Absorbent articles with perimeter sealing arrangements for the absorbent core structure

Abstract

A disposable absorbent article with a top layer, a bottom layer, and an absorbent core structure between them. The absorbent core structure consists of a nonwoven top layer, a nonwoven bottom layer, and a portion of an inner core layer positioned between them. This portion of the inner core layer is enclosed within the nonwoven top and bottom layers by sealing a portion of the lateral regions of the nonwoven top layer to a portion of the lateral regions of the nonwoven bottom layer in a lateral perimeter seal. An adhesive is placed between the top and nonwoven layers in the perimeter seal. The lateral perimeter seal is located in the central region and has a longitudinal seal length ranging from approximately 45% to 90% of the longitudinal length of the inner core.

Description

Absorbent articles with perimeter sealing arrangements for the absorbent core structure Field of invention The present description relates to absorbent articles and, more particularly, to absorbent articles with perimeter sealing arrangements for the absorbent core structure that seal a portion of the inner core layer, but still sufficiently contain the liquid-absorbent material and maintain the conformability characteristics of the absorbent articles. Background of the invention Absorbent articles are widely used by consumers, e.g., diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene pads, adult incontinence pads, etc. Generally, absorbent articles such as these comprise a top sheet and a back sheet, with an absorbent core structure arranged between them. Historically, absorbent core structures for menstrual pad applications have used cellulose fibers in various ways to manage the complex and varied rheological properties of menstrual fluid and vaginal discharge. The first approach involved thick, cellulose-based absorbent cores (also known as "slurry" or "pulp") that can be rigid, bulky, and prone to structural collapse due to the short fiber lengths of cellulose (< 2.5 mm), particularly when saturated with fluid because of the softening of the cellulose fibers when wet. Over time, these thick, cellulose-rich absorbent cores have been thinned by incorporating absorbent polymeric materials, such as absorbent gelling material (AGM), to further enhance their absorption properties. However, these absorbent core structures are less mechanically strong and even less able to maintain their shape, particularly when saturated with liquid exudate. These absorbent core structures can develop cracks and tears during use and accumulate (resulting in a permanently deformed shape).These thinner structures tend to be even more densified (therefore more rigid) and are frequently wrapped in a simple cellulose fabric or a thin non-woven layer to keep the AGM inside and reduce core tearing and undesirable buildup while in use. Other approaches combine these wrapped cellulose and AGM cores with an additional fluid collection-distribution layer (above the fluid storage core) to further enhance the performance of these simple wrapped cores. This additional collection-distribution layer also improves the integrity and, to some extent, reduces tearing and buildup of the wrapped core. However, these collection-distribution layers are not ideal for complex viscous fluids that need to move across the boundary between these layers. To better facilitate fluid partitioning from the collection-distribution system to the wrapped cellulose and AGM fluid storage core, the core can be densified to increase capillarity and the ability to efficiently draw fluid from the collection-distribution layer above.However, densifying this absorbent system comes at the expense of comfort (rigidity) and the ability of the absorbent core structure and / or the absorbent article to easily adapt to the wearer's unique anatomical geometry. Another material used in the absorbent core structure includes an air-laid core. Air-laid cores are typically composed of cellulose, AGM, and synthetic binding fibers to enhance wet integrity and often have a polymer surface coating (such as latex) to reduce dust during manufacturing. Because these materials are manufactured by a separate, offline supplier and must be transported and fed into a fast-moving production line, they are highly densified and rigid. The synthetic binding and densifying fibers provide greater wet integrity during use and can help facilitate fluid transport from the collection-distribution layer to the air-laid core due to their increased capillarity.However, this can again come at the expense of comfort (rigidity) and the ability to easily conform to the wearer's unique anatomical geometry due to high flexural rigidity. Absorbent core structures shaped to follow (conform to) the dimensions of the wearer's underwear and inner thighs are known to provide a comfortable fit that conforms to the body and protects against leaks. Absorbent items that are narrow in the center and wider in the front and / or back can offer the best combination of comfort and protection. However, the narrow central portion of these absorbent core structures experiences the greatest mechanical stress between the thighs during use. As such, maintaining the integrity and resilience of the absorbent core structure and / or the absorbent item in this region is challenging.If absorbent materials escape or shift within the absorbent core structure, the absorbent article may become uncomfortable to use and may not provide effective fluid handling. Modern absorbent articles typically have a complete perimeter seal surrounding the absorbent material to maintain product integrity and prevent buildup problems. One method for creating such a complete perimeter seal is to sandwich the absorbent material between materials that are substantially wider than the entire absorbent material and then cut the sandwich material to match the shape of the absorbent material. This requires more materials and / or additional manufacturing steps, increasing the cost and complexity of manufacturing and potentially leading to increased waste, as excess material is trimmed during manufacturing. Document EP1504741A1 relates to absorbent articles and acquisition layers comprising a multitude of fibers and a binder. The liquid-capturing layer has a thickness that decreases in response to external pressure and increases after the removal of that external pressure. This thickness recovery at 45°C is at least 65% of the recovery at 20°C. There is a need for improved absorbent products that provide a comfortable, adaptable fit that requires less material and can be manufactured without undesirable cost or complexity, while still providing sufficient resilience and fluid handling. Summary of the invention The present description solves the problem of the complex and costly manufacture of absorbent articles with adaptability characteristics. The invention provides a disposable absorbent article as defined in the claims. Brief description of the drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of a representation of an absorbing core structure according to the present description with the carrier-oriented surface facing the observer. Figure 2 is a cross-section of the absorbing core structure. Figure 3 is a plan view of an absorbent article with the carrier-oriented surface facing the observer, showing a first configuration of the absorbent core structure. Figure 3A is a plan view of an absorbent article with the carrier-oriented surface facing the observer, showing a second configuration of the absorbent core structure. Figure 3B is a plan view of an absorbent article with the carrier-oriented surface facing the observer, showing a third configuration of the absorbent core structure. Figure 3C is a plan view of an absorbent article with the carrier-oriented surface facing the observer, showing a fourth configuration of the absorbent core structure. Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 3 taken along line 4A-4A. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 3 taken along line 4B-4B. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article of Figure 3 taken along line 5-5. Figure 6 is a plan view of an absorbent article showing a configuration of an inner core layer and an adhesive zone. Figure 7 is a plan view of a representation of an absorbent article according to the present description with the carrier-facing surface oriented towards the observer, showing bending bond channel regions and structural bonding sites. Figure 8 is a detailed illustration of a structural joining site according to the present description. Figure 9 is a cross-section of the structural joining site of Figure 4. Figures 10A-10C are an arrangement of the test method for the ultrasensitive 3-point bending method in wet and dry DT. Figures 11, 12A and 12B are the arrangement of the test method for the wet and dry accumulation compression test. Figures 13A and 13B are illustrative graphs of accumulation curves resulting from the wet and dry accumulation compression test. The graphs in Figures 13A and 13B are shown to illustrate how the calculations can be performed in the method and do not represent the data described in this report. Detailed description of the invention As used herein, the "disposable absorbent article" or "absorbent article" shall be used with reference to articles such as diapers, training pants, pull-ups, adjustable diapers, adult incontinence pads, adult incontinence diapers, feminine hygiene pads, cleansing pads and the like, each of which is to be disposed of after use. As used in this document, the "absorbent core structure" shall be used with reference to the top nonwoven layer, the bottom nonwoven layer, and the inner core layer arranged between the top nonwoven layer and the bottom nonwoven layer. As used herein, "hydrophilic" and "hydrophobic" have the well-established meanings in the art with respect to the contact angle of water on a material's surface. Therefore, a material is considered hydrophobic if it has a contact angle with water greater than approximately 90 degrees, and a material is considered hydrophilic if it has a contact angle with water less than approximately 90 degrees. Hydrophobic compositions will increase the contact angle of water on a material's surface, while hydrophilic compositions will decrease the contact angle of water on a material's surface. Notwithstanding the foregoing, reference to the relative hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity between a material and a composition, between two materials, and / or between two compositions does not imply that the materials or compositions are hydrophobic or hydrophilic.For example, a composition can be more hydrophobic than a material. In such a case, neither the composition nor the material can be hydrophobic; however, the contact angle exhibited by the composition is greater than that of the material. As another example, a composition can be more hydrophilic than a material. In such a case, neither the composition nor the material can be hydrophilic; however, the contact angle exhibited by the composition can be smaller than that of the material. As used in this document, the term "filament" refers to any type of continuous strand produced through a spinning process, a melt-blowing process, a melt-fibrillation or film-fibrillation process, an electrospinning production process, or any other process suitable for manufacturing filaments. The term "continuous," within the context of filaments, can be distinguished from cut-length fibers in that cut-length fibers are cut to a specific target length. In contrast, "continuous filaments" are not cut to a predetermined length but can be broken into random lengths, though they are typically much longer than cut-length fibers. As used herein, the "machine address" refers to the address at which a frame passes through an absorbent article conversion process. For brevity, it may be referred to as "DM". As used in this document, the "machine transverse direction" refers to the direction that is perpendicular to the DM. For brevity, it may be referred to as "DT". As used herein, "resilient" refers to a material that tends to retain its shape in both dry and wet states and, when subjected to a compressive force, tends to recover its original pre-compression shape when that force is removed. In some respects, the upper and / or lower nonwoven layers described