Highly flexible absorbent laminate and method for the production thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a flexible liquid-absorbing web material having two outer layers, at least one of which is formed by a textile material, between which are inserted at least two stretchable-elastic intermediate layers that are pre-stressed with respect to said layers and comprise filaments or bands arranged running in opposite directions to each other and obliquely with respect to the production direction. The intermediate layers shorten and gather the web material substantially transversely to the production direction thereof when the intermediate layers are relieved of stress. Powder-form or fibre-form inserts, which have absorbent properties for liquids, such as urine, blood, water or sweat, or resorbing properties, such as release of medicinal substances, cosmetic ingredients or for generating heat / cold, are introduced into the free spaces of the elastic intermediate layer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Textile absorbent materials capable of expanding in one coordinate direction at least to create room for the increased volume due to imbibition of liquid to be absorbed are more particularly needed in connection with disposable articles such as baby diapers, incontinence products and femcare hygiene, and also in the sector of absorbent articles for packaging and food technology.[0002]This function is traditionally performed by suitable combination products comprising pulp, superabsorbent granules or fibers and liquid-distributing layers comprising synthetic nonwovens, pulp or cotton.[0003]In recognition of the responsibility toward sustainability of the Earth's natural resources and the conscious approach to the consequences of their use, it is industry's responsibility to minimize the consumption of raw materials and packaging materials and also the transportation energy for manufacture and sales as far as possible. As far as the production of hygie...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The invention accordingly has for its object to provide a production method enabling the continuous production of absorption-capable textile sheeting material with high manufacturing capacity and, as a result, cost-effectively, wherein the end product has not only area-elastic properties to optimally adapt to the body contour of the user but also volume-elastic properties to accommodate large amounts of liquid.

[0026]In a further development of the invention, this waviness can be suitably policed to control the ratio of the widths of the first and second outer sheetings of material relative to each other to the extent that the laminate thus produced has a higher degree of waviness on the side of the first outer layer than on the side of the second outer layer. This makes it possible to minimize the particular costly material of the outer layers 20 and 44 while keeping the swell volume of individual cassettes the same.

Problems solved by technology

It has to be assumed that only limited integrity can be achieved for the laminate in the swollen state.

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