Method for manufacturing absorbent article and absorbent article

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an absorbent article and an absorbent article comprising a soluble urease inhibitor, the method comprising the step of applying to the absorbent article a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an absorbent article, the process comprising the step of applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor. The present invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising a soluble urease inhibitor. Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles such as diapers and pants are well known. Although their use is widely accepted, some wearers or caregivers are concerned about skin health when using such articles. Skin irritation associated with absorbent articles is often referred to as "diaper rash." Especially for the delicate skin of infants, skin health is very important. However, skin health is often a focus for many consumers, and this is also true when absorbent articles are used for toddlers and adults.

[0003] Skin irritation may be caused in particular by high levels of moisture within the absorbent article during use and by urine and feces deposited within the absorbent article. Therefore, the likelihood of skin irritation increases with the length of time that the absorbent article is worn.

[0004] A known method for addressing and improving skin health is to apply a lotion to the body-facing surface of the top sheet of an absorbent article. Such lotions typically contain skin care components. During use of the article, at least a portion of the lotion is intended to transfer to the wearer's skin to provide a degree of protection against skin irritation.

[0005] However, due to its typical hydrophobicity, the application of lotion on the top sheet of absorbent article may adversely affect the collection of liquid (such as urine) through the top sheet. In addition, during use or even during the storage of the absorbent article before use, especially at higher temperatures, a part of lotion may migrate through the top sheet into the absorbent article. Once inside the absorbent article, lotion can further adversely affect the appropriate collection and storage of urine, for example, in the absorbent material of absorbent core. Therefore, using lotion or other (hydrophobic) materials on the body-facing surface of the top sheet can not only have a positive effect on skin care, but also may produce some negative effects on skin health, for example, by extending the time that urine stays on the top sheet before being absorbed through the top sheet, or by slowing down the collection of liquid and the storage inside the absorbent article.

[0006] Thus, there remains a need for absorbent articles that can help reduce the likelihood of diaper rash. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to a process for producing an absorbent article, the process comprising steps a1), a2), optionally a3), b) and c):

[0008] a1) providing a liquid permeable topsheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface,

[0009] a2) providing an absorbent core,

[0010] a3) optionally providing at least one acquisition and distribution layer;

[0011] b) applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor to one or more of:

[0012] i) a first surface of the top sheet,

[0013] ii) optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer,

[0014] iii) absorbent core;

[0015] c) assembling the absorbent article, comprising the steps of:

[0016] c1) providing a liquid impermeable backsheet;

[0017] c2) arranging the top sheet so that the first surface faces the bottom sheet;

[0018] c3) arranging the absorbent core so that it is disposed between the topsheet and the liquid-impermeable backsheet;

[0019] as well as

[0020] c4) arranging the optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer such that it is disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

[0021] Thus, in the assembled absorbent article, the component or surface to which the urease inhibitor has been applied is located between the second surface of the topsheet and the backsheet.

[0022] The present invention also relates to an absorbent article obtainable by the process described herein.

[0023] The present invention also relates to an absorbent article comprising

[0024] a liquid permeable topsheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core, and optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer;

[0025] wherein the absorbent core is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; the first surface of the top sheet and optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer are disposed between the second surface of the top sheet and the absorbent core;

[0026] Wherein one or more of the following comprises a natural urease inhibitor:

[0027] i) a first surface of the top sheet,

[0028] ii) optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer,

[0029] iii) an absorbent core,

[0030] The natural urease inhibitor has a solubility of at least 35 g / l in distilled water.

[0031] The absorbent articles provided by the process of the present invention and absorbent articles having a soluble urease inhibitor help improve the skin health of the wearer and thereby reduce the likelihood of diaper rash. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure and the manner in which they are obtained will become more apparent, and the present disclosure itself will be better understood, by referring to the following description of example forms of the present disclosure made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article in the form of a taped diaper, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer, in a flat, unfolded condition;

[0034] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A plan view of an example absorbent article of the invention, with the body-facing surface facing the viewer, in a flat, unfolded state;

[0035] Figure 3 For the fastened position Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front perspective view of an absorbent article;

[0036] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article in the form of a pant;

[0037] Figure 5 for Figure 4 a back perspective view of an absorbent article;

[0038] Figure 6 for Figure 4 a plan view of an absorbent article of the type shown in FIG. 1 , the absorbent article being laid flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer;

[0039] Figure 7 Taken along line 7-7 Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent article;

[0040] Figure 8 Taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent article;

[0041] Fig. 9 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent core or absorbent article;

[0042] Fig.10 Taken along line 10-10 Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent core;

[0043] Fig.11 Taken along line 11-11 Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of an absorbent core;

[0044] Fig.12 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article of the present disclosure that is a sanitary napkin;

[0045] Fig.13 is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken within the front waist region of an absorbent article;

[0046] Fig.14 is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken within the crotch region of an absorbent article;

[0047] Fig.15 is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken within the rear waist region of an absorbent article;

[0048] Fig.16 An apparatus for improving fluid collection testing is shown;

[0049] Fig.17A is a side view of a curved component for improved fluid collection testing;

[0050] Fig. 17B for Fig.17A an end view of a curved component;

[0051] Fig. 17C for Fig.17A A bottom view of a curved component;

[0052] Fig.17D for Fig.17A A bottom perspective view of a curved component;

[0053] Fig.17E for Fig.17A A top perspective view of a curved component;

[0054] Fig.18A A top plate assembly for use in improved fluid collection testing is shown;

[0055] Fig.18B An apparatus for improving fluid collection testing is shown;

[0056] Fig.19 Showing the equipment components for the post-harvest collagen rewetting test method;

[0057] Fig. 20 Shows the equipment components used for the Fixed Height Frit Absorption (FHFA) test method;

[0058] Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Shown is a partial schematic diagram of the apparatus components used for the In-Plane Radial Permeability (IPRP) test described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] definition

[0060] "Absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains body exudates, especially urine and other aqueous liquids, and more specifically refers to a device that is placed close to or adjacent to the wearer's body to absorb and contain various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles may include diapers (diapers for infants and diapers to solve adult incontinence), pants (pants for infants and pants to solve adult incontinence), disposable absorbent inserts for diapers and pants with reusable outer covers, and female care absorbent products such as sanitary napkins or panty liners. As used herein, the term "exudate" includes, but is not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal secretions, sweat and feces. Preferred absorbent articles of the present invention are diapers, pants and inserts. In addition, preferred absorbent articles of the present invention are disposable absorbent articles, more preferably disposable diapers, disposable pants and disposable absorbent inserts.

[0061] As used herein, "absorbent core" refers to a structure intended to be positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet of an absorbent article for absorbing and storing liquids received by the absorbent article.

[0062] As used herein, "airfelt" refers to comminuted wood pulp that is in the form of cellulose fibers.

[0063] "Disposable" is used in its ordinary sense to refer to an article that is disposed of or discarded after a limited number of use events (e.g., less than 10 events, less than 5 events, or less than 2 events) over varying lengths of time. If the disposable absorbent article is a diaper, a pant, an absorbent insert, a sanitary napkin, a catamenial pad, or a wet wipe for personal hygiene, the disposable absorbent article is generally intended to be discarded after a single use. The used and discarded absorbent article may or may not be subsequently recycled.

[0064] "Diapers" and "pants" refer to absorbent articles that are generally worn by infants and incontinent patients around the lower body so as to surround the waist and legs of the wearer and are particularly suitable for receiving and containing urine and feces. In pants, as used herein, the longitudinal edges of the first waist region and the second waist region are attached to each other to preform a waist opening and leg openings. The pants are put on the wearer by extending the wearer's legs into the leg openings and pulling the pants absorbent article to a position near the wearer's lower body. Pants can be preformed using any suitable method, including but not limited to joining the parts of the absorbent article together using refastenable and / or non-refastenable bonding (e.g., stitching, welding, adhesives, adhesive bonding, fasteners, etc.). Pants can be preformed at any position along the periphery of the article (e.g., side fastening, front waist region fastening). In diapers, the waist opening and leg openings are formed only when the diaper is put on the wearer in the following manner: the longitudinal edges of the first waist region and the second waist region are attached to each other (releasably) on both sides with a suitable fastening system.

[0065] "Superabsorbent polymer material" ("SAP" material) is used herein to refer to a cross-linked polymeric material that is capable of absorbing at least 7 times its weight of an aqueous 0.9 wt % saline solution, as measured using the Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test described below. The superabsorbent polymer material of the present invention contains a polymer that comprises acrylic acid and / or an acrylate and / or methacrylic acid and / or a methacrylate as monomer groups. The SAP material is preferably provided in the form of superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP particles) and / or in the form of superabsorbent fibers (SAFs).

[0066] "Superabsorbent polymer particles" ("SAP" particles) are used herein to refer to superabsorbent polymer materials that are in particulate form so as to be flowable in the dry state. Superabsorbent polymer particles are distinguished from the superabsorbent fibers of the present invention in that the ratio of their largest dimension to their smallest dimension is no greater than 10 to 1. The superabsorbent polymer particles may, for example, be in the form of particles, spheres, flakes or agglomerates.

[0067] More than one urease inhibitor may be used in an absorbent article. If more than one urease inhibitor is used, the term "urease inhibitor" or "the urease inhibitor" refers to all urease inhibitors used, unless otherwise expressly stated. Furthermore, if more than one urease inhibitor is used, any amount of urease inhibitors mentioned herein refers to the total amount of all urease inhibitors used, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0068] Natural urease inhibitors are obtained from natural sources, particularly plant-based sources such as green tea or grape seeds.

[0069] As used herein, the term "nonwoven web" refers to a material that is a made web / layer of oriented or randomly oriented fibers or filaments. The fibers may be of natural or artificial origin. Natural fibers may be selected from the group consisting of wheat straw fibers, rice straw fibers, flax fibers, bamboo fibers, cotton fibers, jute fibers, hemp fibers, sisal fibers, bagasse fibers, yucca fibers, Miscanthus fibers, marine or freshwater algae / seaweed fibers, silk fibers, wool fibers, and combinations thereof. Another group of fibers may also be regenerated cellulose fibers, such as viscose fibers, lyocell fibers, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the natural fiber or modified natural fiber is selected from the group consisting of: cellulose fiber (also referred to as pulp or air felt) or modified cellulose fiber (such as cellulose fiber cross-linked within the fiber), cotton fiber, bamboo fiber, viscose fiber or a mixture thereof. More preferably, the natural fiber or modified natural fiber is cellulose fiber or modified cellulose fiber. Synthetic fiber can be selected from the group consisting of: polyolefin (such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a combination and mixture thereof), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), co-PET, polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), nylon (or polyamide) or a mixture or combination thereof.

[0070] The fibers in the nonwoven web are consolidated by friction, and / or entanglement, and / or cohesion, and / or adhesion, and / or by thermal bonding, pressure bonding, or heat and pressure bonding, and / or ultrasonic bonding, excluding paper and woven, knitted, tufted, stitched products. The fibers can be short fibers (e.g., in a carded nonwoven web) or continuous fibers (e.g., in a spunbond or meltblown nonwoven fiber).

[0071] The nonwoven fiber web comprised by the absorbent core of the present invention may comprise superabsorbent fibers or may consist of superabsorbent fibers.

[0072] The nonwoven web can be formed by many processes, such as meltblowing, spun-laid, solvent spinning, electrospinning and carding, and the fibers can be consolidated, for example, by hydroentanglement (in hydroentangled nonwoven webs), through-air bonding (using hot air blown through the fiber layer in the thickness direction), infrared heating, needle punching, one or more bonding patterns and bonding impressions produced by local compression and / or applying heat or ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or in addition, the fibers can be consolidated by using a binder. The binder can be provided in the form of binder fibers or particles (which are subsequently melted), or can be provided in liquid form, such as styrene butadiene binder. The liquid binder is provided to the fibers (e.g., by spraying, printing or foam application) and then cured to solidify.

[0073] The basis weight of nonwoven webs is usually expressed in grams per square meter (g / m 2 )express.

[0074] The nonwoven web, in particular the nonwoven web composed of or containing superabsorbent fibers, can be a carded web formed by needling. In needling, the cohesion of the fibers and the interweaving of the fibers with each other are obtained by passing a needle through a moving fiber layer and mixing the fibers with each other. One or more or all nonwoven webs of the absorbent core of the present invention can also be formed by two or more precursor webs, which are combined with each other by a needling process.

[0075] Alternatively, one or more or all of the nonwoven webs of the absorbent core of the present invention can be formed by spunlace. In the spunlace nonwoven web, the fiber has been combed into a precursor web, and then subjected to a spunlace process so that the fibers are interwoven and entangled with each other. The cohesion and interweaving of the fibers can be by means of a plurality of jetted water streams passing through a moving fleece fabric or cloth under pressure, and the fibers are interwoven with each other (hereinafter also referred to as "hydraulic interweaving") like knitting. Therefore, the consolidation of the spunlace nonwoven web is basically the result of hydraulic interweaving. As used herein, "spunlace nonwoven web" also relates to a nonwoven web formed by two or more precursor webs, which are combined with each other by hydraulic interweaving.

[0076] Before two or more webs are combined into one nonwoven by needle punching or hydroentanglement, they may have undergone a bonding process, such as by heat and / or pressure bonding using, for example, patterned calendar rolls and anvil rolls to impart a bonding pattern. However, the two or more webs are only combined with each other by needle punching or hydroentanglement.

[0077] Alternatively, the carded nonwoven web made by needle punching or spunlace is a single nonwoven web, that is, it is not formed by two or more precursor webs. Also in another alternative, one or more or all nonwoven webs of the nonwoven web of the absorbent core of the present invention can be formed by a precursor web, and staple fibers are laid on the precursor web. Staple fibers can be superabsorbent fibers or can include superabsorbent fibers. Staple fibers may not yet be consolidated into a self-sustaining precursor web, but fibers are loosely laid on the precursor web. Then by (only) needle punching or (only) hydraulic interweaving, relatively loose staple fibers are combined with each other and entangled with the fibers of the precursor web below. The nonwoven layer / web of spunlace and / or needle punching can be made of staple fibers or continuous fibers (continuous fibers are also commonly referred to as filaments).

[0078] Through-air bonding means a process of bonding short or continuous fibers by forcing air through a nonwoven web, wherein the air is hot enough to melt the polymer of the fibers (or at least partially melt, or melt to a state where the fiber surface becomes sufficiently tacky), or if the fibers are multicomponent fibers, wherein the air is hot enough to melt one of the polymers of the fibers making up the nonwoven web (or at least partially melt, or melt to a state where the fiber surface becomes sufficiently tacky). The melting and resolidification of the polymers provides bonding between the different fibers.

[0079] "Include" or "comprising" are open-ended terms, each specifying the presence of a feature, such as a component, but not excluding the presence of other features, such as elements, steps, components, known in the art or disclosed herein. These terms based on the verb "comprise (include)" encompass the narrower term "essentially consisting of...", which excludes any element, step or ingredient not mentioned that significantly affects the way the feature performs its function; and encompasses the term "consisting of...", which excludes any element, step or ingredient not specified.

[0080] "Body-facing" (also referred to as "skin-facing" in this article) and "clothing-facing" refer to the relative position of the surface of an element or element, layer, or component, respectively. "Body-facing" refers to that an element or surface is closer to the wearer than another element of the same assembly during wear. An example is an absorbent core with a body-facing surface, and the body-facing surface is a surface of the absorbent core that is closer to the wearer's body than the relative surface of the absorbent core facing clothes. "Clothing-facing" refers to that the surface of an element or element, layer, or component is farther away from the wearer than the surface of another element or element, layer, or component or the absorbent article as a whole during wear. The surface facing clothes can face another (that is, except wearable articles) clothing of the wearer, other articles such as bedding or atmosphere. Typically, the body-facing surface of the top sheet forms at least a portion of the body-facing surface of the absorbent article as a whole, and the clothing-facing surface of the outer cover nonwoven material forms at least a portion of the clothing-facing surface of the absorbent article as a whole.

[0081] As used herein, "wearer's skin" refers to those parts of the skin that are covered by the absorbent article. In the following test methods, collagen is used to represent the wearer's skin.

[0082] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article comprising the step of applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor and Absorbent articles comprising a soluble urease inhibitor.

[0083] Skin health and protection from biological insults are very important to the wearer of the absorbent article 10. Absorbent articles 10 such as diapers, pants, adult incontinence products are worn so that they are in direct contact with the wearer's skin. An inevitable consequence of using absorbent articles 10 is that the skin is more directly exposed to various physical and biological insults. Therefore, the barrier function of the skin covered by the absorbent article 10 is at risk.