herein may be resilient. As used herein, "wearer-oriented" (sometimes referred to as body-oriented herein) and "outside-oriented" (sometimes referred to as garment-oriented herein) refer respectively to the relative location of an element or surface within an element or group of elements. "Wearer-oriented" implies that the element or surface is closer to the wearer during use than some other element or surface. "Outside-oriented" implies that the element or surface is farther from the wearer during use than some other element or surface (i.e., an element or surface is close to any garments the wearer may wear over the absorbent article). "Inwardly," with respect to a first feature of an article and its position relative to a second feature or location on the article, means that the first feature is closer to a respective axis of the article than the second feature or location, along a horizontal xy plane that the article approximately occupies when in a horizontal position, extended to the full longitudinal and lateral dimensions of its component band materials against any shrinkage induced by any included pre-deformed elastomeric material, on a horizontal surface. Laterally inward means that the first feature is closer to the longitudinal axis, and longitudinally inward means that the first feature is closer to the lateral axis.Conversely, "outward," with respect to a first feature of an article and its position relative to a second feature or location on the article, means that the first feature is farther from the respective axis of the article than the second feature or location. It should be understood that each maximum numerical limit provided throughout this descriptive report includes all lower numerical limits, as if such lower numerical limits were expressly stated herein. Each minimum numerical limit provided throughout this descriptive report includes all upper numerical limits, as if such upper numerical limits were expressly stated herein. Each numerical interval provided throughout this descriptive report includes all narrower numerical intervals within that wider numerical interval, as if all such narrower numerical intervals were expressly stated herein. The disposable absorbent articles described herein comprise a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core structure comprising a top nonwoven layer, a bottom nonwoven layer, and an inner core layer positioned between the top and bottom nonwoven layers. A portion of the inner core layer in the middle region of the absorbent core structure and / or the absorbent article is contained within the top and bottom nonwoven layers by sealing a portion of the lateral regions of the top and bottom nonwoven layers to define a lateral perimeter seal where the adhesive is positioned between the top and bottom nonwoven layers and bonds the layers together. In some configurations, the disposable absorbent article may comprise the following structure (from a surface facing the carrier to an outward-facing surface): a top sheet, a top nonwoven layer, an inner core layer, a bottom nonwoven layer, and a back sheet. In some aspects, the top sheet may be in direct contact with the top nonwoven layer, the top nonwoven layer may be in direct contact with the inner core layer, and / or the inner core layer may be in direct contact with the bottom nonwoven layer. "Direct contact" means that there is no additional intermediate component layer between the respective layers in direct contact with each other. However, it is not excluded that an adhesive material may be disposed between at least some of the layers described above. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent core structure 10 comprises an upper nonwoven layer 210 and a lower nonwoven layer 220 (also collectively referred to herein as the upper and lower nonwoven layers or upper and lower nonwoven materials) and an inner core layer 200 positioned between the upper and lower nonwoven layers 210 and 220. The inner core layer 200 comprises a liquid-absorbent material. Without being limited to theory, it is believed that the absorbent core structure 10 can recover its shape in both dry and wet conditions through a range of body movements and compressions. The liquid-absorbent material comprises a matrix consisting of cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent particles, sometimes referred to herein as "foam / AGM".The upper and lower nonwoven layers 210, 220 are joined together in a perimeter seal 230 using glue or other conventional joining methods including, but not limited to, ultrasonic bonding, fusion bonding, crimping and combinations thereof. The flexibility and / or resilience of the absorbent core structure results in an absorbent article that comfortably conforms to the wearer's anatomical geometry while efficiently managing fluid as it exits the body. Unexpectedly, this can be achieved without the typical densification hardening (for wet integrity) by leveraging resilient top and bottom nonwoven layers composed of resilient polymers, positioned above and below the loosely compacted lint / AGM matrix of the inner core layer. This absorbent core structure is able to withstand structural loading and recover its shape without becoming physically rigid or losing the desired structural properties when the core structure becomes wet. It is believed that wet integrity / shape stability in a cellulose-rich absorbent core structure without substantial densification or hardening occurs when selected resilient top and bottom nonwoven materials are placed above and below the lint / AGM matrix of the inner core layer and bonded to and around the lint / AGM matrix. The top and bottom nonwoven materials require sufficient recovery strength to return the lint / AGM matrix to its original state or a stable fiber orientation after compression. Wrapping or encapsulating a cellulose-rich lint core with a simple cellulose fabric or a less resilient nonwoven material may not provide sufficient recovery energy to regain shape during use, particularly when wet.The structural and wet resilient nonwoven materials detailed in this report can exhibit recovery energies after compression that are sufficient to recover the cellulose-rich fiber matrix and are chosen to provide high recovery to compression, with relatively low stiffness, in both dry and wet states. Surprisingly, it was discovered that an absorbent core structure could be created without the need for a complete perimeter seal surrounding the inner core layer. In particular, it was found that by using top and / or bottom nonwoven layers with substantially straight sides, material usage and waste can be reduced compared to nonwoven layers cut from a wider strip to conform to the shape of the inner core layer. Remarkably, it was found that nonwoven layers wider than at least the narrowest width of the central inner core layer allow for the creation of a lateral perimeter seal in the mid-region (corresponding to the region experiencing the greatest mechanical stress during use). This seal effectively contains the liquid-absorbent material of the inner core layer and preserves the integrity and fit of the absorbent article.As a result, parts of the inner core layer in the front and / or rear region (which are subjected to less mechanical stress) can be left unsealed by a perimeter seal without significantly affecting the integrity, resilience and / or performance of the product. Referring to Figures 3-5, the absorbent article 20 may comprise a wearer-facing surface 112 and a garment-facing surface 132 and frame 100. The frame 100 may include an upper sheet 110 and a back sheet 130. The absorbent core structure 10 is disposed between the upper sheet 110 and the back sheet 130. The absorbent article 20 and the absorbent core structure 10 each include a front region 21, a back region 23, and a middle region 22 disposed between the front and back regions. As described above, the absorbent core structure 10 comprises an upper nonwoven layer 210 and a lower nonwoven layer 220. The upper nonwoven layer 210 extends longitudinally between a front edge 403 and a back edge 404 and defines a first side region 400 and a laterally opposite second side region 402.The lower nonwoven layer 220 extends longitudinally between a front edge 408 and a back edge 409 and defines a first lateral region 406 and a second laterally opposite lateral region 407. The top nonwoven layer 210 has a first side width of nonwoven material WN1, and the bottom nonwoven layer 220 has a second side width of nonwoven material WN2. In some configurations, the first and second side widths of nonwoven material WN1 and WN2 may be substantially the same. In other configurations, the first and second side widths of nonwoven material WN1 and WN2 may be different. The first side width of nonwoven material WN1 and / or the second side width of nonwoven material WN2 may be approximately 40 mm to approximately 110 mm, or 45 mm to approximately 90 mm, or approximately 50 mm to approximately 80 mm. The top and / or bottom nonwoven layers 210 and 220 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 100 mm to approximately 450 mm, or approximately 150 mm to approximately 375 mm.In some configurations, the top and / or bottom nonwoven layers 210 and 220 may extend from the front edge 30 of the article to the back edge 32 of the article. In some configurations, the top and / or bottom nonwoven layers 210 and 220 may not extend from the front edge 30 of the article to the back edge 32 of the article. In some configurations, the top and / or bottom nonwoven layers 210 and 220 may have a longitudinal length that is less than the longitudinal length of the inner core, LC. The top and bottom nonwoven layers 210 and 220 are generally rectangular; however, in some configurations, they may be shaped, meaning they are not rectangular. In some configurations, the top nonwoven layer 210 may be shaped, while the bottom nonwoven layer 220 may be rectangular, or vice versa. In some configurations, the top and / or bottom nonwoven layers 210 and 220 may have a shaped front and / or back region, while the center region may be substantially straight. At least a portion of the inner core layer 200 is positioned between the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 210. In some configurations, the entire inner core layer 200 may be positioned between the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 220. The inner core layer 200 extends longitudinally between a front edge 424 of the inner core layer and a rear edge 426 of the inner core layer and extends laterally from a first side edge 250 to a second side edge 252. In some configurations, the inner core layer 200 may be shaped. As shown in Figure 6, the inner core layer 200 may define a first side width of the inner core layer, WC1, a second side width of the inner core layer, WC2, and a third side width of the inner core layer, WC3, positioned between them.In some configurations, the first side width of the inner core layer, WC1, may be in the front region 21, and the second side width of the inner core layer, WC2, may be in the rear region 23. In some configurations, the third side width of the inner core layer, WC3, may be smaller than the first and second side widths of the inner core layer, WC1 and WC2. In some configurations, the second side width of the inner core layer, WC2, may be larger than the first and third side widths of the inner core layer, WC1 and WC3. The first side width of the inner core layer, WC1, may be approximately 50 to approximately 80 mm, the second side width of the inner core layer, WC2, may be approximately 55 mm to approximately 100 mm, and the third side width of the inner core layer, WC3, may be approximately 40 mm to approximately 70 mm.In some configurations, the 200 inner core layer may be shaped to fit the geometry of a wearer's inner thighs, such as an hourglass shape, an offset hourglass shape (one end wider than the opposite end and a narrower middle section between the ends), a bicycle saddle shape (one end and middle section narrower than the other end), an oval, or a trapezoidal shape. While a shaped inner core layer may be preferred, in some configurations, the inner core layer may be rectangular. An adhesive zone 525 may be disposed between at least one of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 220 and the inner core layer 200. The adhesive zone 525 may comprise an adhesive 528 extending from the first