synthetic polyolefin derived from a first renewable resource via at least one intermediate compound. The synthetic polyolefin exhibits defined performance characteristics making the polyolefin particularly useful in certain components of the absorbent article. Methods for making the aforementioned absorbent articles are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 724,341, “Absorbent Article Comprising A Synthetic Polymer Derived From A Renewable Resource And Method Of Producing Said Article,” filed Mar. 15, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 783,274, “Absorbent Article Comprising A Synthetic Polymer Derived From A Renewable Resource And Method Of Producing Said Article,” filed Mar. 17, 2006, the substance of which is incorporated herein by reference for the entire disclosures of both of these prior applications.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an absorbent article which comprises synthetic polymeric materials derived from renewable resources, where the materials have specific performance characteristics making them particularly useful in said absorbent article.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The development of absorbent articles such as disposable diaper...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes an absorbent core for an absorbent article that includes a substrate layer, adhesive layer, discontinuous absorbent layer, and polymer. The polymer is at least partially derived from a renewable resource via a monomeric intermediate compound. The substrate layer and adhesive layer are at least partially formed from the polymer and exhibit a 14C / C ratio of about 1.0×10−14 or greater. The polymer exhibits a Saline Flow Conductivity value of at least about -30×10−7 cm3·sec / g and an Absorption Against Pressure value of at least about 15 g / g. The technical effects of the invention include improved absorbency, reduced environmental impact, and improved performance."

Problems solved by technology

In particular, a great deal of effort has been spent in the development of materials exhibiting optimal performance characteristics for use in absorbent articles.

Thus, the price and availability of the petroleum feedstock ultimately has a significant impact on the price of absorbent articles which utilize materials derived from petroleum.

In some instances, consumers are hesitant to purchase products made from limited non-renewable resources such as petroleum and coal.

Other consumers may have adverse perceptions about products derived from petrochemicals being “unnatural” or not environmentally friendly.

However, these diapers and materials tend to have significantly lower performance and / or higher cost than materials derived from petrochemicals.

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