[0084] The decomposition of urea that has entered an absorbent article 10, such as a diaper or pants, results in the formation of ammonia. The decomposition of urea is catalyzed by urease, which is produced by bacteria present in the skin and feces. Therefore, inhibiting urease activity inside the absorbent article 10 can help reduce the extent of ammonia formation. It has been found that ammonia increases skin pH.

[0085] The pH of the skin should be between 4.5 and 6, or optimally between 4.7 and 5.75. Therefore, the natural pH of the skin is slightly acidic. This mildly acidic pH is produced by the skin's acid mantle, which is the water portion of the hydrolipidic film that protects the outer layer of the skin.

[0086] It has been found that the pH of the skin plays an important role in the condition of the skin. The acid mantle is key to the skin's protective barrier. For example, it inhibits the growth of bacteria and restores and maintains the optimal acidic environment in which the skin's natural flora can thrive. If the pH of the skin rises into the alkaline range, its natural balance is disturbed. The necessary epidermal lipids cannot be synthesized, and the skin loses water and dries out. In this case, the outer layer of the skin (or epidermis) is no longer able to function as a protective barrier.

[0087] When the barrier function of the skin is impaired, it is less elastic and more sensitive to environmental triggers. It may become dry, sensitive or allergic, and if this occurs in the area of ​​the skin covered by the absorbent article 10, so-called diaper rash may occur.

[0088] Therefore, it is highly desirable to maintain the pH of the skin in contact with the absorbent article 10 within the range of pH 4.5 to 6. Considering that elevated levels of ammonia have been found to help increase skin pH, one way to help maintain a slightly acidic skin pH is to maintain low ammonia levels inside the diaper. This, in turn, can be achieved by reducing the extent of urea decomposition within the absorbent article 10 during use, such as by providing a urease inhibitor.

[0089] The present inventors have discovered that such urease inhibitors need not be applied close to the wearer's skin, such as by incorporating the urease inhibitor into a body lotion applied to the body-facing surface of the topsheet 26, or by otherwise disposing the urease inhibitor on the body-facing surface of the topsheet 26. Instead, it has been discovered that the urease inhibitor can be disposed beneath the topsheet 26, i.e., between the second body-facing surface of the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30 and / or within the absorbent core 30. More specifically, the urease inhibitor can be applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the topsheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer 38, and / or in the optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer 38 and / or in the absorbent core 30.

[0090] Although urine and feces initially come into contact with the body-facing surface of the topsheet 26, it has been found that it is not necessary to place the urease inhibitor on the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet 26 to be able to soak into the urine. Instead, it has proven beneficial to place the urease inhibitor deeper inside the absorbent article 10 and thus below the topsheet 26, positioning the urease inhibitor in or near the location where urine is ultimately stored (typically within the absorbent core 30). In particular, applying the urease inhibitor as a solution during manufacture of the absorbent article 10 and thus placing it in a layer or on a surface that participates in fluid transfer between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30 promotes dissolution of the urease inhibitor in urine and thus enhances the activity of the urease inhibitor.

[0091] Furthermore, positioning the urease inhibitor away from the skin-contacting surface of the absorbent article 10 eliminates or greatly reduces the amount of urease inhibitor that comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin. While suitable urease inhibitors are not harmful to the skin, reducing the number of different substances and compounds that are transferred to the skin may be appreciated by the user, since exposing the skin to a variety of different substances can be stressful to the skin. In particular, for soluble urease inhibitors, it is desirable to avoid skin contact to prevent transfer to deeper areas of the skin - again, although without exposing the wearer to any known risks.

[0092] In addition, it has been found that applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor to layers and / or surfaces and optionally removing the solvent from the layers and / or surfaces during manufacturing greatly benefits the distribution of the urease inhibitor within layers and surfaces beneath the second body-facing surface of the top sheet 26, i.e., between the second body-facing surface of the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core 30, and / or within the absorbent core 30.

[0093] In addition, the urease inhibitor will dissolve in urine due to its enhanced solubility in aqueous solutions in the absorbent article 10. When dissolved and therefore not in an immobilized solid form, the urease inhibitor may be more easily transported within the absorbent article 10 to where urease is present in urine, thereby increasing its effectiveness.

[0094] The absorbent articles 10 made via the process of the present invention, particularly absorbent articles 10 comprising a soluble natural urease inhibitor, thus beneficially contribute to improving the skin health of the wearer and thereby avoiding diaper rash.

[0095] A method for making an absorbent article 10 is provided comprising the steps of:

[0096] a1) providing a liquid permeable topsheet 26 having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface,

[0097] a2) providing an absorbent core 30,

[0098] a3) optionally providing at least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) 38;

[0099] b) applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor to one or more of:

[0100] i) a first surface of the top sheet 26,

[0101] ii) optionally at least one ADL 38,

[0102] iii) absorbent core 30;

[0103] c) assembling the absorbent article 10, comprising the steps of:

[0104] c1) providing a liquid impermeable backsheet 28;

[0105] c2) arranging the top sheet 26 so that the first surface faces the back sheet;

[0106] c3) arranging the absorbent core 30 so that it is disposed between the topsheet 26 and the liquid-impermeable backsheet 28; and

[0107] c4) arranging the optional at least one ADL 38 such that it is disposed between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30.

[0108] These steps can be performed in the order given here. As expected by those skilled in the art, steps a1), a2) and a3) do not have to be in the order given, but are interchangeable. In addition, the absorbent article 10 can be partially assembled before all parts are provided (steps a1, a2), a3) and c1)) and / or before the solution containing solvent and urease inhibitor is applied (step b)), for example, during the assembly of the absorbent article 10, the absorbent core 30 and the backsheet 28 can be arranged, and then the solution containing solvent and urease inhibitor can be applied to the absorbent core before the optional ADL layer and the top sheet 28 are arranged. In addition, before these parts are provided on the production line of the absorbent article 10, the solution containing solvent and urease inhibitor can be applied to the first surface of the top sheet 26, the absorbent core 30 and / or at least one ADL 38 optionally. This order minimizes the adaptability to the existing production line and improves the manufacturing speed. In addition, the solvent can be removed before the top sheet 26, the absorbent core 30 and / or at least one ADL 38 optionally are provided on the production line. Thus, contamination due to solvents and damage to parts of the production line that are susceptible to solvents can be avoided. After application in solution and subsequent drying, the urease inhibitor is in its fixed solid form and thus further avoids the urease inhibitor from penetrating into and / or interacting with parts of the absorbent article to which it has not been applied prior to use.

[0109] The method may further comprise the step of removing the solvent. The solvent is removed after applying the solution comprising the solvent and the urease inhibitor to one or more of:

[0110] i) a first surface of the top sheet 26,

[0111] ii) optionally at least one ADL 38,

[0112] iii) Absorbent core 30.

[0113] The solvent may be removed by any means known to those skilled in the art. The first surface of the topsheet 26, the optional at least one ADL 38, and / or the absorbent core 30 may be advantageously dried by applying heat under reduced pressure to avoid temperatures that could potentially damage the absorbent article 10 or portions thereof.

[0114] A liquid-permeable topsheet 26 is provided having a first surface corresponding to the garment-facing surface in the assembled absorbent article 10 and a second surface opposite the first surface corresponding to the body-facing surface in the assembled absorbent article 10. The body-facing (i.e., second) surface can be in direct contact with the skin of the wearer of the absorbent article 10.

[0115] The absorbent core 30 has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface corresponding to the body-facing surface in the assembled absorbent article 10, and the second surface corresponding to the garment-facing surface in the assembled absorbent article 10. In the assembled absorbent article 10, the garment-facing second surface of the absorbent core 30 can be in direct contact with the backsheet 28.

[0116] It is known that under anaerobic conditions, certain bacteria use the denitrification process to produce energy. Specifically, they use nitrates (e.g., derived from ammonia) to oxidize glucose as their metabolic pathway for energy generation. Therefore, it has been found that in order to reduce ammonia production in the absorbent article 10 during use, in addition to using urease inhibitors, an absorbent structure with a high permeability to promote aerobic conditions inside the absorbent article 10 can be beneficial. In one aspect of the present invention, the absorbent core 30 provided thus has 10 -6 cm 2 Up to 10 -4 cm 2 Good permeability can be achieved, for example, by providing the absorbent core 30 with areas of reduced thickness, such as elongated "channels" within the absorbent core 30, in which little or no absorbent material is provided.

[0117] The optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) 38 has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface corresponding to the body-facing surface in the assembled absorbent article 10, and the second surface corresponding to the garment-facing surface in the assembled absorbent article 10. Preferably, at least one ADL 38 is provided. The optional at least one ADL 38 may include or consist of a first layer and a second layer (thus, there are at least two ADLs). The optionally provided ADL 38 and any of its layers cannot be longer than the absorbent core 30 along the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 10. In addition, the ADL 38 and any of its layers cannot be wider than the absorbent core 30 along the transverse dimension of the absorbent article 10.

[0118] The solution containing the solvent and the urease inhibitor may be applied to the absorbent core 30 by applying it to the first surface and / or the second surface of the absorbent core 30 or inside the absorbent core 30. Inside the absorbent core, the solution may be applied illustratively to the SAP material, SAP particles, respectively.

[0119] The solution containing the solvent and the urease inhibitor may be applied to the optional at least one ADL 38 by applying the solution to the first surface and / or the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38 and / or within the optional at least one ADL 38. Within the optional at least one ADL 38, the solution containing the solvent and the urease inhibitor may be applied illustratively to the surface of the first layer contained in the ADL 38, which is in direct contact with the second layer contained in the ADL 38. The solution containing the solvent and the urease inhibitor (and the urease inhibitor is in solid form after the solvent is removed) is generally not colorless, and therefore may be mistaken for a contaminant when visible within the assembled absorbent article. Therefore, it may be desirable to apply the solution to the surface of the ADL 38 facing the absorbent core 30 or to a layer within the ADL 38 close to the absorbent core 30. Therefore, the urease inhibitor can be better hidden within the absorbent article.

[0120] A solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor may be applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38. Alternatively, the solution may be applied in the optional at least one ADL 38. Alternatively, the solution may be applied inside the absorbent core 30. In another alternative, the solution may be applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38, and the optional ADL. Alternatively, the solution may be applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38, and the absorbent core 30. In addition, the solution may be applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38, the optional ADL, and the absorbent core. In a further alternative, the solution can be applied within the optional ADL and within the absorbent core 30. Thus, in the assembled absorbent article 10, the urease inhibitor is disposed between the second surface of the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30 and / or is present within the absorbent core 30.

[0121] The top sheet 26, the optional at least one ADL 38 or the absorbent core 30 may each include natural fibers or modified natural fibers, particularly viscose fibers or cotton fibers, or be composed of them. A solution containing a solvent and a urease inhibitor may be applied to the first surface of the top sheet 26, the optional at least one ADL 38 or the natural fibers or modified natural fibers contained in the absorbent core 30, particularly viscose fibers or cotton fibers. Optionally, the solvent may be removed after being applied to such natural fibers or modified natural fibers. Due to the texture of the natural fibers and modified natural fibers, particularly the surface texture and pore size, the urease inhibitor applied in the solution adheres more closely to the natural fibers and modified natural fibers. Therefore, during the manufacturing process, when the absorbent article or a portion thereof is exposed to an external force (such as due to the suction of a vacuum device), the possibility of removing at least a portion of the urease inhibitor from the first surface of the top sheet 26, the optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer 38 or the absorbent core 30 is reduced (compared with being applied to typical synthetic fibers). This effect is particularly significant when the solvent is removed, and therefore the urease inhibitor exists in a solid form during the manufacture of the absorbent article. In particular, a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor may be applied to the natural fibers or modified natural fibers contained in at least one ADL 38. The solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor (and the urease inhibitor is in solid form after the solvent is removed) is generally not colorless and may therefore be mistaken for a contaminant when visible within an assembled absorbent article. Therefore, it may be desirable to apply the solution to the surface of the ADL 38 that faces the absorbent core 30 or to a layer within the ADL 38 that is close to the absorbent core 30. The ADL 38 may include a layer that comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of natural fibers or modified natural fibers, to which the solvent and the urease inhibitor may be applied. In particular, the layer may be arranged to be in direct contact with the absorbent core 30 in the assembled absorbent article.

[0122] In addition, a solution containing a solvent and a urease inhibitor may be applied to a fiber web comprised by the top sheet 26, optionally at least one ADL 38, or the absorbent core 30, the fiber web being selected to have a pore size distribution that is smaller than the particle size distribution of the urease inhibitor after removal of the solvent. In particular, the D90 value of the pore size distribution of the fiber web is less than the D90 value of the particle size distribution of the inhibitor. 90 value The pore size and particle size distribution can be determined by methods known in the art and assessed to be applicable by a person skilled in the art, in particular optical methods such as light analysis. Typically, a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor can be applied to the fiber web and the solvent removed before providing the top sheet 26, optionally at least one ADL 38 or the absorbent core 30 for the manufacturing process. Thus, during the manufacturing process, when the absorbent article or a portion thereof is exposed to external forces (such as due to suction by a vacuum device), the urease inhibitor is not removed from the fiber web or at least is removed from the fiber web in a reduced amount.

[0123] Although it is known to apply urease inhibitors such as green tea on the top sheet 26 of the absorbent article 10, for example, when green tea extract is applied to the top sheet 26 in the form of a lotion, the amount of these compounds in the lotion is usually very low. Such a low amount may not be enough to obtain the desired result, that is, to keep the skin pH within the desired range. For example, it may become challenging to incorporate a urease inhibitor in the amount required to sufficiently inhibit urease to maintain the pH of the wearer's skin within the desired range in the lotion. In addition, the lotion provided on the top sheet 26 of the absorbent article 10 is usually hydrophobic and contains very little or no water. Therefore, the urease inhibitor can be "trapped" in the lotion, which can limit its ability to reduce the activity of urease to urea corruption. Therefore, a higher amount of urease inhibitor may also be insufficient to keep the pH of the wearer's skin within the desired range. Applying the urease inhibitor below the top sheet 26 and in addition in a form that maximizes its solubility in urine makes it easier to provide the urease inhibitor, and its amount can actually help maintain the skin pH within the desired range.

[0124] The urease inhibitor may be a natural urease inhibitor. Urease inhibitors and natural urease inhibitors are described in more detail below.

[0125] As previously discussed, the urease inhibitor should not be present on the body-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 (which is the body-facing second surface of the topsheet 26) to avoid any potential absorption through the wearer's skin. Due to its solubility and due to the nature of the fluid transport channels within the absorbent article 10, the urease inhibitor can be carried in the urine from the surface and / or layer applied thereto and / or the absorbent core 30 applied thereto to where the urine is ultimately stored (usually within the absorbent core 30), and in particular it should be prevented from reaching the body-facing second surface of the topsheet 26, the wearer's skin, respectively. Although less preferred due to the reduced distance to the wearer's skin, being disposed between the second surface of the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30 includes providing the urease inhibitor applied to the first surface of the topsheet 26, which is the garment-facing surface of the topsheet 26 in the assembled absorbent article 10. Preferably, the solution can be applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38, and / or within the optional at least one ADL 38 and / or within the absorbent core 30. In one specific example, at least one ADL 38 may be provided, and the solution may be applied to the first surface and / or the second surface of the at least one ADL 38 and / or into the at least one ADL. Due to the properties and functionality of the ADL 38, the absorption of the urease inhibitor in the urine collected and distributed by the ADL 38 is increased before the urine reaches the absorbent core 30 and is absorbed by the SAP material, SAP particles, respectively. A similar effect is achieved when the solution is applied to the first surface of the absorbent core 30. Furthermore, in some examples, in addition to being applied to at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of the optional at least one ADL 38, and / or into the optional at least one ADL 38, the solution may also be applied into the absorbent core 30.