lateral region 400 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 to the second lateral region 402 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or from the first lateral region 406 of the lower nonwoven layer 220 to the second lateral region 407 of the lower nonwoven layer 220. As shown in Figure 6, the adhesive zone 525 may extend from a first edge 525a to a second edge 525b to define a lateral width of the adhesive zone, WZ, of approximately 35 mm to approximately 110 mm, or from approximately 40 mm to approximately 105 mm.In some configurations, the first and second edges 525a, 525b of the adhesive zone 525 may be adjacent to or laterally separated inward from the side edges of the upper and / or lower nonwoven layers 210, 220. In some configurations, as shown in Figure 3, separation regions 530 may be defined in the upper and / or lower nonwoven layers 210, 220 by the absence of adhesive 528 between the first and second edges 525a, 525b of the adhesive zone 525 and the edge of the nonwoven material. The separation region 530 may have a width of less than 5 mm, or from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 5 mm, or from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm. In some configurations, the top 210 nonwoven layer and the bottom 220 nonwoven layer may substantially surround the 525 adhesive zone and the inner 200 core layer. A portion of the inner core layer 200 is contained within the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 220 by sealing a portion of the first side region 400 and the second side region 402 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 with a portion of the first side region 406 and the second side region 407 of the lower nonwoven layer 220 to define a lateral perimeter seal 230 where adhesive 528 is positioned between the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 220. As such, adhesive 528 can bond the upper nonwoven layer 210 to the lower nonwoven layer 220. The lateral perimeter seal 230 is positioned in the middle region 22 and has a longitudinal seal length, LS, which is 45% to 90% of an inner core longitudinal length, LC, or approximately 50% to approximately 85%.The 230 lateral perimeter seal can have a maximum seal width, WS, of approximately 1 mm to approximately 15 mm, or of approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm, or of approximately 3 mm to approximately 8 mm. Not limited to theory, it is believed that the upper and lower nonwoven layers comprising polymer fibers can maintain their shape and resist plasticization when wetted when bonded at least partially to the liquid-absorbent material via a core-construction adhesive (applied either directly to the liquid-absorbent material or to the nonwoven material) chosen to achieve a bond, but not interrupt the flow of fluid into the liquid-absorbent material.It was further discovered that a lateral perimeter seal, with a longitudinal seal length (LS) of approximately 45% to approximately 90% of the longitudinal length of the inner core (LC), and positioned in the mid-region, is capable of sufficiently containing the liquid-absorbing material of the inner core layer during manufacturing and use. This allows the upper and lower nonwoven layers to maintain their structural function during physical deformation between the wearer's thighs without separating. This can lead to more efficient manufacturing processes by substantially preventing contamination of production lines with liquid-absorbing material that may escape from the inner core during processing, and can limit potential product integrity issues or accumulation during use.In addition, creating a lateral perimeter seal can allow an absorbent core structure to be shaped to fit the geometry of the inner thighs and reduce manufacturing costs by using less material, using less complex manufacturing steps, and creating less waste. With continued reference to Figure 3, a portion of the inner core layer 200 may extend laterally outward from the adhesive zone 525 to define an unsealed portion 420. The unsealed portion 420 may be positioned longitudinally outward from the lateral perimeter seal 230. It should be appreciated that the absorbent core structure 10 may comprise one or more unsealed portions 420, such as, for example, two, three, or four unsealed portions, depending on the size and / or placement of the upper and lower nonwoven layers with respect to the size and / or placement of the adhesive zone and the inner core layer. The absorbent core structure 10 may comprise a first unsealed part 423a where a portion of the inner core layer 200 extends laterally outward from the adhesive zone 525. In some configurations, the absorbent core structure 10 may comprise a second unsealed part 423b where a second portion of the inner core layer 200 extends laterally outward from the adhesive zone 525. The second unsealed part 423b may be laterally separated from the first unsealed part 423a by a sealed portion 410. In some configurations, the first and second unsealed parts 423a and 423b may be positioned in the rear region 23 and may extend longitudinally inward from a portion of the middle region 22.The absorbent core structure 10 may further comprise an unsealed third part 421a where one-third of the inner core layer 200 extends laterally outward from the adhesive zone 525. In some configurations, the absorbent core structure 10 may comprise an unsealed fourth part 421b where one-quarter of the inner core layer 200 extends laterally outward from the adhesive zone 525. The unsealed fourth part 421b may be laterally separated from the unsealed third part 421a by a sealed part 410. In some configurations, the unsealed third and fourth parts 421a and 421b may be positioned in the front region 21 and may extend longitudinally into the middle region 22.It should be understood that an unsealed part 420 can also be formed in configurations where a part of the perimeter 200a of the inner core layer is adjacent to a first or second edge 525a, 525b of the adhesive zone 525, as shown, for example, in Figure 3A. The first and second unsealed parts 423a, 423b may have an unsealed longitudinal length L1U that is approximately 5% to approximately 30%, or approximately 8% to approximately 25%, of the longitudinal length of the inner core, LC. The third and fourth unsealed parts 421a, 421b may have an unsealed longitudinal length L2U that is approximately 5% to approximately 30%, or approximately 8% to approximately 25%, of the longitudinal length of the inner core, LC. In some configurations, the unsealed longitudinal length L1U of the first or second unsealed parts 423a, 423b may be greater than the unsealed longitudinal length L2U of the third or fourth unsealed parts 421a, 421b. Figures 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the absorbent article 20 of Figure 3, showing configurations of the absorbent core structure 10. In particular, Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view through the middle region 22 of the absorbent article 20, showing the upper and lower nonwoven layers 210, 220 extending laterally outward from the first and second lateral edges 250, 252 of the inner core layer 200. As described above, a portion of the inner core layer 200 is contained within the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 220 by sealing a portion of the first lateral region 400 and the second lateral region 402 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 with a portion of the first lateral region 406 and the second lateral region 407 of the lower nonwoven layer 220 to define a lateral perimeter seal 230.Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view through the rear region 23 of the absorbent article 20, showing the upper and lower nonwoven layers 210, 220 extending laterally outward from the first and second side edges 250, 252 of the inner core layer 200. As described above, a portion of the inner core layer 200 may extend laterally outward from the adhesive zone 525 (not shown) to define the unsealed portion 420. It should be appreciated that the garment-facing surface of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the carrier-facing surface of the lower nonwoven layer 220 may be coated with adhesive 528 to provide a connection with the inner core layer 200 and / or to form a perimeter seal 230. The adhesive between the layers (except at the perimeter seal) is not shown in Figures 4A and 4B for simplicity. Referring to Figures 3-3C, the upper and lower nonwoven layers 210 and 200 may be further bonded at a front perimeter sealing region 430 and / or a rear perimeter sealing region 432 positioned longitudinally outside the inner core layer 200. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Figure 3, showing the front perimeter sealing region 430 and the rear perimeter sealing region 432. The front perimeter sealing region 430 and / or the rear perimeter sealing region 432 may extend longitudinally from a perimeter 200a of the inner core layer by a distance of approximately 3 mm to approximately 30 mm, or from approximately 5 mm to approximately 15 mm.Not limited to theory, it is believed that front and / or rear perimeter sealing regions 430 and 432, less than approximately 3 mm in width, may not provide sufficient clearance on the manufacturing line to prevent contamination of the liquid-absorbing material outside the inner core layer. In some configurations, the front perimeter sealing region 430 may be adjacent to or longitudinally separated inward from the front edge 403 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the front edge 406 of the lower nonwoven layer 220. In some configurations, the rear perimeter sealing region 432 may be adjacent to or longitudinally separated inward from the rear edge 404 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the rear edge 409 of the lower nonwoven layer 220. As described herein and illustrated in the accompanying figures, the absorbent core structure 10 can comprise different configurations with respect to the sealing of the inner core layer within the upper and lower nonwoven layers. Figures 3A–3C are plan views of an absorbent article with the carrier-facing surface oriented toward the viewer, showing additional configurations of the absorbent core structure. As shown in Figure 3A, the first lateral width of the inner core layer WC1 and the width of the adhesive zone WZ can be substantially the same, creating an unsealed portion 420 where the adhesive 528 does not extend laterally outside the perimeter 200a of the inner core layer and the upper nonwoven layer 210 is not bonded to the lower nonwoven layer 220 in this region.It should be understood that in some configurations the second lateral width of the inner core layer WC2 may be substantially the same as the width of the adhesive zone WZ, thereby defining an unsealed portion in the rear region 23. As shown in Figure 3B, the first lateral width of the inner core layer WC1 may be less than the width of the adhesive zone WZ. The upper and lower nonwoven layers 210 and 220 and the adhesive zone 525 may substantially surround the inner core layer in the front region, and the lateral perimeter seal 230 may extend longitudinally from the middle region 22 into the front region 21. In this configuration, the inner core layer is sealed within the upper and lower nonwoven layers 210 and 220 in the middle region 22 and the front region 21.It should be understood that in some configurations the second lateral width of the inner core layer WC2 may be less than the width of the adhesive zone WZ, thereby creating a lateral perimeter seal 230 that extends longitudinally from the middle region 22 to the rear region 23. As shown in Figure 3C, at least one of the top nonwoven layer 210 and the bottom nonwoven layer 220 may be narrower than at least a portion of the inner core layer. In some configurations, the top nonwoven layer 210 and / or the bottom nonwoven layer 220 may be narrower than the first side width of the inner core layer, WC1, and / or the second side width of the inner core layer, WC2. In this configuration, a portion of the inner core layer 200 may be positioned between the top nonwoven layer 210 and the bottom nonwoven layer 220.A portion of the inner core layer may be contained within the upper nonwoven layer 210 and the lower nonwoven layer 220 by sealing a portion of the first side region 400 and the second side region 402 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 with a portion of the first side region 406 and the second side region 407 of the lower nonwoven layer 220 in a side perimeter seal 230. The second side width of the inner core WC2 may be greater than the first side width of the nonwoven material WN1 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the second side width of the nonwoven material WN2 of the lower nonwoven layer 220. In this configuration, a portion of the inner core layer may extend laterally outward from at least one of the upper and lower nonwoven layers and the adhesive zone 525 to define an unsealed portion 420 in the back region 23.It should be noted that, in some configurations, the first lateral width of the inner core WC1 may be greater than the first lateral width of the nonwoven material WN1 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the second lateral width of the nonwoven material WN2 of the lower nonwoven layer 220. In this configuration, a portion of the inner core layer may extend laterally outward from at least one of the upper and lower nonwoven layers and the adhesive zone 525 to define an unsealed portion 420 in the front region 21. In some configurations, the adhesive 528 may extend to the lateral edges of the upper and / or lower nonwoven layers 210, 220, without substantially any separation region present.Referring to Figures 3-3C and Figure 5, the front edge 403 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the front edge 408 of the lower nonwoven layer 220 may be adjacent to or longitudinally separated inward from a front edge 30 of the article. In some configurations, the rear edge 404 of the upper nonwoven layer 210 and / or the rear edge 409 of the lower nonwoven layer 220 may be adjacent to or longitudinally separated inward from a rear edge 32 of the article. The absorbent article 20 may further comprise a crimp seal 500 located in the front region 21 and / or the rear region 23. In some configurations, the crimp seal 500 may extend from the front region 21 and / or the rear region 23 into the middle region 22.In some configurations, the 500 crimp seal may be positioned longitudinally outside the front and rear perimeter seals 430 and 432. In some configurations, the front and / or rear perimeter seal regions 430 and 432 may extend into the 500 crimp seal. The 500 crimp seal can join the top sheet 110, the back sheet 130, and at least one of the top 210 nonwoven layer and the bottom 220 nonwoven layer. In some configurations, the 500 crimp seal can join the top sheet 110 to the back sheet 130. Remarkably, it was found that the 500 crimp seal can include the top and / or bottom 210 and 220 nonwoven layers without becoming rigid or uncomfortable. The 500 crimp seal can be substantially free of liquid-absorbing material. Although the figures show the upper and lower nonwoven layers 210, 220 extending to the front and rear edges 30, 32 of the article, it should be noted that the front and / or rear edges of the upper and / or lower nonwoven layers may be positioned inward toward the front and rear edges 30, 32 of the article. In some configurations, the front and / or rear edges of the upper and lower nonwoven layers may be positioned between the crimp seal 500 and the perimeter 200a of the inner core layer. The top nonwoven layers have a basis weight of 30 to 65 g / m² or approximately 40 to approximately 55 g / m². The top nonwoven layer may have a tensile stiffness of approximately 0.3 N / mm to approximately 1.6 N / mm. The top nonwoven layer may have a strain at break of more than approximately 10%, or approximately 10% to approximately 50%, or approximately 20% to approximately 40%. The top nonwoven layer may have a permanent strain of approximately 0.005 to approximately 0.013 mm / mm, or 0.005 to approximately 0.0090 mm / mm. The lower nonwoven layers have a basis weight of 10 to 40 g / m² or approximately 15 to approximately 20 g / m². The lower nonwoven layer may have a tensile stiffness of approximately 0.2 N / mm to approximately 1.6 N / mm. The lower nonwoven layer may have a strain at break of more than approximately 10%, or approximately 10% to approximately 50%, or approximately 20% to approximately 40%. The lower nonwoven layer may have a permanent strain of approximately 0.005 to approximately 0.013 mm / mm. The top and bottom nonwoven layers comprise polymeric fibers. Suitable top and bottom nonwoven fibers may be selected from PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene), a BiCo (bicomponent fiber) selected from PE / PP (PE sheath and PP core) and / or PE / PET (PET core with PE sheath), PLA (polylactic acid), and combinations thereof. Suitable superior nonwoven materials may comprise from approximately 60 to approximately 100%, or from approximately 70% to approximately 100% of synthetic fibers, or from approximately 0 to approximately 40% of regenerated cellulosic fibers, such as rayon and / or viscose. The top nonwoven layer may comprise fibers having a cut length of more than approximately 10 mm, or more than approximately 25 mm, or from approximately 10 mm to approximately 100 mm, or from approximately 20 mm to approximately 75 mm, or from approximately 25 mm to approximately 50 mm. The top nonwoven layer may comprise fibers having a fiber diameter of approximately 1.3 dtex to approximately 10 dtex, alternatively from approximately 1.3 dtex to approximately 6.0 dtex, or alternatively from approximately 2.0 dtex to approximately 5.0 dtex. In some configurations, the top nonwoven layer may comprise fibers where the fibers are a mixture of staple fibers having a fiber diameter of approximately 2.0 dtex to approximately 10 dtex. The bottom nonwoven layer may comprise fibers having a length of more than approximately 10 mm, or more than approximately 25 mm, or from approximately 10 mm to approximately 100 mm, or from approximately 20 mm to approximately 75 mm, or from approximately 25 mm to approximately 50 mm. In some configurations, the bottom nonwoven layer may comprise continuous fibers. The bottom nonwoven layer may comprise fibers having a fiber diameter of approximately 1.3 dtex to approximately 5.0 dtex, alternatively from approximately 1.3 dtex to approximately 3.3 dtex, alternatively from approximately 1.3 dtex to approximately 2.2 dtex, or alternatively from approximately 2.0 dtex to approximately 10 dtex. In some configurations, the bottom nonwoven layer may comprise fibers, wherein the fibers are a mixture of fibers having a fiber diameter of approximately 0.1 dtex to approximately 6.0 dtex. In some configurations, suitable fiber combinations may include upper nonwoven polymer fibers with a diameter of approximately 2.0 dtex to approximately 10 dtex and lower nonwoven polymer fibers with a diameter of approximately 1.7 dtex to approximately 5 dtex. In some configurations, suitable fiber combinations may include upper nonwoven polymer fibers with a diameter of approximately 1.3 dtex to approximately 2.2 dtex and lower nonwoven polymer fibers with a diameter of approximately 1.7 dtex to approximately 5 dtex. Suitable top and bottom nonwoven layer materials can flex and recover their original shape after the bending force is applied. Inconsistent or highly flexible materials flex easily under low peak force (load) and with low bending energy. Unsuitable materials, although they flex easily, lack sufficient recovery energy and therefore remain in a deformed and flexed state due to insufficient recovery energy. Suitable materials have enough energy to recover their initial pre-flexed state. Materials with sufficient flexural recovery energy can be considered resilient top and bottom nonwoven layers. As previously mentioned, the top and bottom nonwoven materials may include polymer fibers. These fibers can be incorporated to help provide structural integrity to the top and bottom nonwoven materials. The polymer fibers can enhance the structural integrity of the top and bottom nonwoven materials in both the machine direction (MD) and the cross-machine direction (CDT), which can facilitate web handling during processing for incorporation into a compress. Polymer fibers of any suitable composition can be selected. Examples of suitable polymer fibers include bicomponent fibers comprising polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) components, or polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate copolymer components.The components of the bicomponent fiber can be arranged in a sheath-core configuration, a side-by-side configuration, an eccentric sheath-core configuration, a trilobal arrangement, or any other desired configuration. In some configurations, the polymer fibers may include bicomponent fibers that have PE / PET components arranged in a concentric sheath-core configuration, where the polyethylene component forms the sheath. While other materials may be useful for creating a resilient structure, the stiffness of a PET core component in a sheath-core fiber configuration is believed to be useful for imparting resilience to the upper and lower nonwoven materials.In synergistic combination, a PE sheath component, which has a lower melting point than the PET core component, can be used to provide fusion bonding between fibers, achieved through heat treatment of the precursor web. This can help provide tensile strength to the weft in both the MD and CD. Such fiber bonds can reduce fiber-to-fiber slippage and thus further contribute to imparting dimensional stability and resilience to the material, even when wet. When a relatively higher weight fraction of polymer fibers is included, more connections within the structure can be created through heat treatment. However, too many connection points can impart greater stiffness to the upper and lower nonwovens than is desirable.For this reason, selecting the weight fraction of polymer fibers may involve prioritizing and balancing the opposing needs for stiffness and softness in the upper and lower nonwoven materials. As previously mentioned, the upper and lower nonwoven materials may additionally include polymer fibers that enhance their resilience. These resilient polymer fibers help the upper and lower nonwoven materials maintain their permeability and compression recovery. In some configurations, the upper and lower nonwoven materials may comprise resilient polymer fibers with variable cross-sections, e.g., round and hollow spiral, and / or they may comprise resilient fibers of varying sizes. Polymer fibers can be resilient and can be spun from any suitable thermoplastic resin, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or other suitable thermoplastics known in the art. The average cut length of resilient polymer fibers can be selected to be in the range of more than approximately 10 mm, from approximately 20 mm to approximately 100 mm, from approximately 30 mm to approximately 50 mm, or from approximately 35 mm to approximately 50 mm. Resilient polymer fibers can have any suitable structure or shape. For example, resilient polymer fibers can be round or have other shapes, such as spiral, scalloped oval, trilobal, scalloped ribbon, etc. Furthermore, resilient polymer fibers can be solid, hollow, or multi-hollow. Resilient polymer fibers can be solid and round.In other suitable examples, resilient polymer fibers can include coextruded polyester / polyester fibers. Other suitable examples of resilient polymer fibers can include bicomponent fibers such as polyethylene / polypropylene, polyethylene / polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene / polyethylene terephthalate bicomponent fibers. These bicomponent fibers can have a sheath / core configuration. Resilient polymer fibers can also be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers or other suitable non-cellulosic fibers known in the art. PET fibers can be given any suitable structure or shape. For example, PET fibers can be round or have other shapes, such as spiral, scalloped oval, trilobal, scalloped ribbon, hollow spiral, etc. PET fibers can be solid, hollow, or multi-hollow. In one particular example, PET fibers can be hollow in cross-section and have a wavy or spiral configuration along their lengths. Optionally, resilient polymer fibers can be spirally crimped or flat crimped.Resilient polymer fibers may have an average crimp count of approximately 4 to approximately 12 crimps per inch (cpi), or approximately 4 to approximately 8 cpi, or approximately 5 to approximately 7 cpi, or approximately 9 to approximately 10 