[0126] In the assembled absorbent article 10, an absorbent core 30 is provided that includes a first surface area facing the top sheet 26 (also the body-facing surface of the absorbent core 30). The body-facing surface of the absorbent core 30 has a certain surface area (which can be easily determined using a ruler). Based on the total body-facing surface area of ​​the absorbent core 30, the urease inhibitor can be at least 3 g / m 2 , or at least 5g / m 2 , or at least 8g / m 2 , or at least 10g / m 2 , or at least 12g / m 2 Based on the total body-facing surface area of ​​the absorbent core 30, the urease inhibitor may not exceed 200 g / m 2 , or not more than 150g / m 2 , or not more than 120g / m 2, or not more than 100g / m 2 , or not more than 80g / m 2 For absorbent articles 10 in which the urease inhibitor is not uniformly distributed, these amounts of the urease inhibitor are average amounts based on the total body-facing surface area of ​​the absorbent core 30. The fact that these amounts are related to the body-facing surface area of ​​the absorbent core 30 does not mean that the urease inhibitor actually needs to be disposed over the surface area of ​​the absorbent core 30. Instead, the urease inhibitor can be disposed in several different locations as described and specified herein.

[0127] The assembled absorbent article 10 has a longitudinal centerline 50 and a longitudinal dimension extending along the longitudinal centerline 50, and a transverse centerline 48 perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 50. The absorbent article 10 may include a front waist region 12 having a front waist edge 18, a back waist region 16 having a back waist edge 20, and a crotch region 14 extending longitudinally between the front waist region and the back waist region 16. The absorbent article 10 may have a longitudinal dimension extending from the front waist edge 18 to the back waist edge 20 along the longitudinal centerline 50. The front waist region 12, the back waist region 16, and the crotch region 14 may each form one-third of the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 10.

[0128] The solution containing the urease inhibitor may be applied so that the amount of the urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be higher than that in the back waist region 16. The amount of the urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be at least 10% by weight, or at least 20% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 100% by weight higher than that in the back waist region 16. The amount of the urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be no more than 300% by weight higher than that in the back waist region 16.

[0129] The amount of urease inhibitor in the front waist region 12 may be higher than that in the back waist region 16. The amount of urease inhibitor in the front waist region 12 may be at least 10% by weight, or at least 20% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 100% by weight higher than that in the back waist region 16. The amount of urease inhibitor in the front waist region 12 may be no more than 250% by weight higher than that in the back waist region 16.

[0130] The amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be higher than that in the front waist region 12. The amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be at least 3% by weight, or at least 5% by weight, or at least 8% by weight higher than that in the front waist region 12. The amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be no more than 25% by weight, or no more than 20% by weight higher than that in the front waist region 12.

[0131] The absorbent core 30 in the assembled absorbent article 10 may include a front region having a front edge, a back region having a back edge, and a crotch core region extending longitudinally between the front region and the back region of the absorbent core 30. The front region, the back region, and the crotch core region may each form one third of the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent core 30.

[0132] The optional ADL 38 and any of its layers cannot be longer than the absorbent core 30 along the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 10. Additionally, the ADL 38 and any of its layers cannot be wider than the absorbent core 30 along the transverse dimension of the absorbent article 10.

[0133] If the urease inhibitor is applied in the absorbent core 30 and / or ADL 38 and / or on any of the corresponding surfaces, and is therefore contained by the absorbent core 30 or by the optional ADL 38 in the assembled absorbent article 10, the amount of the urease inhibitor may be higher in the crotch core region of the absorbent core 30 than in the back region. The amount of the urease inhibitor in the crotch core region may be at least 10% by weight, or at least 20% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 100% by weight higher than the amount in the back region. The amount of the urease inhibitor in the crotch core region may be no more than 300% by weight higher than the amount in the back region.

[0134] If the urease inhibitor is included by the absorbent core 30 or by the ADL 38 (see below), the amount of urease inhibitor in the front region of the absorbent core 30 may be higher than that in the back region. The amount of urease inhibitor in the front region may be at least 10% by weight, or at least 20% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 100% by weight higher than that in the back region. The amount of urease inhibitor in the front region may be no more than 15% by weight, or no more than 10% by weight higher than that in the back region.

[0135] If the urease inhibitor is included by the absorbent core 30 or by the ADL 38 (see below), the amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch core region of the absorbent core 30 may be higher than in the front region. The amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch core region may be at least 3% by weight, or at least 5% by weight, or at least 8% by weight, or at least 10% by weight higher than in the front region. The amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch core region may be no more than 25% by weight, or no more than 20% by weight higher than in the front region.

[0136] By using a urease inhibitor having a non-uniform distribution in the longitudinal dimension as described in the previous paragraph, a higher amount of urease inhibitor is provided in those areas of the absorbent article 10 that are exposed to and store a large amount of urine, namely the crotch region 14 (and the crotch core region), and a slightly smaller degree of urease inhibitor is provided in the front waist region 12 and the front region of the absorbent core 30. Therefore, urine is easily exposed to the urease inhibitor provided in the absorbent article 10. At the same time, a smaller amount of urease inhibitor can be applied in some areas, particularly in the back waist region 16 and the back waist region of the absorbent core 30, thereby reducing the overall use of urease inhibitor in the absorbent article 10, while still achieving the goal of maintaining the skin pH within the desired range. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the urease inhibitor and avoid excessive amounts of urease inhibitor, considering that although these compounds are beneficial, they should not be applied without a reasonable purpose.

[0137] The non-uniform distribution as described above can be obtained, for example, by applying a solution containing a urease inhibitor to a compound (such as SAP particles or airfelt (pulp)) of the absorbent core 30 and / or by applying the urease inhibitor to a compound of one or more layers of the optional ADL 38. These compounds are generally non-uniformly distributed over the longitudinal dimension of the absorbent core 30 and the absorbent article 10. Instead, a higher amount is provided in the crotch region 14 and the crotch core region, a slightly smaller amount is provided in the front waist region 12 and the front region of the absorbent core 30, and an even smaller amount is provided in the rear waist region 16 and the rear region of the absorbent core 30. Thus, the desired non-uniform distribution can be easily obtained by not applying the urease inhibitor directly to the absorbent article 10 / absorbent core 30, but by applying it indirectly by applying it to the compounds of the absorbent core 30 and / or ADL 38 and then providing these compounds in the absorbent article 10. Furthermore, considering that the absolute amount of the urease inhibitor will generally be quite small, incorporating the urease inhibitor into the absorbent article 10 via other compounds enables reliable provision of the urease inhibitor. Although it may be challenging to obtain the desired distribution in a reliable manner when applying the urease inhibitor directly as a solution in a very fast-running absorbent article 10 production line, such application is still convenient compared to applying the urease inhibitor in solid form (e.g., as a powder).

[0138] The solvent can be any liquid substance that can at least partially dissolve the urease inhibitor. It is desirable that the solvent does not contain any liquid that is potentially harmful to humans. Preferred solvents are non-toxic alcohols, such as ethanol and water. Alcohol or alcohol / water combinations can be removed under less harsh conditions. However, it is preferred to use water, particularly deionized water and / or distilled water to obtain an aqueous solution. Therefore, harmful substances and / or substances that can affect the performance of the absorbent article 10 in any way can be avoided from being introduced by the solvent. Therefore, it is also desirable that the solution consists of one or more solvents and a urease inhibitor, particularly it consists of a solvent and a preferably natural urease inhibitor. Before applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor, the insoluble portion of the urease inhibitor can be removed. This can be done by any means known to those skilled in the art, for example, a known filtering method can be used. Thus, particularly in an aqueous solution, it can be ensured that the urease inhibitor will be completely dissolved in urine.

[0139] The solution can be applied by any means known to those skilled in the art. Suitable methods include spraying and / or dipping. In order to apply it to a surface (e.g., the first clothing-facing surface of the top sheet 26), the solution can be applied by spraying or by adopting a so-called kissing effect. Similarly, the solution can be applied by spraying the solution onto a layer or material in the ADL 38 or the absorbent core 30, such as spraying onto the SAP material, SAP particles of the absorbent core 30, respectively. When the solution is applied to an entire layer, such as the entire ADL 38, the layer can be immersed or dragged through an immersion bath. In this example, it may not be necessary to remove the insoluble portion of the urease inhibitor. Nozzles for spraying and immersion bathing can be easily integrated into the production line of the absorbent article 10.

[0140] Urease inhibitors

[0141] Urease inhibitors are well known in the art. They can be chemically synthesized or derived from natural sources. Some known urease inhibitors are toxic. For use in the present invention, urease inhibitors should not be toxic when used close to the wearer's skin.

[0142] Urease inhibitors include transition metal ions and soluble salts thereof, such as silver salts, copper salts, zinc salts, iron salts and aluminum salts. Anions may also provide urease inhibition, such as borates, phytates, etc. Potentially valuable compounds include, but are not limited to, silver chlorate, silver nitrate, mercuric acetate, mercuric chloride, mercuric nitrate, copper metaborate, copper bromate, copper bromide, copper chloride, copper dichromate, copper nitrate, copper salicylate, copper sulfate, zinc acetate, zinc borate, zinc phytate, zinc bromate, zinc bromide, zinc chlorate, zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, cadmium acetate, cadmium borate, cadmium bromide, cadmium chlorate, cadmium chloride, cadmium formate, cadmium iodate, cadmium iodide, cadmium permanganate, cadmium nitrate, cadmium sulfate and gold chloride.

[0143] Other salts disclosed to have urease inhibiting properties include iron and aluminum salts, especially nitrates and bismuth salts. Other urease inhibitors include hydroxamic acid and its derivatives; thiourea; hydroxylamine; salts of phytic acid; phenyl diaminophosphorodiamidates / diaminophenylphosphorodiamidates; metal aryl phosphoramidate complexes, including substituted diaminophosphorodiamidate compounds; phosphoramidates without substitution on nitrogen.

[0144] For the present invention, natural urease inhibitors are preferred. As used herein, "natural urease inhibitors" are derived from natural sources. Natural urease inhibitors can be plant-based, that is, the urease inhibitor can be a plant with urease inhibitory activity, or can be an extract obtained from such a plant.

[0145] The natural urease inhibitor used in the present invention can be green tea (Camellia sinensis), grape seed, red grape seed extract, aloe vera, witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita), calendula officinalis, sage (Salvia officinalis), yucca (Yucca schidigera) and combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0146] Other useful urease inhibitors isolated and identified from plants are terpenoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and combinations and mixtures thereof, as well as combinations and mixtures with the urease inhibitors described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0147] Preferred urease inhibitors of the present invention are green tea (Camellia sinensis), grape seed extract, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and combinations and mixtures thereof.

[0148] EGCG is an ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid, a type of catechin. It is found in high concentrations in the dry leaves of green tea (about 7380 mg / 100 g), white tea (about 4245 mg / 100 g), and to a lesser extent black tea (about 936 mg / 100 g). Therefore, for the present invention, it is considered to be an extract of (green) tea.

[0149] Surprisingly, the inventors have also found that for natural urease inhibitors, particularly green tea extracts, the activity of the urease inhibitor can be increased by bringing it into solution and removing all or most of the insoluble parts before applying it to the portion of the absorbent article 10. Without being bound by theory, the presence of different soluble catechins seems to provide a synergistic effect that increases the activity of the urease inhibitor. Although it is generally known that EGCG, such as from green tea extract, is one of the most effective urease inhibitors, the inventors have found that EGCG is less effective in its pure form (>92 wt %) than when applied with one or more additional catechins, and it is believed that the urease inhibitory activity of the additional catechins is lower than the urease inhibitory activity of EGCG. Therefore, the solution applied during the method of the present invention can include a urease inhibitor, which includes more than 50 wt %, particularly more than 80 wt % or even more than 90 wt % of EGCG. It may be desirable that the urease inhibitor includes at least one catechin different from EGCG, particularly the urease inhibitor includes more than 3 wt %, more than 5 wt % or even more than 10 wt % of one or more catechins different from EGCG. In particular, the urease inhibitor can be selected to contain EGCG, illustratively more than 50 wt%, more than 80 wt%, or even more than 90 wt% EGCG, and more than 3 wt%, more than 5 wt%, or even more than 10 wt% of a catechin other than EGCG, before dissolving it in a solvent and removing any insoluble portion.

[0150] Therefore, the present invention may also relate to an absorbent article 10, wherein the urease inhibitor comprises greater than 50 wt%, greater than 80 wt%, or even greater than 90 wt% EGCG. It may be desirable that the urease inhibitor also comprises catechins other than EGCG, in particular the urease inhibitor comprises more than 3 wt%, more than 5 wt%, or even more than 10 wt% catechins other than EGCG.

[0151] The present invention also relates to an absorbent article 10 obtainable by the above-described process.

[0152] In particular, the present invention relates to an absorbent article 10 comprising

[0153] A liquid permeable top sheet 26 having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface,

[0154] Liquid-impermeable backsheet 28,

[0155] an absorbent core 30 having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and

[0156] optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer 38 having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;

[0157] wherein the absorbent core 30 is disposed between the top sheet 26 and the back sheet 28; the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, and optionally at least one optional acquisition and distribution layer 38 are disposed between the second surface of the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core 30;

[0158] Wherein one or more of the following comprises a natural urease inhibitor:

[0159] i) a first surface of the top sheet (26),

[0160] ii) optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38),

[0161] iii) an absorbent core (30),

[0162] The natural urease inhibitor has a solubility of at least 10 g / l in distilled water. The solubility of the natural urease inhibitor in distilled water is preferably greater than 15 g / l, more preferably greater than 20 g / l, even more preferably greater than 35 g / l or even greater than 50 g / l. Due to this solubility, the natural urease inhibitor completely dissolves in urine and effectively inhibits urease in urine. In addition, there is no insoluble portion of the urease inhibitor on the corresponding portion of the absorbent article, which may block the fluid transport channel in the article when moving from the application point during urine collection.

[0163] Alternatively, an absorbent article 10 comprising

[0164] A liquid permeable top sheet 26 having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface,

[0165] Liquid-impermeable backsheet 28,

[0166] an absorbent core 30 having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and

[0167] optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer 38 having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface;

[0168] wherein the absorbent core 30 is disposed between the top sheet 26 and the back sheet 28; the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, and optionally at least one optional acquisition and distribution layer 38 are disposed between the second surface of the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core 30;

[0169] Wherein one or more of the following comprises a natural urease inhibitor:

[0170] i) a first surface of the top sheet 26,

[0171] ii) optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer 38,

[0172] iii) an absorbent core 30,

[0173] The natural urease inhibitor is soluble to at least 95% by weight in synthetic urine. Preferably, the natural urease inhibitor is soluble to at least 98% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight or at least 99.5% by weight in synthetic urine. Due to this solubility, the natural urease inhibitor is completely dissolved in urine and effectively inhibits urease in urine. In addition, there is no insoluble part of the urease inhibitor on the corresponding part of the absorbent article, which may block the fluid transport channel in the article when moving from the application point during urine collection. In order to determine the solubility, a limited amount of 0.1g of urease inhibitor is removed from the absorbent article, or 0.1g of the same urease inhibitor is provided and dissolved in 100ml of synthetic urine under constant stirring at laboratory ambient temperature (23±1°C) and atmospheric pressure. The solution is filtered, and the amount of insoluble residue is determined by comparing the weight of the filter used before and after filtration and subsequent drying (e.g., overnight in an oven at 60°C). Report the amount to the nearest 0.001g.

[0174] In some examples, the natural urease inhibitor is completely soluble in 100 ml of synthetic urine. Completely soluble means that after a certain amount of synthetic urine is uniformly applied to the absorbent article, no insoluble residue is left on the corresponding part of the absorbent article. In particular, when embedded in a water-insoluble substance such as a body lotion, the natural urease inhibitor is insoluble within the meaning of this article.

[0175] In one example, the absorbent article contains a natural urease inhibitor, the total amount of which in the absorbent article is soluble to at least 95% by weight in 300ml of synthetic urine. Preferably, the natural urease inhibitor is soluble to at least 98% by weight in 300ml of synthetic urine, more preferably at least 99% by weight, even more preferably at least 99% by weight or at least 99.5% by weight. This amount of synthetic urine is selected to match the standard maximum capacity of the absorbent article. In order to evaluate the solubility in 300ml of synthetic urine, the part of the absorbent article containing the urease inhibitor (i.e., the top sheet 26, at least one optional acquisition and distribution layer 38 or absorbent core 30) can be isolated from the article, and synthetic urine is evenly applied thereto. Alternatively, if possible, the entire amount of urease inhibitor is removed from the absorbent article and dissolved in a corresponding amount of synthetic urine under constant stirring at laboratory ambient temperature (23 ± 1 ° C) and atmospheric pressure. Filter the solution, and determine the amount of insoluble residue by comparing the weight of the filter used before and after filtration and subsequent drying (e.g., overnight in an oven at 60 ° C). Report the amount to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0176] The absorbent article 10 of the present invention may also include all of the features obtainable by the above-described methods.