cpi. Particular, non-limiting examples of resilient polymer fibers may be obtained from Wellman, Inc. (Ireland) under the trade names H1311 and T5974. Other examples of suitable resilient polymer fibers are described in US patent 7,767,598. The reinforcing polymer fibers and the resilient polymer fibers must be carefully selected. For example, while the constituent polymers that make up reinforcing polymer fibers and resilient polymer fibers may have similarities, the composition of the resilient polymer fibers must be selected so that the melting temperature(s) of their constituents is / are higher than that(s) of the bonding components of the reinforcing polymer fibers. Otherwise, during heat treatment, the resilient polymer fibers could bond to the reinforcing polymer fibers and vice versa, resulting in an overly rigid structure. To avoid this risk when the reinforcing polymer fibers include two-component fibers, e.g.Core-sheath configuration fibers with a sheath component of a relatively lower melting temperature at which fusion bonding will occur, resilient polymer fibers may comprise the constituent chemistry of only the core, which may be a polymer that has a relatively higher melting temperature. The performance of nonwoven materials can be affected by a combination of the choice of nonwoven fiber polymer, the fiber properties, and how the fibers are arranged or connected. The selection of the nonwoven material can affect the absorbent item's ability to recover its shape after the compression, bending, and extension (stretching) forces present during use with body movement. If the fibers are short (less than approximately 10 mm), then they are likely to rearrange irreversibly under extension and compression forces. The rearrangement (change in orientation / state) of the fibers in a fiber matrix dissipates the tensile (elongation) or compressive forces so that the energy used to effect the deformation is no longer available for recovery to the original shape.Longer fiber networks (typically more than approximately 10 mm but less than approximately 100 mm) can dissipate the tensile / compressive forces typical of body movements along the length of the fiber and throughout the structure. As a result, the imparted forces are available to return the structure to its original state. Longer fiber networks composed of finer fibers (less than approximately 15 to approximately 20 micrometers and approximately 2.0 dtex) elongate and compress more easily. As a result, the fuzz / AGM structure can deform more easily (and to a greater degree), but the energy associated with these deformations is relatively small and insufficient to return the structure to its original state.Thicker fibers, such as those from approximately 2.0 dtex to approximately 10 dtex, are flexible under body forces, but provide sufficient fiber and web recovery energy to return the structure to its original state. The arrangement of fibers in a long-fiber network, from a structural point of view, can affect the performance of absorbent articles containing these nonwoven materials. Long-fiber webs of thicker fibers typically have a higher volume than a conventional thin continuous-filament nonwoven web composed of fine, continuous fibers that are closely spaced and physically bonded together. Creating a web of thicker fibers arranged in a more random orientation, such as those achievable through carding, hydro-interlacing, and needle-punching, allows for elongation and compression. In this configuration, the fibers only temporarily adjust their arrangement (space exists between the fibers for these adjustments) and are able to withstand / store deformation forces, making this energy available to recover the structural shape. Additionally, the finest synthetic fibers (less than approximately 2.0 dtex), such as the BiCo and PP fibers commonly found in continuous filaments, are closely spaced, relatively parallel, and tightly bonded together. The bonded fibers within these continuous filament webs are so interconnected (with closely spaced point bonds) that, under tension (elongation), the fibers at the polymer level are forced to stretch. This causes the polymer chains within the fiber to permanently rearrange themselves, and as a result, the fibers themselves may remain permanently elongated (permanently deformed) and no longer be able to return to their original state. In some configurations, the polymer fibers in the top nonwoven layer and the polymer fibers in the bottom nonwoven layer may be different. In some configurations, the polymer fibers in the top nonwoven layer and the polymer fibers in the bottom nonwoven layer may be the same. Examples of suitable nonwoven materials include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) a 40 g / m² carded resilient nonwoven material produced by Yanjan in China (material code: ATB Z87G-40-90) which is a carded nonwoven material composed of a blend of 60% 2 dtex BiCo (PE / PET) fibers and 40% 4 dtex BiCo (PE / PET) fibers. The fibers are bonded (ATB = hot air bonded) to create a wet resilient network. The basis weight of the material is 40 g / m² and its gauge (under 7 kPa) is approximately 0.9 mm.Not limited to theory, it is believed that, due to the presence of 4 dtex BiCo fibers and the fiber-to-fiber bonded BiCo network, the material has low permanent deformation (less than approximately 0.013 mm / mm) and sufficient dry recovery energy (more than approximately 0.03 N*mm) in the ultrasensitive 3-point bending method in wet and dry DT; (ii) a resilient 55 g / m² hydrolinked material produced by Sandler in Germany (material code: 53FC041001), which is a hydrolinked nonwoven material produced by a carding step (as the nonwoven material described above), followed by hydrolinking with a high-temperature drying step (as described in patent publication US-2020 / 0315873A1) which creates a resilient network that is both interlocked and bonded by BiCo. It comprises a fiber blend of 30% 10 dtex HS-PET, 50% 2.2 dtex BiCo (PE / PET) and 20% 1.3 dtex rayon.As such, the material has low permanent deformation (less than approximately 0.013 mm / mm) and sufficient dry recovery energy (more than approximately 0.03 N*mm) in the ultrasensitive 3-point bending method in wet and dry DT; and (iii) a resilient 50 g / m² hydro-linked material produced by Sandler in Germany (material code: 53FC041005 opt82), which is a hydro-linked nonwoven material produced by a carding step (as the nonwoven material described above), followed by hydro-linking with a high-temperature drying step (as described in patent publication US-2020 / 0315873A1) creating a resilient network that is both interlocked and bonded by BiCo. It comprises a fiber blend of 60% 5.8 dtex BiCo (PE / PET), 20% 3.3 dtex trilobal "structural" rayon, and 20% 1.3 dtex rayon.As such, the material exhibits low permanent deformation (less than approximately 0.013 mm / mm) and sufficient dry recovery energy (more than approximately 0.03 N*mm) in the DT ultrasensitive 3-point bending test in both wet and dry conditions. While this material contains 40% rayon, which can soften when wet, the use of structural trilobal rayon fibers contributes to its wet structural stability. In combination with adjusting the size, volume, and number of pores by selecting the appropriate fiber size, basis weight, and degree of consolidation, the manufacturer may wish to select fiber constituents that have a particular surface chemistry, e.g., fibers with hydrophobic surfaces, hydrophilic surfaces, or a mixture of different fibers and / or a stratification or gradient of the fibers in the z-direction. Fibers with hydrophilic surfaces will tend to attract and move the aqueous components of menstrual fluid along them in a manner conducive to capillary absorption and rapid fluid uptake after discharge.However, at the same time, the predominance of hydrophilic fiber surfaces within the top sheet can increase the top sheet's tendency to reabsorb fluid from the absorbent components below (rewetting), which can lead to an undesirable feeling of dampness for the user. On the other hand, fibers with hydrophobic surfaces will tend to repel the aqueous components of menstrual fluid and / or resist the movement of fluid along their surfaces, thus resisting capillary absorption, but also resisting rewetting.The manufacturer may wish to seek an appropriate balance by selecting constituent fibers that have hydrophilic surfaces, fibers that have hydrophobic surfaces, or a mixture and / or layering in the Z direction thereof, in combination with fiber size, fiber consolidation level, and the resulting top sheet size, volume, and number of pores, for any particular product design. The inner core layer is produced in an air-laying process. Streams of cellulose fiber and AGM are carried in a fast-moving air stream and deposited into a three-dimensionally shaped pocket on a rotating forming drum. A vacuum underneath draws the cellulose and AGM into the pocket at a deposition station. This shaped pocket provides the actual physical form of the absorbent core structure. The top or bottom nonwoven material can be fed into the forming drum first, and under the vacuum, it is drawn into the three-dimensional pocket. In this case, the stream of cellulose and AGM material is deposited onto the top (or bottom) nonwoven material directly at the forming station.Before entering the forming station, the nonwoven material is coated with an adhesive to provide a stronger bond between the cellulose and AGM layers. Upon exiting the deposition section, the remaining second nonwoven layer is combined with the nonwoven material carrying the cellulose and AGM layer exiting the deposition section. This remaining second nonwoven material (either the top or bottom nonwoven material, depending on which nonwoven material passes through the deposition section) is pre-coated with adhesive to allow for a perimeter seal and better integrate the cellulose and AGM without impeding the flow of liquid into the cellulose and AGM matrix.In another approach, a nonwoven material is first fed into the forming station, and the cellulose and AGM mass is held in the vacuum forming drum until it is ejected onto the upper or lower nonwoven layer, which has an adhesive applied as detailed above. This layer is then sealed with the remaining second nonwoven material to create the absorbent core structure. The width of the upper and lower nonwoven bands is typically chosen to be wider than the maximum width of the shaped cellulose and AGM matrix to allow for an effective perimeter seal where the two nonwoven materials meet, at least on most of the leftmost and rightmost sides of the absorbent core structure. In yet another approach, neither the top nor bottom nonwoven material is suctioned into the three-dimensional pocket. Instead, the cellulose and AGM are deposited directly onto a three-dimensional forming screen. The top or bottom nonwoven material is coated with an adhesive to provide a stronger bond between the cellulose and AGM and the nonwoven layer. The cellulose / AGM matrix is ​​then deposited directly onto the nonwoven material near the forming drum outlet to minimize material loss before the second nonwoven material is combined with the first nonwoven material and its accompanying lint / AGM matrix. The inner core layer may comprise any of a wide variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in absorbent articles, such as shredded wood pulp, generally referred to as "air felt." A suitable absorbent core material is an air felt material marketed by Weyerhaeuser Company, Washington, USA, under code number FR516. Examples of other liquid-absorbent materials for use in the absorbent core may include crimped cellulose wadding; molded melt-blown polymers; chemically stiffened, modified, or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; synthetic fibers such as crimped polyester fibers; peat; cotton; bamboo; absorbent polymeric materials; or any equivalent material or combinations of materials or mixtures thereof. Absorbent polymeric materials for use in absorbent articles typically comprise crosslinked absorbent polymers that form hydrogels, which are water-swellable and water-insoluble, capable of absorbing large quantities of liquids and retaining such absorbed liquids under moderate pressure. The absorbent polymeric material for the absorbent cores as described herein comprises superabsorbent particles, also known as "superabsorbent materials" or "absorbent gelling materials." The absorbent polymeric materials, typically in particulate form, may be selected from polyacrylates and polyacrylate-based materials, such as, for example, partially neutralized crosslinked polyacrylates. The term "particles" refers to granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders, platelets, and other profiles and shapes known to those skilled in the art of superabsorbent particles. In some respects, the superabsorbent particles may be fiber-like, i.e., elongated and acicular superabsorbent particles. The inner core layer comprises cellulosic fibers and superabsorbent particles. The inner core layer comprises 50% to 85% cellulosic fibers, or approximately 55% to approximately 80%, or approximately 60% to approximately 75%, all by weight of the inner core layer. The inner core layer comprises 15% to 50%, or approximately 20% to approximately 40%, or approximately 25% to approximately 35%, all by weight of the inner core layer. Preferably, the inner core layer may comprise approximately 125 g / m² to approximately 400 g / m² of cellulosic fibers. The inner core layer comprises 50% to 85% cellulosic fibers and 15% to 50% superabsorbent particles. The resulting absorbent core structure has an average density of between approximately 0.045 g / cm³ and approximately 0.15 g / cm³, and / or between 0.045 g / cm³ and 0.12 g / cm³. The absorbent article may have an average density of between approximately 0.045 g / cm³ and approximately 0.16 g / cm³. Absorbent core structures can compress and recover their original shape after compression. Suitable absorbent core structures require a low force to compress (less resistance), and the structure is able to recover its shape as the user cyclically compresses and releases the compressive force through various body movements. To achieve this, the structure retains sufficient recovery energy after multiple cyclic compressions. Without sufficient recovery energy, the structure remains in a compressed, accumulated state with insufficient force (stored energy) to recover. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the absorbent core structure may comprise a plurality of structural bonding sites 15. The structural bonding sites 15 may be symmetrical and / or asymmetrical and may have any shape, including, but not limited to, circles, ovals, hearts, diamonds, triangles, squares, stars, and / or X-shaped shapes. The structural bonding sites 15 may be located on the absorbent article and / or on the absorbent core structure. In some configurations, the structural bonding sites may have a bonding area of ​​approximately 2 mm² to approximately 5 mm².In some configurations, the total structural bonding area can be approximately 0.5% to approximately 5%, or approximately 0.75% to approximately 4.5%, or approximately 1% to approximately 4% of the absorbent core structure, as measured by the area and spacing between structural bonding site patterns. In some configurations, the total structural bonding area can be approximately 1% to approximately 4% of the absorbent article, as measured by the area and spacing between structural bonding site patterns. The average distance between structural bonding sites can be approximately 10 mm to approximately 32 mm. In some configurations, the average distance between structural bonding sites can be greater than approximately 20 mm.In some configurations, the structural bonding sites can have a maximum width of approximately 1 mm to approximately 6 mm, or approximately 1.5 mm to approximately 5 mm, or approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm. While not limited to theory, it is believed that the average distance between the structural bonding sites and / or the size of the structural bonding sites can help maintain the structural integrity of the absorbent core structure without creating undesirable stiffness that could inhibit the absorbent article's ability to conform to the body. In some configurations, the structural bonding sites may be distributed throughout the absorbent article and / or the absorbent core structure, or they may be clustered in regions of the absorbent article and / or the absorbent core structure. In some configurations, the structural bonding sites may be clustered in the middle region 22 of the absorbent article and / or the absorbent core structure. In some configurations, the middle region 22 of the absorbent article and / or the absorbent core structure may be free of structural bonding sites and may be surrounded by an area of ​​structural bonding sites and / or embossing. The structural bonding sites 15 may bond the top sheet 110, the top nonwoven layer 210, the absorbent core structure 10, and the bottom nonwoven layer 220.In some configurations, the structural bonding sites 15 can bond the top nonwoven layer 210, the absorbent core structure 10, and the bottom nonwoven layer 220. In some configurations, the absorbent article and / or the absorbent core structure may be free of structural bonding sites. Suitable absorbent articles and / or absorbent core structures may comprise a top nonwoven layer and a bottom nonwoven layer that are closer together in the Z direction at the structural bonding sites, but are not fused together. Since these structural bonding sites are not fused together, they may not be permanent and may instead intermix the materials within the bonding site. In some configurations, the structural bonding sites may be substantially free of fusion bonds. With reference to Figure 7, in some configurations, the absorbent article may comprise one or more flex-bond channel regions, wherein the flex-bond channel regions may be a continuous depression and / or a series of individually compressed, closely spaced reliefs.In some configurations, the bending joint channel region may comprise an inner bending joint channel region and an outer bending joint channel region. In some configurations, the lateral edges 120 and 125 of the absorbent article may follow the general contour of the inner core layer 200. However, forms are contemplated where the lateral edges 120 and 125 are generally straight or slightly curved so that they do not follow the contour of the inner core layer 200. The absorbent article 20 may be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline 80 or asymmetrical with respect to the longitudinal centerline 80. Similarly, the absorbent article 20 may be symmetrical with respect to the lateral centerline 90 or asymmetrical with respect to the lateral centerline 90. The absorbent article 20 can be resilient and adaptable and can offer a superior experience during use without substantially bunching up and / or compressing. The absorbent article can withstand bodily forces and recover its original shape. The absorbent article can have a dry modulus (DT) of approximately 0.07 to 0.30 N / mm², measured using the 3-point bending method in wet and dry DT and DM, or approximately 0.10 to approximately 0.25 N / mm², or approximately 0.10 to approximately 0.20 N / mm². The absorbent article may have a dry gauge of between approximately 2.0 mm and approximately 6.0 mm, or from approximately 2.0 mm to approximately 4.5 mm, or from approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 4.0 mm, or from approximately 2.75 mm to approximately 3.5 mm, measured by the 3-point method on DT and DM wet and dry. In some configurations, the absorbent article may have a dry modulus in DT of between approximately 0.07 and 0.30 N / mm2 and a dry gauge of between approximately 2.0 mm and approximately 4.5 mm, measured by the 3-point method in DT and DM wet and dry, or a dry modulus in DT of between approximately 0.10 to approximately 0.25 N / mm2 and a dry gauge of approximately 2.50 mm to approximately 4.0 mm, or a dry modulus in DT of between approximately 0.10 to approximately 0.20 N / mm2 and a dry gauge of approximately 2.75 mm to approximately 3.5 mm.The absorbent article may have a dry bending stiffness in DT of approximately 10.0 to approximately 30.0 N*mm2, measured in the 3-point bending method in DT and wet and dry DM, or of approximately 10.0 to approximately 25.0 N*mm2, or of approximately 10 to approximately 20 N*mm2, or of approximately 13 to approximately 20 N*mm2.Particularly suitable absorbent articles include those having a dry flexural stiffness in DT of between approximately 10.0 and approximately 30.0 N*2 and a dry gauge of approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 4.0 mm, measured by the 3-point method in DT and DM wet and dry, or a dry flexural stiffness in DT of approximately 10 to approximately 25 N*mm2 and a dry gauge of between approximately 2.5 and 4.0 mm, or a dry flexural stiffness in DT of approximately 13 to approximately 30 N*mm2 and a dry gauge of approximately 2.75 mm to approximately 3.5 mm. The absorbent article may have a wet recovery energy on the 5th cycle of approximately 1.0 to 3.5 N*mm, or approximately 1.5 to approximately 3.0 N*mm, or approximately 1.5 to approximately 2.8 N*mm. Particularly suitable absorbent articles may have a wet recovery energy on the 5th cycle of between approximately 1.0 and 3.5 N*mm and a wet recovery % on the 5th cycle of approximately 29% to approximately 40%, or a wet recovery energy on the 5th cycle of approximately 1.5 to approximately 3.0 N*mm and a wet recovery % on the 5th cycle of approximately 29% to approximately 40%, or a wet recovery energy on the 5th cycle of approximately 1.5 to approximately 2.75 N*mm and a wet recovery % on the 5th cycle of approximately 29% to approximately 40%. Absorbent articles comprising the absorbent core structures as described herein may also need to provide a dry feel to the consumer after the addition of fluid, as measured by the light touch rewetting method. Absorbent core structures and absorbent articles meeting the above characteristics are designed to fit comfortably and gently, more closely and completely, to the complex anatomical shape of the wearer's genitals. Therefore, such absorbent articles may also need to be dry to the touch after discharge to avoid irritating sensitive genital tissues.As such, the absorbent articles described herein may also maintain a light contact rewetting value of less than approximately 0.15 grams, or less than approximately 0.12 grams, or from approximately 0 to approximately 0.15 grams, or from approximately 0 to approximately 0.12 grams. Top sheet The top sheet 110 may be formed from any suitable nonwoven web or shaped film material. Referring back to the figures, the top sheet 110 is positioned adjacent to a carrier-facing surface of the absorbent article 20 and may be attached to it and to the back sheet 130 by any suitable fastening or bonding method. The top sheet 110 and back sheet 130 may be bonded directly to each other in peripheral regions outside the perimeter of the absorbent core structure and may be bonded indirectly by attaching them directly, respectively, to the carrier-facing and outward-facing surfaces of the absorbent article or to any additional optional layers included in the absorbent article. The absorbent article 20 may have any known or otherwise effective top sheet 110, such as one that is conformable, soft to the touch, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. A suitable top sheet material will include a fluid-permeable material that is comfortable in contact with the wearer's skin and allows the discharged menstrual fluid to penetrate quickly through it. Suitable examples of top sheet materials include films, nonwoven fabrics, laminated structures including film / nonwoven layers, film / film layers, and nonwoven / nonwoven layers. Non-limiting examples of nonwoven web materials that may be suitable for use in forming the top sheet 110 include fibrous materials made from natural fibers, modified natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. Suitable examples are described in US-293,606, US-198,032, US-198,036, US-468,114, US-12 / 370,850, US-11 / 155,805, US-536,225, and US-205,968. The top sheet 110 may be moldable, soft to the touch, and non-irritating to the user's skin. Additionally, the top sheet 110 may be permeable to liquids, allowing fluids (e.g., urine, menstrual flow) to easily penetrate its thickness. Suitable examples of top sheet materials include films, nonwoven fabrics, and laminated structures comprising film / nonwoven fabric layers, film / film layers, and nonwoven / nonwoven fabric layers. Other illustrative top sheet materials