[0177] Illustratively, the absorbent article 10 comprises a natural urease inhibitor selected from the group consisting of green tea, an extract from green tea, grape seed, an extract from grape seed, and combinations thereof.

[0178] The urease inhibitor may be disposed on at least one surface selected from the group consisting of the first surface of the top sheet 26, the first surface of the absorbent core 30, the first surface and the second surface of at least one ADL 38, and / or disposed within at least one ADL 38 and / or within the absorbent core 30.

[0179] The urease inhibitor may be disposed on and / or within at least one ADL 38 in the absorbent article 10 .

[0180] The absorbent core 30 has a first body-facing surface having a surface area and wherein the urease inhibitor can be present at 3 g / m 2 based on the total body-facing surface area of ​​the absorbent core 30. 2 Up to 200g / m 2 , or 5g / m 2 Up to 100g / m 2 amount applied.

[0181] The absorbent article 10 may have a longitudinal centerline 50 and a longitudinal dimension extending along the longitudinal centerline 50, and a transverse centerline 48 perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 50, and include a front waist region 12 having a front waist edge 18, a back waist region 16 having a back waist edge 20, and a crotch region 14 extending longitudinally between the front waist region and the back waist region 16; having a longitudinal dimension extending from the front waist edge 18 to the back waist edge 20 along the longitudinal centerline 50, each region forming one third of the longitudinal dimension, and wherein a solution of a urease inhibitor may be applied so that the amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 is higher than the amount in the back waist region 16.

[0182] The amount of urease inhibitor in the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10 may be higher than that in the back waist region 16. In addition, the amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch region 14 may be higher than that in the front waist region 12.

[0183] According to the IPRP test method described herein, the absorbent core 30 of the absorbent article 10 may have a -6 cm 2 Up to 10 -4 cm 2 In addition, the absorbent core 30 has elongated regions of reduced thickness.

[0184] In one aspect, the present invention may also be directed to an absorbent article 10 in which a urease inhibitor is used to maintain the pH of the wearer's skin in the range of 4.0 to 6.0 according to the Urease Activity Test Method described herein. Although the Urease Activity Test Method is not performed on the wearer and therefore does not include any steps of contacting the absorbent article 10 with the wearer's skin, the Urease Activity Test Method has been carefully set to "simulate" as closely as possible the pH of the wearer's skin.

[0185] conditions that typically occur during use of the absorbent article 10. In practice, the urease activity test method is believed to provide a more objective measurement because it excludes various potential other factors that may affect the pH of the wearer's skin.

[0186] In the absorbent article 10, urease inhibitors may also be used to maintain the pH of the topsheet 26 within the range of 5.0 to 7.5, or within the range of 5.0 to 7.0, according to the test method described herein.

[0187] Urease inhibitors may also be used to maintain the amount of ammonia below 10 ppm, or below 8 ppm, or below 5 ppm according to the urease activity test method described herein.

[0188] During use of the absorbent article 10, a portion of the urine that has been transferred through the topsheet 26 into the absorbent article 10 may penetrate back through the topsheet 26 before it can be absorbed and stored by the absorbent core 30. This is also known as "rewetting". However, if a urine inhibitor is applied beneath the topsheet 26, at least a portion of the inhibitor may be "washed out" of the absorbent article 10 by dissolving in urine, which then penetrates back through the topsheet 26 onto the body-facing surface of the absorbent article 10. In order to reduce the amount of urease inhibitor that may be delivered to the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article 10 during use, it is desirable that the absorbent article 10 have good rewetting properties. Therefore, according to the Post-Acquisition Collagen Rewetting Test Method described herein, the absorbent article 10 may have a Rewetting Amount of less than 150 mg, or less than 120 mg.

[0189] Absorbent products

[0190] The following disclosure of absorbent articles herein is intended to relate to aspects of the present invention (which relate to the absorbent articles themselves) and methods of making absorbent articles, i.e., the present disclosure is intended to describe aspects of the corresponding absorbent articles. Although urease inhibitors are not specifically described in the following disclosure of absorbent articles, and urease inhibitors are not shown in the accompanying drawings, it is self-evident that the absorbent articles of the present invention describe urease inhibitors as described and claimed herein and in the following examples.

[0191] An exemplary absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is shown in the form of a diaper (applied to a wearer with a belt) Figures 1 to 3Shown in. Figure 1 To illustrate a plan view of the absorbent article 10, the garment-facing surface 2 faces the viewer in a flat, flat position (ie, without elastic contraction). Figure 2 for Figure 1 0048] Figure 1 is a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article 10 with the body-facing surface 4 facing the viewer in a flat, unfolded state. Figure 3 In the fastened configuration Figure 1 and Figure 2 10 is a front perspective view of an absorbent article 10. Figures 1 to 3 The absorbent article 10 is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the present disclosure can be used to make a variety of diapers, including, for example, adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles such as, for example, sanitary napkins and absorbent pads.

[0192] The absorbent article 10 may include a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a back waist region 16. The crotch region 14 may extend intermediate the front waist region 12 and the back waist region 16. The front waist region 12, the crotch region 14, and the back waist region 16 may each be 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may include a front waist edge 18, a back waist edge 20 opposite the front waist edge 18. The absorbent article 10 also includes longitudinally extending, laterally opposite side edges 22 and 24 defined by the chassis 52.

[0193] The absorbent article 10 comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 26, a liquid impermeable backsheet 28 and an absorbent core 30 positioned between the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28. Hereinafter, the terms "topsheet" and "backsheet" are used only to describe the liquid permeable topsheet and the liquid impermeable backsheet.

[0194] The absorbent article 10 may also include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32 with or without elastic members 33 , one or more pairs of leg elastic members 34 , and one or more elastic waistbands 36 .

[0195] The absorbent article may further include at least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) 38 disposed between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 30 .

[0196] An outer cover material 40, such as a nonwoven material, may cover the garment-facing side of the backsheet 28. The absorbent article 10 may include a rear ear 42 located in the rear waist region 16. The rear ear 42 may include a fastener 46 and may extend from the rear waist region 16 of the absorbent article 10 and be attached (using the fastener 46) to a landing zone area or landing zone material 44 on the garment-facing portion of the front waist region 12 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may also have a front ear 47 in the front waist region 12. The absorbent article 10 may have a transverse centerline 48 and a longitudinal centerline 50. The transverse centerline 48 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 50.

[0197] In other cases, the absorbent article may be in the form of a pant having permanent or refastenable side seams. Suitable refastenable seams are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0005020 and U.S. Patent No. 9,421,137. See Figures 4 to 8 , an exemplary absorbent article 10 is shown in the form of a pant. Figure 4 It is a front perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figure 5 This is a back perspective view of the absorbent article 10. Figure 6 is a plan view of an absorbent article 10 lying flat with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. Figure 4-Figure 8 The same as above Figure 1-3 The same reference numeral elements are the same elements (eg, absorbent core 30). Figure 7 Taken along line 7-7 Figure 6 Example cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. Figure 8 Taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 Example cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Example forms of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56 are shown. The absorbent article 10 may have a front waist region 12, a crotch region 14, and a back waist region 16. Each of the regions 12, 14, and 16 may be 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 includes a top sheet 26, a back sheet 28, and an absorbent core 30 at least partially disposed between the top sheet 26 and the back sheet 28, and optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) 38 disposed between the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core, similar to the above description of the absorbent article 10. Figure 1-Figure 3 The absorbent article 10 may include a front belt 54 located in the front waist region 12 and a back belt 56 located in the back waist region 16. The central infrastructure 52 (including the top sheet 26, the back sheet, the absorbent core and the optional ADL) may be joined to the body-facing surface 4 of the front belt 54 and the back belt 56. The side edges 23 and 25 of the front belt 54 may be joined to the side edges 27 and 29 of the back belt 56, respectively, to form two side seams 58. The side seams 58 may be any suitable seams known to those skilled in the art, such as, for example, abutting seams or overlapping seams. When the side seams 58 are permanently formed or closed in a refastenable manner, the absorbent article 10 in the form of pants has two leg openings 60 and a waist opening periphery 62. The side seams 58 may be permanently joined using, for example, an adhesive or bonding portion, or may be closed in a refastenable manner using, for example, hook and loop fasteners.

[0198] In another form, the absorbent article can be an absorbent insert used with a reusable outer cover. The insert can be disposable or reusable. The reusable outer cover can include a woven fabric or other material and can be configured as pants or diapers. In the context of diapers, the reusable outer cover can include a fastening system for joining the front waist area of ​​the reusable outer cover to the rear waist area. The fastening system can include, for example, snaps, buttons and / or hooks and loops. The insert can include a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially between the top sheet and the back sheet. At least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) 38 is disposed between the top sheet and the absorbent core. The insert can include one or more pairs of leg cuffs and may not contain ear pieces, side pieces and / or waistbands. In some cases, a nonwoven material can be positioned on the side of the back sheet facing the clothes. The surface of the insert facing the clothes can be attached to the body-facing surface of the reusable outer cover via an adhesive, hook-and-loop fastener or other bonding methods. An example insert and reusable outer cover system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,011,402 issued to Roe et al. on April 21, 2015. The insert or reusable outer cover may include a biobased content value of, for example, about 10% to about 100%, about 25% to about 100%, about 40% to about 100%, about 50% to about 100%, about 75% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100% as measured using ASTM D6866-10 Method B.

[0199] bring

[0200] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the front belt 54 and the back belt 56 may include a front inner belt layer 66 and a back inner belt layer 67 and a front outer belt layer 64 and a back outer belt layer 65, which have an elastomeric material (e.g., a strand 68 or a film (which may be apertured)) at least partially disposed between the inner belt layer and the outer belt layer. The elastic element 68 or film may be relaxed (including being cut) to reduce the elastic strain on the absorbent core 30, or alternatively be continuously distributed over the entire absorbent core 30. The elastic elements 68 may have uniform or variable spacing between them in any portion of the belt. The elastic elements 68 may also be pre-strained by the same amount or by different amounts. The front belt 54 and / or the back belt 56 may have one or more elastic element free zones 70, wherein the base structure 52 overlaps the front belt 54 and the back belt 56. In other cases, at least some of the elastic elements 68 may extend continuously over the base structure 52.

[0201] The front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 and the front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 can be joined using adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt layer constructions can be found in US Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0211363.

[0202] The front belt end edge 55 and the rear belt end edge 57 can extend longitudinally beyond the front chassis end edge 19 and the rear chassis end edge 21 (e.g. Figure 6 25 and 27 to 29) or they may be coterminal. The front and rear belt sides 23, 25, 27 and 29 may extend laterally beyond the chassis sides 22 and 24. The front belt 54 and rear belt 56 may be continuous (i.e., have at least one continuous layer) from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the lateral distance from 23 to 25 and from 27 to 29). Alternatively, the front belt 54 and rear belt 56 may be discontinuous from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the lateral distance from 23 to 25 and from 27 to 29) such that they are discrete.

[0203] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,393, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal centerline 50) of the rear band 56 may be greater than the longitudinal length of the front band 54, and this may be particularly useful for increasing hip coverage when the rear band 56 has a greater longitudinal length than the front band 54 adjacent to or proximate to the side seam 58.

[0204] The front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 may be separated from each other so that the layers are discrete, or the layers may be continuous so that the layers extend continuously from the front belt end edge 55 to the rear belt end edge 57. The same is true for the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 - that is, they may also be longitudinally discrete or continuous. Furthermore, the front outer belt layer 64 and the rear outer belt layer 65 may be longitudinally continuous, while the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 are longitudinally discrete so that gaps are formed between them - the gaps between the front and rear inner and outer belt layers 64, 65, 66 and 67 are shown in FIG. Figure 7 and the gap between the front inner belt layer 66 and the rear inner belt layer 67 is shown in Figure 8 middle.

[0205] The front and back bands 54, 56 may include slits, holes and / or perforations that provide increased breathability, softness and a garment-like texture. The underwear-like appearance may be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the side seams 58 (see FIG. Figure 4 and 5 ).

[0206] The front band 54 and the rear band 56 may include graphics (see, e.g. Figure 1 The graphic may extend substantially around the entire perimeter of the absorbent article 10 and may be disposed across the side seams 58 and / or across the proximal front and back belt seams 15, 17; or alternatively, disposed adjacent to the seams 58, 15, and 17 in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,498,389 to create a more underwear-like article. The graphic may also be discontinuous.

[0207] Alternatively, discrete side panels may be connected to the sides 22 and 24 of the chassis, rather than attaching belts 54 and 56 to the chassis 52 to form a pant. Suitable forms of pants including discrete side panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,645,190, 8,747,379, 8,372,052, 8,361,048, 6,761,711, 6,817,994, 8,007,485, 7,862,550, 6,969,377, 7,497,851, 6,849,067, 6,893,426, 6,953,452, 6,840,928, 8,579,876, 7,682,349, 7,156,833, and 7,201,744.

[0208] Top sheet

[0209] The top sheet 26 is the part of the absorbent article 10 that contacts the wearer's skin. The top sheet 26 may be joined to a back sheet 28, an absorbent core 30, a barrier leg cuff 32 and / or a portion of any other layer as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The top sheet 26 may be compliant, feel soft, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. In addition, at least a portion or all of the top sheet 26 may be liquid permeable, allowing liquid body exudates to easily penetrate its thickness. Suitable top sheets 26 may be manufactured by a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, open-cell plastic films, natural fibers (e.g., wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester or polypropylene or bicomponent PE / PP fibers or mixtures thereof), or a woven material, nonwoven material, woven or nonwoven material of a combination of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The top sheet 26 may have one or more layers. The top sheet 26 may be open-cell ( Figure 2 , element 31), may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and / or may have a plurality of embossments (e.g., bonding patterns). Top sheet 26 may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, or may have hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic portions or layers. If top sheet 26 is hydrophobic, then holes will typically be present so that body exudates can pass through top sheet 26.

[0210] The top sheet 26 may have an opacity of at least 15%, or at least 18%, or at least 20%, or at least 25%, as determined according to the opacity test method described below. In particular, if the urease inhibitor used in the absorbent article of the present invention is neither white nor transparent, the top sheet 26 with good opacity (such as at least 15%) is used to help reduce the visibility of the urease inhibitor through the top sheet 26. In fact, since the urease inhibitor of the present invention is applied inside the absorbent article, that is, neither on the body-facing surface of the top sheet 26 nor on the clothing-facing surface of the back sheet, a urease inhibitor with a certain non-white color can be used. If the urease inhibitor is used on the body-facing surface of the top sheet 26, the body-facing surface of the top sheet 26 will provide a spotty and unsightly appearance due to the presence of the urease inhibitor.

[0211] The topsheet 26 of the absorbent article of the present invention may not contain a body lotion.

[0212] Negatives

[0213] Backsheet 28 is generally that part of the surface positioning facing clothes of absorbent article 10 adjacent absorbent core 30.Backsheet 28 can be joined to the top sheet 26 of absorbent article, outer cover material 40, absorbent core 30 and / or the part of any other layer by any attachment method well known to those skilled in the art.Backsheet 28 prevents or at least suppresses the body exudates absorbed and held by absorbent core 10 from soiling articles, such as sheets, underwear and / or clothes.Backsheet is liquid impermeable.Backsheet can for example be or comprise thin plastic film, such as thermoplastic film, and it has the thickness of about 0.012mm to about 0.051mm.Other suitable backsheet materials can comprise breathable material, and it allows steam to escape from absorbent article, still prevents or at least suppresses body exudates from seeing through backsheet simultaneously.

[0214] Outer cover material

[0215] The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as a backsheet nonwoven material) 40 may include one or more nonwoven materials joined to and covering the backsheet 28. The outer cover material 40 forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10 and effectively "covers" the backsheet 28 so that no film is present on the garment-facing surface 2. The outer cover material 40 may include bonding patterns, holes, and / or three-dimensional features. The outer cover material 40 may be a spunlace nonwoven material.

[0216] Absorbent core

[0217] As used herein, the term "absorbent core" 30 refers to that portion of the absorbent article 10 that is intended to store liquid that enters the absorbent article during use (and therefore generally has the greatest absorbent capacity) and contains absorbent material. Figure 9-11 In some cases, the absorbent material 72 may be positioned in a core bag or core wrap 74 (the core bag or core wrap is contained by the absorbent core). Depending on the specific absorbent article, the absorbent material may be profiled or not, especially along the longitudinal centerline. "Profiled" means that the absorbent material is not evenly distributed over the entire surface area of ​​the absorbent core. The absorbent core 30 may include a core wrap, an absorbent material 72, and a glue encapsulated in the core wrap, consisting essentially of these elements, or consisting of these elements. The absorbent material may include or consist of: a) superabsorbent polymer particles and / or superabsorbent fibers, or b) a mixture of superabsorbent polymer particles and air felt, or c) only air felt, or d) a high internal phase emulsion foam, or e) a combination of any one of a) to d). In some cases, the absorbent material may include at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or at most 100% superabsorbent polymer by weight of the absorbent material. In such cases, the absorbent material may be free of air felt, or at least mostly free of air felt. The absorbent core periphery (which may be the periphery of the core wrap) may define any suitable shape, such as, for example, a rectangular "T", "Y", "hourglass" or "dog bone" shape. Preferably, the absorbent core has a rectangular shape. The absorbent core periphery having a generally "dog bone" or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width toward the crotch region 14 of the absorbent article 10.

[0218] See also Figure 9-11 , the absorbent core 30 may have areas of reduced thickness (wherein the term "reduced" includes areas of no thickness, i.e., areas without absorbent core material). Areas of reduced thickness may be areas with little or no absorbent material 72, where the body-facing surface of the core bag 74 may be joined to the garment-facing surface of the core bag 74. These areas with little or no absorbent material may be referred to as "channels" 76. These channels may embody any suitable shape, and any suitable number of channels may be provided. In other cases, although less preferred, the absorbent core may be embossed to create an impression of a channel. Figure 9-11 The absorbent core in is only an example absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0219] Barrier leg cuffs / leg elastics

[0220] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2For example, the absorbent article 10 may include one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs 32 and one or more pairs of leg elastic components 34. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may be positioned laterally inboard of the leg elastic components 34. Each barrier leg cuff 32 may be formed by a piece of material that is bonded to the absorbent article 10 so that it can extend upward from the body-facing surface 4 of the absorbent article 10 and provide improved containment of body exudates near the junction of the torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs 32 are defined by a proximal edge and a free end edge that is directly or indirectly bonded to the top sheet 26 and / or the back sheet, and the free end edge is intended to contact the wearer's skin and form a seal therewith. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may extend at least partially between the front waist edge 18 and the back waist edge 20 of the absorbent article 10 on opposite sides of the central longitudinal centerline 50, and may be present at least in the crotch region 14. The barrier leg cuffs 32 may each include one or more elastic components 33 (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free end edges. These elastic members 33 enable the barrier leg cuffs 32 to help form a seal around the legs and torso of the wearer. The leg elastic members 34 extend at least partially between the front waist edge 18 and the back waist edge 20. The leg elastic members 34 substantially enable portions of the absorbent article 10 adjacent the chassis side edges 22, 24 to help form a seal around the legs of the wearer. The leg elastic members 34 may extend at least in the crotch region 14.

[0221] Elastic waistband

[0222] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the absorbent article 10 may include one or more elastic waistbands 36. The elastic waistbands 36 may be positioned on the garment-facing surface 2 or on the body-facing surface 4. As an example, a first elastic waistband 36 may be present in the front waist region 12 near the front waist edge 18, and a second elastic waistband 36 may be present in the back waist region 16 near the back waist edge 20. The elastic waistbands 36 may help seal the absorbent article 10 around the waist of the wearer and at least inhibit body exudates from escaping the absorbent article 10 through the waist opening perimeter. In some cases, the elastic waistband may completely surround the waist opening perimeter of the absorbent article.

[0223] Collecting Materials

[0224] See also Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8At least one acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) 38 may be disposed between the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core 30, which may be present at least partially in the middle of the top sheet 26 and the absorbent core 30. The ADL includes an acquisition material, which is generally a hydrophilic material that provides significant wicking of body exudates. These materials can dehydrate the top sheet 26 and allow body exudates to quickly enter the absorbent core 30. The acquisition material of the ADL may include, for example, one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, cross-linked cellulosic materials, air-laid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof. Typically, one or more layers of the ADL may each have a width and length that is less than the width and length of the top sheet 26. The ADL may have one or more areas of reduced thickness (wherein the term "reduced" includes areas without thickness, i.e., areas without one, more than one, or all layers of the material of the ADL), such as channels, as described above with reference to the absorbent core 30 (including embossed patterns). The channels in the ADL may be aligned or misaligned with the channels in the absorbent core 30. In one example, the first layer of the ADL may include a nonwoven material and the second layer of the ADL may include a cross-linked cellulose material. The second layer of the ADL may be disposed between the first layer of the ADL and the absorbent core. The first layer of the ADL may be disposed between the top sheet and the second layer of the ADL.

[0225] Landing Zone

[0226] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the absorbent article 10 may have a landing zone area 44 formed in a portion of the garment-facing surface 2 of the outer cover material 40. If the absorbent article 10 is fastened from front to back, the landing zone area 44 may be located in the rear waist region 16; or if the absorbent article 10 is fastened from back to front, the landing zone area may be located in the front waist region 12. In some cases, the landing zone 44 may be or may include one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the outer cover material 40 in the front waist region 12 or the rear waist region 16, depending on whether the absorbent article is fastened in the front or back. In essence, the landing zone 44 is configured to receive the fastener 46 and may include, for example, a plurality of loops configured to engage with a plurality of hooks on the fastener 46, or vice versa.

[0227] Wetting indicator / graphics

[0228] See also Figure 1, the absorbent article 10 of the present disclosure may include graphics 78 and / or wetness indicators 80 visible from the garment-facing surface 2. The graphics 78 may be printed on the landing zone 40, the backsheet 28, and / or other locations. The wetness indicators 80 are typically applied to the side of the backsheet 28 facing the absorbent core so that they can be contacted by body exudates in the absorbent core 30. In some cases, the wetness indicators 80 may form part of the graphics 78. For example, the wetness indicators may appear or disappear, and characters may be created / removed in some graphics. In other cases, the wetness indicators 80 may be coordinated (e.g., the same design, the same pattern, the same color) or uncoordinated with the graphics 78.

[0229] Front and back ears

[0230] See above mentioned Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the absorbent article 10 may have a front ear 47 and / or a back ear 42 in a taped diaper. In most taped diapers, only one set of ear pieces is needed. A single set of ear pieces may include a fastener 46 configured to engage a landing zone or landing zone region 44. If two sets of ear pieces are provided, in most cases, only one set of ear pieces may have a fastener 46, while the other set of ear pieces does not have a fastener. The ear piece or a portion thereof may be elastic or may have an elastic sheet. In one example, an elastic film or elastic strand may be positioned between the first nonwoven material and the second nonwoven material. The elastic film may be apertured or may be non-apertured. The ear piece may be molded. The ear piece may be integral (e.g., an extension of an outer cover material 40, a backsheet 28, and / or a topsheet 26), or may be a discrete component attached to the base structure 52 of the absorbent article on the body-facing surface 4, on the clothing-facing surface 2, or between the two surfaces 4, 2.

[0231] Masking layer

[0232] One or more masking layers or materials may be provided in the absorbent article 10. The masking layer may be a layer that provides a soft feel when the absorbent article is touched from the garment-facing surface 2 or the body-facing surface 4. The masking layer may "mask" the graininess potentially caused by the absorbent material 72 (such as a superabsorbent polymer). The masking layer may "mask" body exudates so that they are not visible when viewing the body-facing surface 4 or the garment-facing surface 2 of the absorbent article 10. The masking layer may also mask the visibility of urease inhibitors. The masking layer may have a density of about 15 g / m 2 About 50g / m 2 or about 15g / m 2 About 40g / m 2The masking layer may include one or more nonwoven materials (e.g., spunlace nonwoven materials), foams, pulp layers, and / or other suitable materials. The masking layer may be the outer cover material 40. The masking layer may be a layer that forms the garment-facing side or body-facing side of the core bag 74. The masking layer may be a separate material positioned between the garment-facing side of the core bag 75 and the liquid-impermeable backsheet 28.

[0233] Packaging

[0234] The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed in a package. The package may comprise a polymer film and / or other material. Graphics and / or markings associated with the characteristics of the absorbent articles may be formed, printed, positioned, and / or placed on an outer portion of the package. Each package may include a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be stacked under compression to reduce the size of the package while still providing a sufficient amount of absorbent articles for each package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages while also providing savings in distribution for the manufacturer due to the size of the packages.

[0235] series

[0236] "Collection" refers to a display of packages of disposable absorbent articles having different article configurations (e.g., different elastomeric materials [in composition and / or structure] in the side panels, side wings, and / or belt flaps, different graphic elements, different product structures, fasteners, or none of these). The packages may have the same brand and / or sub-brand and / or the same trademark registration and / or be made by or for a common manufacturer, and such packages may be available at a common point of sale (e.g., oriented to be adjacent to each other in a given area of ​​a retail store). A collection is sold as a collection of products, which typically have similar packaging elements (e.g., type of packaging material, film, paper, primary color, design theme, etc.), which conveys to consumers the following information, namely, different individual packages are part of a larger collection. Collections often have the same brand, such as "Huggies", and the same sub-brand, such as "Pull-Ups". Different products in a collection may have the same brand "Huggies" and sub-brand "Little Movers". The differences between the "Pull-Ups" products in the series and the "Little Movers" products in the series may include product form, application method, different fastening design or other structural elements designed to address differences in physiological or psychological development. In addition, the packaging method is obviously different in that the "Pull-Ups" are packaged in a film bag that is mainly blue or pink, and the "Little Movers" are packaged in a film bag that is mainly red.

[0237] Further with respect to a "collection," as another example, a collection may be formed of different products having different product forms that are manufactured by the same manufacturer, e.g., "Kimberly-Clark," and have a common trademark registration, e.g., one product may have the brand name "Huggies," and a sub-brand such as "Pull-Ups." Different products in a collection may have the brand / sub-brand "Good Nites," and both are registered trademarks of The Kimberly-Clark Corporation and / or manufactured by Kimberly-Clark. Collections also typically have the same trademarks, including trademarks of the brand, sub-brands, and / or features and / or benefits of the entire collection. An "online collection" refers to a "collection" that is distributed through a common online source.

[0238] sanitary napkin

[0239] See also Fig.12 , the absorbent article of the present disclosure can be a sanitary napkin 110. The sanitary napkin 110 may include a liquid-permeable top sheet 114, a liquid-impermeable or substantially liquid-impermeable back sheet 116, and an absorbent core 118. The liquid-impermeable back sheet 116 may or may not be vapor-permeable. The absorbent core 118 may have any or all of the characteristic structures described herein with respect to the absorbent core 30, and in some forms, may have a second top sheet 119 (STS) instead of the ADL disclosed above. The STS 119 may include one or more channels (including embossed patterns) as described above. In some forms, the channels in the STS 119 may be aligned with the channels in the absorbent core 118. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include wings 120 extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal centerline 180 of the sanitary napkin 110. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include a transverse centerline 190. The wings 120 may be joined to the top sheet 114, the back sheet 116, and / or the absorbent core 118. The sanitary napkin 110 may also include a front edge 122, a rear edge 124 longitudinally opposite the front edge 122, a first side edge 126, and a second side edge 128 longitudinally opposite the first side edge 126. A longitudinal centerline 180 may extend from the midpoint of the front edge 122 to the midpoint of the rear edge 124. A transverse centerline 190 may extend from the midpoint of the first side edge 128 to the midpoint of the second side edge 128. The sanitary napkin 110 may also have additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins as is known in the art.

[0240] Example cross section of an absorbent article

[0241] Figures 13 to 15 Example cross-sectional views of absorbent articles within the scope of the present disclosure are shown. Fig.13 is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken within the front waist region 12 of an absorbent article. Fig.14is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken within the crotch region 14 of an absorbent article. Fig.15 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken within the rear waist region 16 of an absorbent article. Figures 13 to 15 , the outer cover material is element 40, the top sheet is element 26, the back sheet is element 28, the absorbent core is element 30, the core bag is element 74, the absorbent material is element 72, and the ADL is element 86. ADL 86 may include a cross-linked cellulosic material and is optional. The acquisition material is element 88. The barrier leg cuffs are element 90. The elastic components in the barrier leg cuffs are element 92. The back ears are element 42. The fasteners on the back ears 42 are element 46. For clarity, the construction glue and / or bonds between the layers and / or components have been removed. Other cross-sectional configurations known to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0242] Biobased content of components

[0243] The components of the absorbent articles described herein may be at least partially composed of bio-based content, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2007 / 0219521A1. For example, superabsorbent polymer components may be bio-based via their derivation from bio-based acrylic acid. Bio-based acrylic acid and its production method are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0219521 and U.S. Patents 8,703,450, 9,630,901 and 9,822,197. Other components such as nonwovens and film components may include bio-based polyolefin materials. Bio-based polyolefins are further discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2011 / 0139657, 2011 / 0139658, 2011 / 0152812 and 2016 / 0206774 and U.S. Patent No. 9,169,366. Exemplary bio-based polyolefins for use in the present disclosure include polymers available under the designations SHA7260™, SHE150™, or SGM9450F™ (all available from Braskem S.A.).

[0244] The absorbent article component may include a biobased content value of, for example, from about 10% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 50% to about 100%, from about 75% to about 100%, or from about 90% to about 100%, as measured using ASTM D6866-10 Method B.

[0245] Recycling-friendly and bio-based absorbent products

[0246] The components of the absorbent articles described herein can be recycled for other purposes, whether or not they are (at least partially) formed by recyclable materials. Examples of recyclable absorbent article materials are nonwovens, films, fluff pulp, and superabsorbent polymers. The recycling process can sterilize the absorbent articles using an autoclave, and then the absorbent articles can be shredded and separated into different by-product streams. Example by-product streams may include plastics, superabsorbent polymers, and cellulose fibers, such as pulp. These by-product streams can be used to produce fertilizers, manufacture plastic products, paper products, viscose, building materials, pets, or absorbent pads on hospital beds and / or other uses. More details about absorbent articles that are helpful for recycling, designs of recycling-friendly diapers, and designs of recycling-friendly and bio-based component diapers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0192723, published on June 27, 2019.

[0247] Test Method

[0248] Solubility Test Method

[0249] The solubility of the natural urease inhibitor is preferably determined by the urease inhibitor raw material, i.e., the raw material is obtained by removing the solvent from a solution containing the solution and the urease inhibitor at laboratory ambient temperature (23 ± 1 ° C) and atmospheric pressure before the solution is applied to the absorbent article. A saturated solution of the natural urease inhibitor in water is prepared. For example, the urease inhibitor can be gradually added (e.g., 10 mg per step) to water (e.g., 10 ml) while stirring the solution until the solution is saturated, at which time no newly added urease inhibitor is partially dissolved. A limited amount of the solution (e.g., 1 ml) is then transferred to a device (e.g., weighing boat) with a limited weight by a pipette or tool with equal volume accuracy. Water is removed, and the weight of the natural urease inhibitor dissolved in a limited amount is subsequently determined. Solubility is reported, accurate to 1 g / l.

[0250] If the raw material is not available, the solubility is determined after removal from the absorbent article. To this end, in a first step, the absorbent article portion containing the native urease inhibitor is separated. The urease inhibitor portion is then preferably extracted mechanically, for example by shaking; and the solubility is determined as described above. Alternatively, the urease inhibitor can be extracted from the separated portion by washing it with distilled water and one or more organic solvents. Subsequently, the water and one or more organic solvents are removed and the solubility of the remaining solid is determined. The solubility is reported to the nearest 1 g / l.

[0251] Urease activity test method

[0252] The urease activity test method measures the urease activity in absorbent articles treated with a test solution containing urease and synthetic urine containing urea. In this method, similar test samples cut from similar absorbent articles of interest are placed in test containers and treated with a test solution containing urease and synthetic urine containing urea. A collagen layer is also present in each test container. Each test container is sealed and cultured at 37°C for about 4 hours. Thereafter, the urease activity is characterized by measuring (a) gas phase ammonia release, (b) the pH of the topmost layer of the absorbent article sample (i.e., the body-facing layer of the absorbent article), and (c) the pH of the collagen.