and designs are described in US patents 14 / 933.001, 14 / 933.028, and 14 / 933.017. In some examples, the top sheet 110 may include tufts as described in US-12 / 415,150; US-10 / 737,306; US-10 / 737,307; US-13 / 413,182; US-10 / 737,235; and US-10 / 737,430. The top sheet 20 may have a pattern of discrete, hair-like fibrils as described in US-10 / 325,323 or US-10 / 324,366. Additional examples of suitable top sheet materials include those described in US-11 / 881,115; US-13 / 219,085; and US-08 / 739,094. Another suitable top sheet may be formed from a three-dimensional substrate as detailed in US-15 / 453,997. The top sheet may have one or more layers, as described in applications US-14 / 933.028; US-14 / 933.036; and US-15 / 453.965. In some examples, a top sheet 110 may be formed from a nonwoven web material of a continuous filament web comprising continuous single-component fibers or, alternatively, two-component or multi-component fibers, or a mixture of single-component fibers spun with different polymer resins, or any combination thereof. The top sheet may also be a shaped nonwoven top sheet as described in application US16 / 445,986. To ensure that fluid coming into contact with the upper (carrier-facing) surface of a top sheet moves rapidly and appropriately in the z-direction toward the lower (outward-facing) surface of the top sheet, where it can be drawn into the absorbent article, it may be important to ensure that the nonwoven web material forming the top sheet has an appropriate weight / volume density. This density reflects the adequate presence of interstitial passages (sometimes called "pores") through and between the constituent fibers, through which the fluid can move within the nonwoven material. In some circumstances, a nonwoven material with fibers that are too densely consolidated may have insufficient pore numbers, volumes, and / or sizes, and the nonwoven material will obstruct, rather than facilitate, the rapid downward movement of the fluid in the z-direction.On the other hand, users may negatively perceive a nonwoven material with fibers that are too large and / or not sufficiently consolidated to provide a certain level of opacity (in order to conceal the absorbed fluid in the layers below) and a substantial appearance. The gauge of the top sheet material can be controlled to balance the competing needs for opacity and bulk (which require a larger gauge) against a limitation on the distance in the z-direction that the discharged fluid travels through the top sheet from the carrier-facing surface to the outward-facing surface, in order to reach the absorbent core components below.Therefore, it may be desirable to control the manufacturing of the top sheet material to produce a top sheet material that has a thickness of approximately 0.20 mm to approximately 1.0 mm, or from approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 0.80 mm, or from approximately 0.30 mm to approximately 0.60 mm. Secondary upper lamina (STS) An STS layer may, in some circumstances, be included between the top sheet and the absorbent core structure to allow the absorbent core structure to readily receive a sudden discharge of fluid and, after receiving it, transport it by capillary action along the x and y directions to distribute it throughout the underlying absorbent core structure. If included, an STS may be a nonwoven fibrous structure that may include cellulosic fibers, non-cellulosic fibers (e.g., fibers spun from polymeric resin(s)), or a mixture thereof. To accommodate the folding and side gathering of the absorbent article 20 and the absorbent core structure 10, as described herein, the STS may be formed from a material that is relatively flexible (i.e., having relatively low flexural stiffness). A number of specific examples of suitable STS compositions and structures, as well as combinations thereof with suitable top sheet compositions and structures, are further described in applications US-16 / 831,862; US-16 / 831,854; US-16 / 832,270; US-16 / 831,865; US-16 / 831,868; US-16 / 831,870; and US-16 / 831,879; and applications US-63 / 086,610 and US-63 / 086,701. Additional suitable examples are described in application US-13 / 310,271; WO 2012 / 040315; and application US-16 / 043,207. In some configurations, the absorbent article may be free of a secondary top sheet. Back cover The backsheet 130 may be positioned beneath or under an outward-facing surface of the absorbent core structure 10 and may be attached to it by any suitable fastening method. For example, the backsheet 130 may be attached to the absorbent core structure 10 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned adhesive layer, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Alternatively, the fastening method may include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable fastening mechanism, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the absorbent core structure 10 is not directly attached to the backsheet 130. The backsheet 130 may be impermeable or substantially impermeable to aqueous liquids (e.g., urine, menstrual fluid) and may be made from a thin plastic film, although other flexible, liquid-impermeable materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are moldable and readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 130 may prevent, or at least substantially inhibit, the leakage of fluids absorbed and contained within the absorbent core structure 10 onto the wearer's clothing that may come into contact with the absorbent article 20, such as underwear and outerwear.However, in some cases, the backsheet 130 may be manufactured and / or adapted to allow vapor to escape from the absorbent core structure 10 (i.e., the backsheet is made to be breathable), while in other cases, the backsheet 130 may be manufactured to prevent vapor escape (i.e., it is made to be non-breathable). Therefore, the backsheet 130 may comprise a polymeric film such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene. A suitable material for the backsheet 130 is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of approximately 0.012 mm (0.5 mils) to approximately 0.051 mm (2.0 mils). Any suitable backsheet known in this field may be used with the present invention. Suitable examples of materials appropriate for forming a backsheet are described in applications US-08 / 706,371; US-06 / 206,410; and US-06 / 349,098. Suitable single-layer breathable backsheets for use in this specification include those described, for example, in patents GB A 2184389; GB A 2184390; GB A 2184391; application US-06 / 740,112; application US-05 / 333,110; application US-183484; WO 97 / 24097; application US-09 / 202,301; application US-09 / 674,225; and application US-09 / 463,105. The backsheet 130 may have two layers: a first layer comprising a film layer formed with vapor-permeable openings and a second layer comprising a breathable microporous film layer, as described in application US-09 / 762,747. Other suitable examples of double-layer or multi-layer breathable backsheets for use herein include those described in applications US-38984173; US-06 / 239,090; US-06 / 925,425; US-07 / 130,778; EP 203821; EP 710471; EP 710472; and EP 0793952. Other features In some configurations, the absorbent item 20 may be provided with adhesive reservoirs to enable the user to adhere the item to the inside of their underwear in the crotch area. When the absorbent item 20 is packaged for shipping, handling, and storage prior to use, the adhesive reservoirs may be covered by one or more adhesive protection film or paper sheets (not shown) that cover / protect the adhesive reservoirs from contact with other surfaces until the user is ready to remove the adhesive protection film or paper and place the absorbent item in their underwear for wear / use. In some configurations, the absorbent article 20 may include opposing wing parts 140 and 150 on each side, which extend laterally beyond the longitudinal edges of the absorbent parts of the article in a width dimension comparatively greater than that of the front and back of the article. Wings are currently commonly supplied with feminine hygiene products. As supplied, they typically have adhesive deposits applied to their outward-facing surfaces (the surfaces are oriented outward before the absorbent article is placed inside the user's underwear and the wings are applied).The wing parts may also include adhesive deposits, as described above, which allow the user to wrap the wing parts through the leg openings of the underwear and around the inner edges of the underwear, and adhere the wing parts to the outer / lower facing surface of the underwear in the crotch area, providing additional support for the absorbent item and helping to protect the underwear near the leg edges from staining. Testing methods Layers of interest For any of the following methods, in which not all component layers of an article will be tested, the layers of interest can be separated by cryospraying, as required, from the layers not to be tested. Deformation-to-break method The force-displacement behavior of a specimen is measured on a universal testing frame with constant extension rate (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using TestSuite software, marketed by MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, or equivalent) equipped with a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 99% of the cell limit. The specimen is subjected to tensile elongation at a constant rate (mm / s) until failure, and the percentage deformation to failure is measured. All tests are performed in a controlled room at 23°C ± 3°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and the test specimens are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing. The devices used to hold the test specimen are lightweight (< 80 grams) screw-action clamps with gripping faces of steel versus rubber-coated steel that are at least 40 mm wide. The devices are installed in the universal test frame and mounted so that they are aligned horizontally and vertically with each other. The test specimen is prepared as follows. The test material is obtained by extracting it from an absorbent article, if necessary. When extracting the test material, no contamination or distortion must be transmitted to the material layer during the process. The test specimen is cut from an area of ​​the test material that is free from creases or wrinkles. The test specimen is 100 mm long (parallel to the lateral or intended side axis of the article) and 25.4 mm wide (parallel to the longitudinal or intended longitudinal axis of the article). Five replicate test specimens are prepared in a similar manner. The universal test frame is prepared as follows. The initial gap between the grips is set to a nominal gauge length of 80 mm, and the crosshead is then zeroed. The test frame is programmed to bring the grips together with an intentional gap of 1 mm to ensure that there is no preload force on the test specimen at the start of the test. (During this movement, the specimen will have some clearance between the grips.) The grips will then separate at a gap rate of 1 mm / s until the gap preload of 0.05 N is exceeded. (At this point, the crosshead position signal is used to calculate the specimen gap, the set gauge length, and the strain is set to zero, 0, 0.) Then, the jaws will separate at a speed of 1 mm / s until the sample breaks or the extension limit of the instrument is exceeded. The test is performed by inserting the test specimen into the grips so that the longitudinal axis of the specimen is parallel to and centered with the movement of the crosshead. The test is initiated, and force ("load") and displacement data are continuously collected at a data acquisition rate of 100 Hz. A graph of load (N) versus displacement (mm) is plotted. The peak load is determined from the curve, and then the break sensitivity is determined as follows. The crosshead position at which the load signal decreases by 75% after reaching the peak load is determined and recorded as the final specimen length (Lf) to the nearest 0.01 mm. The initial specimen length is defined by the crosshead position when the clearance preload of 0.05 N is exceeded, and this value is recorded as the initial specimen length (Li) to the nearest 0.01 mm. The percentage deformation to break is calculated as follows and recorded to the nearest 1 percent. % deformation until breakage = ( (Lf - Li) / Li) * 100 Similarly, the procedure is repeated for all five replicated test specimens. The arithmetic mean of the % strain to break among the five replicated test specimens is calculated and reported as % strain to break with an accuracy of 1 percent. 