[0253] Sample and material preparation

[0254] For each absorbent article of interest, a test sample is cut from each of six similar absorbent articles of interest. The test sample cut from each similar absorbent article of interest is a disk of 10.0 cm in diameter and centered at a point on the transverse centerline, the distance of which behind the front edge of the absorbent core of the absorbent article is 48.5% of the entire length of the absorbent core (i.e., in longitudinal dimension). That is, the point centered by each test sample is along the transverse centerline and slightly in front of the intersection of the transverse and longitudinal centerlines of the absorbent core. At this position, the disk is cut or punched through all layers present in the absorbent article, and the test sample subsequently maintains the internal organization of the layer structure as present in the complete absorbent article.

[0255] During and after the addition of the test solution, a cylindrical screw-top polypropylene container with a volume of about 500 mL, a diameter of about 10.5 cm, and a height of about 8 cm was used to hold each test sample. The bottom diameter of the cylindrical container was large enough so that the test sample could lie flat. A central hole with a diameter of 8 mm was drilled in each lid of the test container. The hole was immediately sealed with tape and opened only after the container was incubated at 37°C.

[0256] For each screw-top container used during analysis, a ring (made of either acrylic or polycarbonate) with an outer diameter of 7.5 cm, an inner diameter of 5 cm, and a thickness of 7.5 mm was formed.

[0257] From commercially available collagen sheets (Naturin COFFI clear, with a thickness of 33.5 ± 0.4 g / m 2 A circular collagen disk with a diameter of 7.0 cm is cut from a 400 μm (0.174 μm) PCR kit (Viscofan Group, Tajonar, Spain) or equivalent to be positioned individually above each test sample. Each circular collagen disk is placed on top of the ring. This assembly allows the collagen disk to be positioned above each test sample without direct contact between the collagen disk and the test sample.

[0258] Synthetic urine was prepared by dissolving 2% w / w urea, 0.9% w / w sodium chloride, 0.11% w / w magnesium sulfate monohydrate, 0.079% w / w calcium chloride monohydrate in deionized water.

[0259] Urease stock solution (23.5 U / ml) was prepared by dissolving Jack Bean urease (Cat. No. U1500, Millipore Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA, or equivalent) in deionized water.

[0260] For each sample to be tested, 75 ml of test solution was prepared by mixing 67.5 ml of synthetic urine and 7.5 ml of urease stock solution at ambient laboratory temperature (23 ± 1°C) immediately before use.

[0261] Test procedures

[0262] Each test sample is placed in the above-mentioned cylindrical screw-cap container so that it faces the skin side upward. Then 75mL test solution (prepared before use) is poured on the test sample. Within one minute, after visually confirming that the test solution is completely absorbed by the test sample and there is no free liquid above the test sample, the ring carrying the single layer of collagen is placed above the test sample so that there is no direct contact between the collagen disk and the test sample. When the free test solution remains visible in the test container after one minute, use an appropriate device such as a pipette to remove the free test solution and place the ring carrying the collagen layer above the test sample. Immediately use the container lid to close the test container, and the test container is cultured in a climate-controlled oven / incubator at 37°C for 4.0 ± 0.25 hours.

[0263] Measurement and reporting

[0264] After the incubation period, the test container for each test specimen to be characterized was immediately removed from the oven / incubator and measured.

[0265] For each test container and test sample, the concentration of gas phase ammonia in the head space above the test sample in the test container is measured using a Draeger flow tube-based gas phase ammonia detection system (e.g., available from Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Luebeck, Germany). Suitable equipment for this particular application is a Draeger short-term detection tube - ammonia 5 / b (Catalog No. 81 01 941) and a Draeger Accuro pump (Catalog No. 64 00 000), or equivalent. The tape sealing the orifice in the test container lid is removed, and the ammonia tube is inserted into the test container to a depth of 3±0.5 cm. According to the manufacturer's instructions, the gas phase sample in the test container is extracted using the Draeger pump, 100 ml is taken twice (i.e., 200 ml), and the color change level is then divided by 2 to obtain the ppm value of ammonia. Depending on the concentration of ammonia in the head space, it may be necessary to use an alternative short-term ammonia detection tube suitable for the concentration to be measured. The level of color change in the ammonia tube is used to determine the amount of ammonia in the gas phase of the container (ppm). For each test container and test sample, record the gas phase ammonia concentration to the nearest 1 ppm.

[0266] After measuring gas phase headspace ammonia (about 30 minutes-60 minutes), for each test container and test sample, the lid of each test container is unscrewed and removed. Collagen disk and ring are taken out / extracted from the test container to avoid contact between collagen and the container side. Use skin and scalp pH meter (catalog number HI981037, Hanna Instruments, Smithfield, RI, USA, or equivalent) to measure the pH of collagen layer. Usually, collagen will form some viscosity and adhere to the ring during incubation, thereby supporting the moderate pressure on the collagen surface. This makes collagen supported on the ring when pH probe contacts with collagen disk for pH measurement. Before measuring, according to the manufacturer's instructions, calibrate the pH meter with pH 4 and 7 buffer solutions. Record the pH of the collagen related to each test sample, accurate to 0.01 of the pH of the test sample collagen.

[0267] Finally, for each test sample, measure the pH of the topmost layer of the absorbent article test sample using a skin and scalp pH meter. When the pH meter is placed in contact with the topmost layer of the test sample, the entire test sample (all layers) remains intact beneath the topmost layer. Record the pH of the topmost layer of each test sample to the nearest 0.01 of the pH of the topsheet of the test sample.

[0268] Calculate the arithmetic mean of the gas phase ammonia concentrations in all the test samples analyzed and report them as the gas phase ammonia concentration of the sample absorbent article, accurate to 0.1 ppm. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the topsheet pH in all the test samples analyzed and report them as the topsheet pH of the sample absorbent article, accurate to 0.1.

[0269] The arithmetic mean of the collagen pH in all test samples analyzed is calculated and reported to the nearest 0.1 as the collagen pH due to the sample absorbent article.

[0270] Improved fluid collection test

[0271] The Modified Fluid Acquisition ("MFA") test is designed to measure the rate at which a 0.9 wt. % saline solution is absorbed into an absorbent article compressed at 2.07 kPa. Additional layers may be placed on top of and / or below the absorbent core for use in the "Modified Fluid Acquisition Test" (see Examples below), in which case the MFA measures the rate at which a 0.9 wt. % saline solution is absorbed into the absorbent core and the additional layers compressed at 2.07 kPa.

[0272] A known volume was introduced four times, with each subsequent dose starting five (5) minutes after the previous dose had been absorbed. The time required to absorb each dose was recorded. The test fluid was a 0.9 weight / volume % saline solution and was prepared by weighing 9.0 g ± 0.05 g of NaCl into a weighing boat, transferring it to a 1 L volumetric flask and diluting by volume with deionized water.

[0273] MFA equipment is shown in Figures 16 to 18B . The MFA apparatus includes a bladder assembly 3001 and a top plate assembly 3200 including a deposition assembly 3100. A controller 3005 is used to 1) monitor the impedance across the electrodes 3106 and record the time interval during which the 0.9 wt % saline solution is in the cylinder 3102; 2) connect to a liquid pump 3004 to start / stop dispensing; and 3) measure the time interval between dosing and dispensing. The controller 3005 is capable of recording time events with an accuracy of ±0.01 seconds. An indoor air source 3014 is connected to a pressure regulator 3006, which is capable of delivering air at an appropriate flow / pressure to maintain 2.07 kPa in the bladder assembly 3001. The liquid pump 3004 (Ismatec MCP-Z gear pump or equivalent purchased from Cole Palmer (Vernon Hills, IL)) is capable of delivering a flow rate of 10 mL-80 mL at a rate of 3 mL / s-15 mL / s, which is delivered via The conduit 3015 is attached to the stainless steel tube 3104 of the deposition assembly 3100 .

[0274] The bladder assembly 3001 is made of 12.7 mm Plexiglas with overall dimensions of 80 cm long by 30 cm wide by 10 cm high. A pressure gauge 3007 for measuring the pressure within the assembly and a pressure gauge 3006 for regulating the introduction of air into the assembly are installed through two holes on the right side. The bladder 3013 is assembled as follows: a 50 mm by 100 mm silicone diaphragm (0.02" thick, 20 Shore A durometer, purchased as part number 86435K85 from McMaster-Carr (Cleveland, OH)) is covered on the top of the box, leaving enough slack so that the membrane touches the bottom of the box at its center point. A flanged aluminum frame 3003 is fitted over the top of the membrane and secured in place using a mechanical clamp 3010.

[0275] When in place, the assembly should not leak under a pressure of 3.45 kPa. Use 5 cm by 30 cm by 1 mm front 3008 and back 3009 sample supports to anchor the sample. The absorbent core (optionally, with additional layers on the top and / or below) is attached to the top surface of the sample support by adhesive tape or mechanical "hook" fasteners. These supports can be adjusted along the length of the aluminum frame 3003 via a simple pin-hole system to adapt to absorbent cores of different sizes and correctly align their load points.

[0276] The top plate assembly 3200 is made of a 80 cm by 30 cm sheet of 12.7 mm Plexiglas reinforced with an aluminum frame 3109 for increased rigidity. The plate has a 170 mm wide by 201 mm long cutout centered laterally on the plate 170 mm from the front of the plate 3201 for mounting the deposition assembly. In addition, the top plate has thirty-six (36) holes drilled therethrough such as Fig.18A The top plate assembly 3200 is connected to the bladder assembly 3001 via two hinges 3012. During use, the top assembly is closed onto the bladder assembly and locked into place using mechanical clamps 3011.

[0277] The deposition assembly 3100 fits into the top plate 3200 and includes 1) a liquid introduction cylinder 3102; 2) a curved surface 3101 at the load point of the absorbent core; and 3) electrodes 3106 for detecting the fluid in the cylinder 3102. Detailed dimensions of the curved components are provided in FIG. 17A to FIG. 17E middle. Fig.17A A side view of a curved part. Fig. 17B An end view of the curved part. Fig. 17C Bottom view of the curved part. Fig.17D A bottom perspective view of the curved component. Fig.17Eis a top perspective view of the curved part. The curved part can be milled or 3D printed. The top part of the introduction cylinder is a 50.8mm OD Plexiglas cylinder 3102 with a 38.1mm LD. It is adapted into the curved part to give the introduction cylinder an overall height of 100mm. The embedded electrodes extend from the connector on the upper surface of the curved part and terminate flush with the inner wall of the introduction cylinder, 2mm from the bottom of the cylinder. The two electrodes are positioned 180 degrees apart. The nylon screen 3107 is cut and attached flush with the bottom of the cylinder so that the sample cannot swell into the cylinder. In the immediate vicinity of the two electrodes, a 5mm semicircle is cut in the screen. As shown Fig.18A The deposition assembly is shown inserted into the top plate so that the curved surface is flush with the bottom of the top plate assembly 3200. The top of the introduction cylinder 3102 has a loose fitting nylon top cap 3103. The top cap has a 6.35 mm outer diameter steel tube 3104 inserted through its center. When the top cap is in place, the bottom of the tube ends 20 mm above the screen 3107. The top cap also has air holes 3105 to ensure that negative pressure does not hinder the absorption rate.

[0278] The absorbent core is laid flat on a laboratory bench and the intersection of the longitudinal centerline and the load point (as defined in the table below) is identified.

[0279] Conditions for the modified fluid collection test:

[0280] Load point from the front of the core Surge volume Flow rate Delivery time The number of subsequent inrushes mm mL mL / s s 170 75 15 5 4

[0281] The end of the absorbent core intended to be placed toward the front end of the absorbent article (i.e., the front waist region of a diaper or pants) is attached to the top surface of the front sample plate 3008 by adhesive tape or mechanical "hook" fasteners, with the top sheet facing upward. For an absorbent core that is symmetrical along its transverse axis, it is irrelevant which end of the absorbent core is attached to the top surface of the front sample plate 3008. This placement is such that no portion of the absorbent core covers the plate. The sample plate 3008 is attached to the aluminum frame 3003 so that when the top plate assembly is closed, the load point (as defined in the table above) of the absorbent core, which is sized (i.e., the size of the absorbent article in which the absorbent core is intended to be placed), will be longitudinally and laterally centered in the cylinder 3102. Once it is again ensured that no portion of the absorbent core covers the plate, the end of the absorbent core intended to be placed toward the rear end of the absorbent article is fixed to the rear sample plate 3009 by adhesive tape or mechanical "hook" fasteners. The rear sample plate 3009 is then attached to the aluminum frame 3003 so that the absorbent core is taut but not stretched. The top plate assembly is closed and secured, and the bladder is inflated to 2.07 kPa ± 0.07 kPa. The pressure is maintained at this level during the complete loading sequence of the test.

[0282] The pump 3004 is prepared for use at any time and then calibrated to deliver the size-dependent volume and flow rate selected from the table above. The volume and flow rate must be within ±2% of the target value. The top cover 3103 is placed into the cylinder 3102. The controller 3005 is activated, which then delivers the first dose of 0.9 wt % saline solution. After the volume has been absorbed, the controller waits 5.0 minutes before adding the next dose. This cycle is repeated for a total of four doses. If the fluid leaks out of or around the article (i.e., not absorbed into the article), the test is terminated. In addition, if any acquisition time exceeds 1200 seconds, the test is terminated. The acquisition time is defined as the difference between the start time (i.e., when the 0.9 wt % saline solution is first introduced into the cylinder and the conductive fluid completes the circuit between the electrodes) and the stop time (i.e., when the liquid has completely drained from the cylinder and the circuit between the electrodes is disconnected). The acquisition time for each dose is recorded by the controller to the nearest 1.0 second. After the last dose is obtained, pressure is applied and maintained for an additional 10 minutes. The pressure relief valve 3016 is opened to depressurize the bladder and the sample is removed from the collection system.

[0283] A total of four (4) replicates were run in the same manner for each absorbent core to be evaluated. The "Acquisition Time" (seconds) for each dose was calculated and reported as the arithmetic mean of the replicates, accurate to 1.0 second.

[0284] As described above, additional layers may be placed on top of the absorbent core prior to testing, such as a topsheet material and / or a layer used as an acquisition material in an absorbent article. Additionally, a liquid-impermeable polyolefin film may be disposed beneath the absorbent core, i.e. between the absorbent core and the sample plate.

[0285] Collagen rewetting test method after collection

[0286] This method requires a collagen film with a fixed height frit absorption (FHFA at 0 cm) between 0.48 g / g and 0.66 g / g and a FHFA at 20 cm between 0.15 g / g and 0.21 g / g, as measured according to the method described below. The collagen film also has a 31.5 + / - 3.5 g / m 2 Collagen membranes are available commercially under the trade name Naturin COFFI clear from Viscofan Group, 31192 Tajonar-Navarra, Spain, or equivalent materials having the characteristics and basis weights described above.

[0287] Prior to testing, the collagen membrane is prepared by, for example, cutting it into 90 mm (3.54 in) diameter circular sheets using a sample cutting device and by equilibrating the membrane (see Modified Fluid Acquisition Test Method) in a controlled environment of a test chamber for at least 12 h (tweezers will be used for all handling of the collagen membrane).

[0288] At least 5 minutes but no more than 6 minutes after the last gush absorption performed in the Modified Fluid Acquisition Test Method described above, remove the cover plate and weight and carefully lay the test sample flat on the laboratory bench.

[0289] Four pre-cut and balanced pieces of collagen material 1810 are weighed to an accuracy of at least one milligram and then centered over the loading point of the article as defined in the Modified Fluid Acquisition Test Method and coated with a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (e.g. ) and about 20 mm (0.78 inch) thick. Carefully add a 15 kg weight (1850) (also centered). After 30 + / - 2 seconds, carefully remove the weight and Plate and re-weigh the collagen membrane (see Fig.19 System 1800).

[0290] The rewetting result is the moisture uptake of the collagen film expressed in mg. Four products of each selection were tested in this manner and the average rewetted amount was calculated.

[0291] Fixed Height Frit Absorption (FHFA) Test Method at 20cm and 0cm

[0292] The test is suitable for measuring the uptake of a material after 30 seconds under conditions of suction pressure of 20 cm or 0 cm of a fluid, such as a saline solution (0.9 wt. % NaCl solution).

[0293] General device configuration

[0294] Fig. 20 The FHFA measurement device 1900 is shown: a suitable fluid delivery reservoir 1921 with an airtight piston 1924 to allow air to be released during filling of the device. An open-ended glass tube 1922 with an inner diameter of 10 mm extends through a port 1925 in the top of the reservoir so that there is an airtight seal between the outside of the tube and the reservoir, which allows the required zero-level head of water to be maintained during the experiment regardless of the amount of liquid in the reservoir. The reservoir 1921 is provided with a delivery tube 1931 having an inlet at the bottom of the reservoir, a piston 1923, with an outlet via flexible plastic tubing 1926 (e.g. ) is connected to the bottom 1932 of the sample holder funnel 1927. The fluid reservoir is securely held in place by means of a standard laboratory clamp 1913 and a suitable laboratory support 1912. The inner diameters of the delivery tube 1931, the stopcock 1923 and the flexible plastic tube 1926 enable the fluid to be delivered to the sample holder funnel 1927 at a sufficiently high flow rate that such flow rate is higher than the flow rate absorbed by the collagen sample under the experimental conditions and eliminates the measured uptake being limited by the flow rate of the fluid supplied by the equipment system. The reservoir 1921 has a capacity of approximately 1 liter. Other fluid delivery systems may be used provided that they are capable of delivering fluid to the sample holder funnel 1927, maintaining a zero level of hydrostatic liquid pressure 1903 at a constant height throughout the experiment.

[0295] The sample holder funnel 1927 has a bottom connector with an inner diameter of 10 mm, a measuring component and a chamber 1933 in which a frit 1928 is contained. The sample holder chamber is of suitable dimensions to accommodate the sample 1930 and the confining pressure weight 1929. The frit is sealed to the wall of the chamber 1933. The frit has pores of specific dimensions of 16 μm-40 μm (frit type is P 40 as defined by ISO 4793) and a thickness of 7 mm.

[0296] The confining pressure weight 1929 is a cylinder having the same diameter as the sample size (6 cm) and a weight of 593.94 g in order to accurately apply a confining pressure of 2.06 kPa to the sample 1930. The sample holder funnel 1927 is precisely held in place by a standard laboratory clamp 1914 using a suitable laboratory support 1911. The clamp should allow easy vertical positioning of the sample holder funnel 1927 so that the top of the glass frit 1928 can be positioned at the following positions: a) the same height (+ / - 1 mm) as the bottom end 1904 of the open-ended glass tube 1922; and b) exactly 20 cm (+ / - 1 mm) above the bottom end 404 of the open-ended glass tube 1922. Alternatively, two separate clamps are positioned at the above-mentioned configurations a and b, and the sample holder funnel is moved alternately from one to the other. During non-use, the instrument is maintained in proper operating conditions, with the sample holder funnel 1927 flooded with excess liquid to ensure proper wetting of the frit 1928, which should be completely below the liquid level. The sample holder funnel 1927 is also covered with an airtight cap (not shown) to avoid evaporation and thus changes in the salinity of the solution. During storage, the pistons 1923 and 1924 are also therefore closed to avoid evaporation, and the open-ended tube 1922 is airtightly sealed with a cap (not shown).

[0297] Sample preparation

[0298] During sample preparation, only forceps were used to touch the sample. 6 cm diameter discs were cut from the collagen material using any suitable die cutter. The sample was then stored in a closed container, such as a covered petri dish, and conditioned in the controlled environment of the testing room for at least 24 hours.

[0299] Materials used:

[0300] 0.9% saline solution by weight

[0301] FHFA equipment (as described above)

[0302] Bubble Level

[0303] Analytical balance with vent protection and resolution of ±0.001g.

[0304] funnel

[0305] tweezers

[0306] Timer

[0307] Experimental Configuration

[0308] Before starting the experiment:

[0309] 1) Remove the top cap of the open-ended tube 1922 and the top cap of the sample holder funnel 1927.

[0310] 2) Ensure that the stopcock 1923 is closed, open the stopcock 1924 to allow air to flow out of the liquid reservoir, as displaced by the liquid during the refilling phase. Refill the liquid reservoir 1921 with 0.9% saline solution through the top of the open-ended tube 1922 with the aid of a suitable device such as a funnel (not shown), and at the end of the filling, close the stopcock 1924.

[0311] If the liquid level is near the bottom 1904 of the open-ended tube 1922 during any experiment, the liquid reservoir must be refilled by repeating this step 2 before running the next sample.

[0312] 3) Remove the sample holder funnel 1927 from the laboratory clamp 1914 and remove excess liquid and discard.

[0313] 4) Manually hold the sample holder funnel 1927 so that the top of the frit 1928 is about 20 cm below the bottom end 1904 of the open-ended tube 1922, and carefully open the piston 1923 until the air-liquid interface in the open-ended tube 1922 reaches the bottom end 1904 and a small amount of bubbles escape from the tube 1922. The piston 1923 is closed at this point.

[0314] 5) Again the excess liquid now present in the sample holder funnel 1927 is disposed of and the system is now ready to start the measurement.

[0315] For measuring fixed height frit absorption (FHFA) at 20 cm , for each repetition:

[0316] 1) Position the sample holder on the clamp 414 so that the top of the frit 1928 is exactly 20 cm (+ / - 1 mm) above the bottom end 404 of the open-ended tube 1922. To ensure reliable measurements, check with the aid of a bubble level that the frit 1928 is perfectly level.

[0317] 2) Carefully remove any remaining liquid droplets on top of the frit with the help of filter paper of any other suitable material.

[0318] 3) Weigh the sample using an analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. When the reading on the balance is constant, record the "weight" as the "dry sample weight" (WD) to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0319] 4) Use tweezers to carefully align the 4 sheets of collagen material on top of each other. Such a stack of 4 sheets of collagen is then referred to as a "sample". With the aid of tweezers, position the sample 1930 in the center of the sample holder, being particularly careful not to change the orientation and relative position of each of the layers of the collection system.

[0320] 5) Position the confining pressure weight 1929 centrally on the sample

[0321] 6) Open the piston 1923 for 30 + / - 1 seconds to allow liquid to flow into the sample, and then close again.

[0322] 7) Carefully remove the confining pressure weight 1929 and sample 1930 from the frit 1928 with the aid of tweezers.

[0323] 8) Weigh the sample 1930 using an analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. When the reading on the balance becomes constant, record the "weight" as "20 cm sample weight" (W20) to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0324] The measurement of the sample is now complete, and subsequent replicates can be measured by repeating the above steps. Once the series of experiments is terminated, about 1 cm of liquid is added to the sample holder funnel 1927 to completely submerge the frit 1928. All pistons are closed and the top cover is positioned according to the above storage conditions to avoid evaporation and ensure the reliability of subsequent measurements.

[0325] calculate:

[0326] The FHFA at 20 cm (FHFA20) is defined by the following formula:

[0327] FHFA 20 =(W 20 -W D ) / W D And the unit is g / g.

[0328] For measuring fixed height frit absorption (FHFA) at 0 cm , for each repetition:

[0329] 1) Position the sample holder on the clamp 1914 so that the top of the frit 1928 is exactly 0 cm (+ / - 1 mm) above the bottom end 404 of the open-ended tube 1922. To ensure reliable measurements, check with the aid of a bubble level that the frit 1928 is perfectly level.

[0330] 2) Carefully remove any remaining liquid droplets on top of the frit with the help of filter paper of any other suitable material.

[0331] 3) Weigh the sample using an analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. When the reading on the balance is constant, record the "weight" as the "dry sample weight" (WD) to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0332] 4) Use tweezers to carefully align the 4 sheets of collagen material on top of each other. Such a stack of 4 sheets of collagen is then referred to as a "sample". With the aid of tweezers, position the sample 1930 in the center of the sample holder, being particularly careful not to change the orientation and relative position of each of the layers of the collection system. It is important that during the experiment, the top sheet-facing side of each layer now faces downward in the direction of the glass frit 1928, thereby correctly reproducing the liquid flow entry direction.

[0333] 5) Position the confining pressure weight 1929 centrally on the sample

[0334] 6) Open the piston 1923 for 30 + / - 1 seconds to allow liquid to flow into the sample, and then close again.

[0335] 7) Carefully remove the confining pressure weight 1929 and sample 1930 from the frit 1928 with the aid of tweezers.

[0336] 8) Weigh the sample 1930 using an analytical balance with a resolution of ±0.001 g. When the reading on the balance is constant, record the "weight" as "0 cm sample weight" (W0) to the nearest 0.001 g.

[0337] The measurement of the sample is now complete, and subsequent replicates can be measured by repeating the above steps. Once the series of experiments is terminated, about 1 cm of liquid is added to the sample holder funnel 1927 to completely submerge the frit 1928. All pistons are closed and the top cover is positioned according to the above storage conditions to avoid evaporation and ensure the reliability of subsequent measurements.

[0338] calculate:

[0339] The FHFA at 0 cm (FHFA0) is defined according to the following formula:

[0340] FHFA0=(W0-W D ) / W D And the unit is g / g.

[0341] IPRP Test Method

[0342] Permeability generally refers to the quality of a porous material that allows it to allow liquids or gases to pass through it, and is therefore generally determined by the mass flow rate of a given fluid through it. The permeability of an absorbent structure is related to the ability of the material to quickly acquire and transport liquid within the structure, both of which are key characteristics of absorbent articles. Therefore, measuring permeability is one measure by which a material's suitability for use in absorbent articles can be assessed.

[0343] The following test is suitable for measuring the In-Plane Radial Permeability (IPRP) of a porous material. The amount of saline solution (0.9% NaCl) flowing radially through an annular sample of the material at a constant pressure is measured as a function of time.

[0344] The tests were conducted at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 5% relative humidity. All samples were conditioned in this environment for twenty-four (24) hours prior to testing.

[0345] The following equipment or its parts are Fig.21 and Fig. 22 Shown in.

[0346] IPRP Sample Holder 400 Fig.21 , and includes a cylindrical bottom plate 405 , a top plate 410 , and a cylindrical stainless steel weight 415 .

[0347] The top plate 410 includes a 9 mm thick, 70 mm outer diameter annular bottom plate 420 and a 150 mm long tube 425 fixed in the center thereof. The tube 425 has an outer diameter of 15.8 mm and an inner diameter of 12 mm. The tube is glued and fixed in a circular 16 mm hole in the center of the bottom plate 420 so that the lower edge of the tube is flush with the lower surface of the bottom plate, as shown in FIG. Fig.21 As shown. The bottom plate 405 and the top plate 410 are composed of or equivalent. The stainless steel weight 415 has an outer diameter of 70 mm and an inner diameter of 15.9 mm so that the weight is a close sliding fit on the tube 425. The thickness of the stainless steel weight 415 is about 22 mm and is adjusted so that the total weight of the top plate 410 and the stainless steel weight 415 is 687 g ± 1 g to provide a confining pressure of 2.0 kPa during measurement.

[0348] The bottom plate 405 is about 25 mm thick and has two registration grooves 430 cut into the lower surface of the plate so that each groove spans the diameter of the bottom plate and the grooves are perpendicular to each other. Each groove is 1.5 mm wide and 2 mm deep. The bottom plate 405 has a horizontal hole 435 that spans the diameter of the plate. The horizontal hole 435 has a diameter of 8 mm and its central axis is 15 mm lower than the upper surface of the bottom plate 405. The bottom plate 405 also has a central vertical hole 440 with a diameter of 8 mm and a depth of 10 mm. The central hole 440 is connected to the horizontal hole 435 to form a T-shaped cavity in the bottom plate 405. The outside of the horizontal hole 435 is threaded to accommodate an elbow 445 attached to the bottom plate 405 in a watertight manner. One elbow is connected to a vertical transparent tube 460, which has a total height of 175 mm and an inner diameter of 6 mm measured from the bottom of the bottom plate 405 (including the elbow 445). The tube 460 is scored with suitable markings 470 at a height of 100 mm above the upper surface of the base plate 420. This is a reference for the fluid level to be maintained during measurement. The other elbow 445 is connected via a flexible tube to a fluid delivery reservoir 700 (described below).

[0349] A suitable fluid delivery reservoir 700 is provided in Fig. 22 . The reservoir 700 is located on a suitable laboratory jack 705 and has an airtight plugged opening 710 to facilitate filling the reservoir with fluid. An open-ended glass tube 715 with an inner diameter of 10 mm extends through a port 720 in the top of the reservoir so that an airtight seal exists between the outside of the tube and the reservoir. The reservoir 700 is provided with an L-shaped delivery tube 725 having an inlet 730 below the surface of the fluid in the reservoir, a stopcock 735, and an outlet 740. The outlet 740 is connected to the reservoir via a flexible plastic tube 450 (e.g., ) is connected to the elbow 445. The inner diameter of the delivery tube 725, the stopcock 735 and the flexible plastic tube 450 enables the delivery of fluid to the IPRP sample holder 400 at a sufficiently high flow rate to maintain the fluid level in the tube 460 at the scribe mark 470 at all times during the measurement. The reservoir 700 has a capacity of about 6 liters, although a larger reservoir may be required depending on the sample thickness and permeability. Other fluid delivery systems may be used as long as they are capable of delivering fluid to the sample holder 400 and maintaining the fluid level in the tube 460 at the scribe mark 470 during the measurement.

[0350] IPRP water collection funnel 500 Fig. 22 500 and includes a housing 505 having an inner diameter of about 125 mm at the upper edge of the funnel. The funnel 500 is configured so that liquid falling into the funnel drains quickly and freely from the spout 515. A bracket having a horizontal flange 520 surrounding the funnel 500 facilitates mounting the funnel in a horizontal position. Two integral vertical internal ribs 510 span the inner diameter of the funnel and are perpendicular to each other. Each rib 510 is 1.5 mm wide and the top surface of the rib is located in a horizontal plane. The funnel housing 500 and the ribs 510 are made of a suitable rigid material such as or equivalent, so as to support the sample holder 400. To facilitate the loading of the sample, it is advantageous that the height of the ribs is sufficient to allow the upper surface of the base plate 405 to be located above the funnel flange 520 when the base plate 405 is located on the ribs 510. A bridge 530 is attached to the flange 520 so that two digital calipers 535 are installed to measure the relative height of the stainless steel weight 415. The digital calipers 535 have a resolution of ± 0.01 mm within a range of 25 mm. A suitable digital caliper is a Mitutoyo model 543-492B or equivalent. Each caliper is interfaced with a computer to allow height readings to be recorded periodically and stored electronically on the computer. The bridge 530 has a circular hole with a diameter of 22 mm to accommodate the tube 425 without the tube contacting the bridge.

[0351] The funnel 500 is installed above the electronic balance 600. Fig. 22 The balance 600 has a resolution of ±0.01 g and a capacity of at least 1000 g. The balance 600 is also interfaced with a computer to allow the balance readings to be periodically recorded and stored electronically on the computer. A suitable balance is a Mettler-Toledo model MS6002S or equivalent. The collection container 610 is located on the balance tray so that liquid discharged from the funnel spout 515 falls directly into the container 610.

[0352] The funnel 500 is mounted so that the upper surface of the rib 510 is on a horizontal plane. The balance 600 and the container 610 are positioned below the funnel 500 so that the liquid discharged from the funnel spout 515 falls directly into the container 610. The IPRP sample holder 400 is located in the center of the funnel 500, with the rib 510 located in the groove 430. The upper surface of the bottom plate 405 must be completely flat and horizontal. The top plate 410 is aligned with the bottom plate 405 and rests on it. The stainless steel weight 415 surrounds the tube 425 and rests on the top plate 410. The tube 425 extends vertically through the central hole in the bridge 530. Two calipers 535 are firmly mounted to the bridge 530, with the feet resting on points on the upper surface of the stainless steel weight 415. The calipers are set to zero in this state. The reservoir 700 is filled with 0.9% saline solution and resealed. The outlet 740 is connected to the elbow 445 via a flexible plastic tube 450 .

[0353] Sample preparation

[0354] The topsheet and optionally any layers of the ADL are removed from the complete absorbent article.

[0355] Keep the complete absorbent core. Can keep the backsheet to reduce the possibility of disintegration of the absorbent core and be easy to handle the sample (for example, if the absorbent core is wrapped by nonwoven web, then it may not be necessary). However, if the absorbent article has other parts between the backsheet and the absorbent core, the backsheet needs to be removed. In this case, it is necessary to remove all parts in order to isolate the absorbent core. Use a die-cutting machine to cut samples from the absorbent core in a circular ring with an outer diameter of 70mm-RO and an inner diameter of 12mm-Ri at each position. Cut out samples from the crotch area 14 and the back area of ​​the absorbent core.

[0356] The annular sample 475 of the material to be tested has an outer diameter of 70 mm and an inner hole diameter of 12 mm. One suitable way to cut the sample is to use a die cutter with a sharp concentric blade.

[0357] The top plate 410 is raised enough to insert the sample 475 between the top and bottom plates 405, with the sample centered on the bottom plate and the plates aligned. The stopcock 735 is opened and the fluid level in the tube 715 is set to the scribe mark 470 by adjusting the height of the reservoir 700 using the jack 705 and by adjusting the position of the tube 460 in the reservoir.

[0358] Saline solution was run through the sample to pre-swell for 30 minutes, ensuring that the column of liquid remained at the scribe mark 470.

[0359] After 30 minutes of pre-expansion and when the fluid level in tube 460 stabilizes at the dash mark 470, begin recording data from the balance and caliper by computer. The balance reading and elapsed time are recorded every 10 seconds for five minutes. The average sample thickness B is calculated from all caliper readings between 60 seconds and 300 seconds and is expressed in cm. The flow rate in grams per second is the slope calculated by a linear least squares regression fit of the balance readings (dependent variable) at different times (independent variable) considering only the readings between 60 seconds and 300 seconds.

[0360] The permeability k is then calculated by the following formula:

[0361]

[0362] in:

[0363] k is the permeability (cm 2 );

[0364] Q is the flow rate (g / s);

[0365] ρ1 is the liquid density at 20°C (g / cm 3 );

[0366] μ is the viscosity of the liquid at 20°C (Pa·s);

[0367] R0 is the outer sample radius (cm);

[0368] R i is the inner sample radius (cm);

[0369] B is the average sample thickness (cm); and

[0370] Δp is the pressure drop (Pa) calculated according to the following formula:

[0371]

[0372] in:

[0373] Δh is the height of the fluid level in tube 460 from the top side of bottom plate 405 to mark 470; Δh is 10 cm +- 0.1 cm-(cm);

[0374] g is the acceleration constant (m / sec 2 );and

[0375] ρ1 is the liquid density (g / cm 3 ).

[0376] Opacity Test Method

[0377] Opacity and contrast ratio measurements were made using a 0° / 45° spectrophotometer suitable for making standard CIE L*a*b* color measurements, such as a Hunter ColorFlex EZ spectrophotometer (Hunter Associates Laboratory Inc., Reston, Virginia, USA) or equivalent. The diameter of the instrument's measurement port was 30 mm. The analysis was conducted in a chamber controlled at approximately 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity.

[0378] The instrument was calibrated using standard black and white tiles provided by the instrument supplier according to the supplier's instructions. After calibration, the Y value of the standard white tile was measured and compared to its true value. The specified true Y value of the standard white tile is usually in the range of 83 to 85, and the difference from the true value should be 0.5 or less. The spectrophotometer was set to use the CIE XYZ color space with D65 standard illumination and a 10° observer.

[0379] If possible, measure the lower ADS before they are incorporated into the absorbent article. If this is not possible, care should be taken not to introduce any contamination or deformation to the test sample layer when the lower ADS is cut from the product during material removal from the other layers (if necessary, using a cryogenic spray such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company (Houston, Texas)). Take five rectangular samples of the lower ADS so that the center of each sample corresponds to the location of the load point on the lower ADS and so that the length and width of each sample is greater than the smallest dimension of the head.

[0380] Place the lower ADS sample flat on the instrument with the outward-facing surface facing the measurement port of the spectrophotometer and the center of the lower ADS sample (which corresponds to the load point of the lower ADS) matching the center of the port. The sample is further positioned so that there are no tears, holes or holes in the measurement port. Place a white standard tile on the opposite surface of the sample so that it completely covers the portion of the sample above the measurement port. Take a reading of the XYZ values ​​and record each value to the nearest 0.01. Without moving the sample, remove the white plate and replace it with a black standard plate. Take a second reading of the XYZ values ​​and record each value to the nearest 0.01.

[0381] Opacity is calculated by dividing the Y value measured using a black tile as a backing by the Y value measured using a white tile as a backing and then multiplying the ratio by 100.

[0382]

[0383] Five lower ADS samples were analyzed in this manner and the opacity of each sample was recorded. The arithmetic mean of the individual sample results was calculated and reported as opacity in percent to the nearest 1%.

[0384] Example

[0385] The urease activity test method described above was performed on the following absorbent articles:

[0386] Note: The absorbent articles (diapers) used in Examples 1-3 are modified articles based on commercially available diapers. Since commercially available absorbent articles do not contain any urease inhibitors, urease inhibitors were incorporated into the samples by partially disassembling the diapers and then reassembling them as described below. If the test method is applied to absorbent articles that already contain a urease inhibitor, it would not be necessary to subsequently incorporate the urease inhibitor into the prefabricated absorbent article as described below. Instead, for such absorbent articles, the urease inhibitor would have been added during the manufacture of the article.

[0387] The topsheet of the Pampers Baby Dry absorbent article contained a body lotion applied on its body-facing surface. To avoid any possible influence of the body lotion on the results obtained, another topsheet (described below) was used to replace the topsheet in Comparative Example 1 and the following Examples 1-3.

[0388] Comparative Example 1 : Pampers Baby Dry diapers, model 4, commercially available in Germany in April 2021, and modified as follows:

[0389] The commercial product has a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent core between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an ADL with two layers between the top sheet and the absorbent core. The first layer of the ADL is arranged between the top sheet and the second layer of the ADL. The first layer of the ADL is a carded nonwoven web made of PET fibers and a liquid latex binder, which has been cured after being applied to the fibers to cure. The second layer of the ADL is arranged between the first layer of the ADL and the absorbent core. The second layer is a cellulose fiber layer cross-linked within the fibers.

[0390] After cutting the specimen from the absorbent article as described in the test methods above, carefully remove the topsheet material (although not required here, an ice spray can often be used to separate the layers for ease of separation). 2 A spunbond nonwoven web is disposed on the body-facing surface of the first layer of the ADL to replace the previous topsheet.

[0391] The samples were treated with the test solution as described in the Urease Activity Test Method above.

[0392] Example 1 and Comparative Example 2

[0393] Same as Comparative Example 1, but green tea leaf extract (Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Cas No. 84650-60-2, EC No. 283-519-7, supplier Sensient Colors LLC; containing 30 wt % polyphenols, 5 wt % EGCG, 5 wt % other catechins and 5 wt % caffeine) was added to the absorbent article.

[0394] As described in the urease activity test method above, after cutting the sample from the absorbent article, carefully remove the top sheet material and the first and second layers of the ADL. First, carefully separate the top sheet and the first and second layers of the ADL from the absorbent core using a metal ruler (the top sheet and the first and second layers of the ADL below remain attached to each other). Carefully set the absorbent core (with the backsheet attached to it on the garment-facing surface) aside.

[0395] For Comparative Example 2, green tea extract was added to the garment-facing surface of the second layer of the ADL in an amount of 0.1 g. The urease inhibitor was added uniformly by spraying it (in powder form) with a metal spatula.

[0396] To obtain Examples 1 and 2, samples were similarly prepared. For each example, 0.1 g of green tea extract was dissolved in 5 ml of distilled water, and the solution was filtered (whatman cat#1004-070-4-70mm Qualitative circles) to remove the insoluble portion. The amount of insoluble green tea extract was determined to be 0.01 g, so 0.09 g of green tea extract was dissolved.

[0397] For Example 1, the solution was sprayed and thus evenly distributed on the garment-facing surface of the second layer of the ADL. The layer was dried at ambient laboratory temperature (23±1° C.) and atmospheric pressure for 8 hours.

[0398] For Example 2, the solution was sprayed and thus evenly distributed on the body-facing surface of the first layer of the ADL. The layer was dried at ambient laboratory temperature (23±1° C.) and atmospheric pressure for 8 hours.

[0399] The top sheet and the first and second layers of the ADL are then placed back onto the absorbent core by placing the second layer of the ADL with its garment-facing surface (and the urease inhibitor thereon) on the body-facing surface of the absorbent core. No adhesive is applied between the second layer of the ADL and the absorbent core.

[0400] Finally, the topsheet was carefully removed from the first layer of the ADL and replaced with the same nonwoven web as used in Comparative Example 1.

[0401] The specimens were placed in test containers and treated with the test solution as described in the Urease Activity Test Method above.

[0402] Table 1: Results of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2

[0403] Ammonia [ppm] Collagen pH Top sheet pH Example 1 0 5.3 7.2 Example 2 0 4.2 6.3 Comparative Example 1 6 6.3 8.1 Comparative Example 2 3 6.1 7.7

[0404] The data show that urease inhibition can be determined for the urease inhibitor tested in Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, namely green tea extract. The measured levels of ammonia also reflect the effect of the urease inhibitor applied to the ADL in different forms. Compared with Comparative Example 1 applied as a powder (Comparative Example 2) and as a filtered solution (Examples 1 and 2), the green tea extract showed improved (i.e., lower) pH and lower levels of ammonia in the collagen and top sheet. Compared with Examples 1 and 2, Comparative Example 2 showed higher ammonia levels and relatively high collagen pH and top sheet pH. At the same time, when applied as a solution comprising water and a urease inhibitor, the green tea extract is more effective in inhibiting urease.

[0405] Green Tea Extract Actives

[0406] To test the efficacy of different green tea extracts, three different samples were tested:

[0407] Sample 1': pure EGCG: Cas No. 989-515, 92.4 wt% EGCG, 3.4 wt% other catechins, 0.1 wt% sulfated ash, the rest is water; product No. PHR1333-1G, Sigma;.

[0408] Sample 2': Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Cas No. 84650-60-2, EC No. 283-519-7, supplier SensientColors LLC; contains 30 wt% polyphenols, 5 wt% EGCG, 5 wt% other catechins and 5 wt% caffeine.

[0409] Sample 3': PZN No. / Catalog No. 05134633, Pure Encapsulations Grüner Tee Extrakt, 200 mg powder from a capsule containing 100 mg cellulose and 100 mg tea extract containing 90% by weight of tea catechins and 70% by weight of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) thereof.

[0410] The test procedures for each sample and the reference without green tea extract were as follows. All steps were carried out at laboratory ambient temperature (23±1℃) and atmospheric pressure:

[0411] Synthetic urine was prepared by dissolving 2% w / w urea, 0.9% w / w sodium chloride, 0.11% w / w magnesium sulfate monohydrate, 0.079% w / w calcium chloride monohydrate in deionized water. Urease stock solution (23.5 U / ml) was prepared by dissolving Jack Bean urease (Cat. No. U1500, MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO, USA, or equivalent) in deionized water.

[0412] 67.5 ml of synthetic urine was added to the beaker and the pH of the synthetic urine (Urine pH) was determined similar to the Urease Activity Test Method (Urine pH) described above.

[0413] 0.1 g of the corresponding green tea extract (except the reference sample) was added to the beaker and the solution was stirred for 15 minutes. The pH of the solution was then determined. Due to the natural acidity, after dissolving the corresponding green tea extract, the pH (green tea pH) was lower compared to pure synthetic urine.

[0414] 7.5 ml of urease stock solution were added and the pH was monitored while the solution was kept stirring. When the pH had stabilized, ie the first decimal place did not change within 1 minute (usually after 15 to 30 minutes), the final pH value (final pH) was determined.

[0415] From these values, the pH difference mediated by urease was calculated from the difference between the pH of the synthetic urine and the final pH determined after addition of the urease stock solution.

[0416]

[0417]

[0418] The data show that among all urease inhibitors, pure EGCG (sample 1'), green tea extract from Sensient (sample 2') and green tea extract from PZN (sample 3') inhibit urease, and therefore the pH of the solution increases less due to the formation of ammonia. The green tea extract from Sensient appears to be more effective than EGCG and green tea extract from PZN in inhibiting urease.

[0419] Example Solubility

[0420] 800 mg of GT Sensient was dissolved in 20 ml of distilled water and the solution was stirred for 15 minutes at laboratory ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The solution was filtered using a pre-weighed filter paper disc. The filter paper disc was then dried in an oven at 60° C. for 10 hours and weighed again. The amount of residue on the filter was determined to be 72 mg.

[0421] Two weighing boats were pre-weighed, and then 1 ml of the filtered solution was aliquoted onto each weighing boat. The boats were dried in an oven at 60° C. for 10 hours, and then weighed again. The weight of GT Sensient was determined to be 36.0 mg and 36.8 mg. Therefore, the solubility of GT Sensient in distilled water was at least 36 g / l.

[0422] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

[0423] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, each document cited herein, including any cross-referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or the benefit of, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any of the present invention disclosed or claimed herein, or an admission that it, by itself or in combination with any one or more of the references, proposes, suggests, or discloses any such invention. In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this invention shall govern.

[0424] Although the content of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, all such changes and modifications within the scope of the present disclosure are consciously included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for preparing an absorbent article (10), the method comprising the steps of: - providing a liquid permeable topsheet (26) having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, - providing an absorbent core (30), - optionally providing at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38); - applying a solution comprising a solvent and a urease inhibitor to one or more of: i) the first surface of the top sheet (26), ii) optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38), iii) the absorbent core (30); - Assembling the absorbent article (10), comprising the following steps: c1) providing a liquid-impermeable backsheet (28); c2) arranging the top sheet (26) so that the first surface faces the bottom sheet; c3) arranging the absorbent core (30) such that it is disposed between the top sheet (26) and the liquid-impermeable back sheet (28); and c4) arranging said optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38) such that it is disposed between said topsheet (26) and said absorbent core (30).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the urease inhibitor is a natural urease inhibitor.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the natural urease inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of green tea, extracts from green tea, grape seeds, extracts from grape seeds, and combinations thereof.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an aqueous solution of a urease inhibitor is applied.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the insoluble portion of the urease inhibitor is removed from the solution prior to the step of applying the solution.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises the step of removing the solvent.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38) has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the solution of the urease inhibitor is applied to the surface of the at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38) and / or into the surface.

8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein part, preferably most or even the entire amount of the natural urease inhibitor is applied to the natural fibers or modified natural fibers contained in the first surface of the at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38) or the top sheet (26).

9. An absorbent article (10), comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet (26) having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet (28), an absorbent core (30), and optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38); wherein the absorbent core (30) is disposed between the top sheet (26) and the back sheet (28); the first surface of the top sheet (26) and optionally at least one optional acquisition and distribution layer (38) are disposed between the second surface of the top sheet (26) and the absorbent core (30); Wherein one or more of the following comprises a natural urease inhibitor: i) the first surface of the top sheet (26), ii) said optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38), iii) the absorbent core (30), The natural urease inhibitor is soluble to at least 95% by weight in synthetic urine.

10. An absorbent article (10), comprising: a liquid permeable topsheet (26) having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a liquid-impermeable backsheet (28), an absorbent core (30), and optionally at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38); wherein the absorbent core (30) is disposed between the top sheet (26) and the back sheet (28); the first surface of the top sheet (26) and the optional at least one optional acquisition and distribution layer (38) are disposed between the second surface of the top sheet (26) and the absorbent core (30); Wherein one or more of the following comprises a natural urease inhibitor: i) the first surface of the top sheet (26), ii) said optional at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38), iii) the absorbent core (30), The natural urease inhibitor has a solubility of at least 10 g / l in distilled water according to the Solubility Test Method detailed herein.

11. The absorbent article (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the natural urease inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of green tea, extracts from green tea, grape seeds, extracts from grape seeds, and combinations thereof.

12. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38) comprises part, preferably a majority or even the entire amount of said urease inhibitor comprised by said absorbent article (10).

13. The absorbent article (10) according to claim 12, wherein the at least one acquisition and distribution layer (38) comprises natural fibers or modified natural fibers, and the natural fibers or modified natural fibers comprise part, preferably most or even all of the amount of the natural urease inhibitor contained in the absorbent article (10).

14. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the urease inhibitor comprises at least one catechin other than epigallocatechin gallate.

15. The absorbent article (10) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline (50) and a longitudinal dimension extending along the longitudinal centerline (50), and a transverse centerline (48) perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline (50), The absorbent article comprises a front waist region (12) having a front waist edge (18), a back waist region (16) having a back waist edge (20), and a crotch region (14) extending longitudinally between the front waist region (12) and the back waist region (16), the absorbent article (10) having a longitudinal dimension extending from the front waist edge (18) to the back waist edge (20) along the longitudinal centerline (50), each region forming one third of the longitudinal dimension, and The amount of the urease inhibitor in the crotch region (14) is higher than that in the rear waist region (16).

16. The absorbent article (10) according to claim 15, wherein the amount of the urease inhibitor in the front waist region (12) is higher than that in the back waist region (16).

17. The absorbent article (10) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the amount of urease inhibitor in the crotch region (14) is higher than in the front waist region (12).

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