3-point bending method in DT and DM in wet and dry The flexural properties of a test specimen of an absorbent article are measured on a universal test frame with constant extension rate (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using TestSuite software, marketed by MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, or equivalent) equipped with a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 99% of the cell limit. The test is run on dry test specimens as well as wet test specimens. The intent of this method is to mimic the deformation that a carrier of an absorbent article creates in the xy plane during normal use. All tests are performed in a controlled room at 23°C ± 3°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. The lower fixed device consists of two cylindrical bars, 3.175 mm in diameter and 110 mm in length, made of polished stainless steel, each mounted at its end with frictionless roller bearings. These two bars are mounted horizontally, aligned front to back, and parallel to each other, with their upper radii aligned vertically. They can rotate freely around the diameter of the cylinder by means of the frictionless bearings. The device also allows the two bars to be moved horizontally apart on a track so that a gap can be created between them while maintaining their orientation. The upper device consists of a third cylindrical bar, also 3.175 mm in diameter and 110 mm in length, made of polished stainless steel, mounted at each end with frictionless roller bearings.When in place, the upper device bar is parallel to and aligned front-to-back with the lower device bars and centered between them. Both devices include an integral adapter suitable for fitting their respective positions on the universal test frame and locking into place so that the bars are orthogonal to the movement of the test frame crossbar. Set the spacing ("gap") between the lower device bars to 25 mm ± 0.5 mm (center of bar to center of bar) with the upper bar centered at the midpoint between the lower bars. Set the gauge (from the bottom of the upper bar to the top of the lower bars) to 1.0 cm. The thickness ("gauge") of the test specimen is measured using a hand-operated micrometer equipped with a pressure foot capable of exerting a constant pressure of 0.1 psi ± 0.01 psi. The hand-operated micrometer is a deadweight-type instrument with readings accurate to 0.01 mm. A suitable instrument is the Mitutoyo Series 543 ID-C Digimatic, marketed by VWR International, or an equivalent. The pressure foot is a flat, circular, movable face with a diameter of no more than 25.4 mm. The test specimen rests on a flat, horizontal reference platform that is larger than and parallel to the surface of the pressure foot. The micrometer is zeroed against the flat, horizontal reference platform. The test specimen is placed on the platform, centered beneath the pressure foot. The pressure foot is lowered manually at a rate of 3 ± 1 mm / s until the full weight of the pressure is exerted on the specimen.After 5 seconds have elapsed, the thickness is recorded as a gauge with a pressure of 0.01 mm. The test fluid used to dose the wet test specimens is prepared by adding 100.0 grams of sodium chloride (reagent grade, any convenient source) to 900 grams of deionized water in a 1-liter Erlenmeyer flask. Shake until the sodium chloride is completely dissolved. Samples of the absorbent article are conditioned at 23 °C ± 3 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity two hours before testing. Dry test specimens are taken from an area of ​​the sample that is free of seams and any remnants of folds or creases, and ideally from the center of the absorbent article (intersection of the longitudinal and lateral midlines). The dry specimens are prepared for bending in the DM (machine direction) by cutting them to a width of 50.8 mm along the DT (transverse direction; parallel to the lateral axis of the sample) and a length of 50.8 mm along the DM (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sample), maintaining their orientation after cutting, and marking the body-facing surface (or the surface intended to be body-facing on a finished article).The dry specimens are prepared for bending in the machine direction (MD) by cutting them to a width of 50.8 mm along the transverse direction (MD; parallel to the lateral axis of the specimen) and a length of 50.8 mm along the MD (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen), maintaining their orientation after cutting, and marking the body-facing surface (or the surface intended to face the body of a finished article). The thickness of the test specimen is measured, as described herein, and recorded as the thickness of the dry specimen to an accuracy of 0.01 mm. The mass of the test specimen is then measured and recorded as the dry mass to an accuracy of 0.001 grams. The weight of the specimen is calculated by dividing the mass (g) by the area (0.002581 m2) and is recorded as the weight of the dry specimen with an accuracy of 0.01 g / m2.The apparent density of the specimen is calculated by dividing the specimen weight (g / m²) by the specimen thickness (mm) and then dividing the quotient by 1000. This is recorded as the dry specimen density to the nearest 0.01 g / cm³. Five replicate dry test specimens are prepared in a similar manner. The wet test specimens are initially prepared in the same way as the dry test specimen, followed by the addition of the test fluid just before testing, as follows. First, the thickness and mass of the dry specimen are measured as described herein and recorded as initial thickness to the nearest 0.01 mm and initial mass to the nearest 0.001 g. The dry specimen is then fully immersed in the test fluid for 60 seconds.After 60 seconds have elapsed, the specimen is removed from the test fluid and oriented vertically for 30 seconds to allow any excess fluid to drain. The thickness and mass of the wet specimen are then measured, as described herein, and recorded as wet specimen thickness to the nearest 0.01 mm and wet specimen mass to the nearest 0.001 g. If desired, the mass of the test fluid in the test specimen is calculated by subtracting the initial mass (g) from the mass of the wet specimen (g) and recorded as the amount of fluid in the test specimen to the nearest 0.001 g. After the wet test specimen is removed from the test fluid, it must be tested within 10 minutes. Five replicate wet test specimens are prepared in a similar manner.The universal test frame is programmed for a bending test. The crosshead is moved so that the upper device moves downward relative to the lower device at a rate of 1.0 mm / s until the upper bar touches the top surface of the specimen with a nominal force of 0.02 N, and then continues for an additional 12 mm. The crosshead is then immediately returned to its original position at a rate of 1.0 mm / s. Force (N) and displacement (mm) data are continuously collected at 100 Hz throughout the test. A dry test specimen is loaded so that it spans the two lower bars and is centered beneath the upper bar with its sides parallel to the bars. For DM bending, the DM direction of the test specimen is perpendicular to the length of the three bars. The test is initiated, and force and displacement data are continuously collected. Construct a graph of force (N) versus displacement (mm). From the graph, determine the maximum peak force and record it as the peak load on dry DM with an accuracy of 0.01 N. Now calculate the maximum slope of the curve between the initial force and the maximum force (during the loading portion of the curve) and record it with an accuracy of 0.1 units. Calculate the modulus as follows and record it as the modulus on dry DM with an accuracy of 0.001 N / mm². Dry or wet flexural modulus in DT or DM (N / mm2) = (slope x (distance3) ) / (4 x specimen width x (specimen gauge3) ) The flexural stiffness is calculated as follows and recorded as dry DM flexural stiffness with an accuracy of 0.1 N mm2. Dry or wet bending stiffness in CD or MD (N mm2) = modulus x moment of inertia where moment of inertia (mm4) = (specimen width x (specimen gauge3) ) / 12 Similarly, the procedure is repeated for all five replicates of the dry test specimens. The arithmetic mean among the five replicated dry test specimens is calculated for each of the parameters and reported as dry specimen "gauge" to the nearest 0.01 mm, dry specimen weight to the nearest 0.01 g / m², dry specimen density to the nearest 0.001 g / cm³, peak load at dry DT or DM to the nearest 0.01 N, flexural modulus at dry DT or DM to the nearest 0.001 N / mm², and flexural stiffness at dry DT or DM to the nearest N / mm². The general procedure is now repeated for all five replicates of the wet test specimens, and the results are reported as peak load at wet DT or DM to the nearest 0.01 N, flexural modulus at wet DT or DM to the nearest 0.001 N / mm², and flexural stiffness at wet DT or DM to the nearest N / mm². Ultrasensitive 3-point bending method at wet and dry DT The DT (transverse direction) flexural properties of a test specimen are measured using a highly sensitive 3-point flexural test on a universal test frame with constant extension rate (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using TestSuite software, marketed by MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, or equivalent) equipped with a load cell appropriate for the forces being measured. The test is run on dry as well as wet test specimens. The intent of this method is to mimic the deformation that a carrier of an absorbent article creates in the xy plane during normal use. All tests are performed in a controlled room at 23°C ± 3°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. The ultrasensitive 3-point bending method is designed to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of force when testing materials with very low bending strengths. The force signal is maximized by using a highly sensitive load cell (e.g., 5 N), a small distance (the load is proportional to the cube of the distance), and a wide specimen width (the total measured load is directly proportional to the width). The device is designed so that the bending measurement is performed in tension, allowing the device mass to be kept to a minimum. Noise in the force signal is minimized by keeping the load cell fixed to reduce mechanical vibration and inertial effects, and by keeping the mass of the device attached to the load cell as low as possible. With reference to Figures 10A-10C, the load cell 1001 is mounted on the fixed crosshead of the universal test frame. The ultrasensitive device 1000 consists of three thin blades constructed of a lightweight, rigid material (such as aluminum or equivalent). Each blade is 1.0 mm thick, has rounded edges, and a length capable of accommodating a bending width of 100 mm. Each blade has a cavity 1004a and 1004b (outer blades) and 1005 (center blade) cut out to create a height, h, of 5 mm of blade material along its horizontal edges. The two outer blades 1003a and 1003b are mounted horizontally on the movable crosshead of the universal test frame, aligned parallel to each other, with their horizontal edges vertically aligned. The distance, S, between the two outer blades 1003a and 1003b is 5 mm ± 0.1 mm (from inner edge to inner edge).The center blade 1002 is mounted on the load cell in the fixed crosshead of the universal test frame. When in place, the center blade 1002 is parallel to the two outer blades 1003a and 1003b and is centered at the midpoint between the outer blades 1003a and 1003b. The blade devices include integral adapters suitable for fitting the respective positions in the universal test frame and locking in position so that the horizontal edges of the blades are orthogonal to the movement of the crosshead of the universal test frame. The test fluid used to dose the wet test specimens is prepared by adding 100.0 grams of sodium chloride (reagent grade, any convenient source) to 900 grams of deionized water in a 1-liter Erlenmeyer flask. Shake until the sodium chloride is completely dissolved. The samples are conditioned at 23 °C ± 3 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity two hours before testing. Dry test specimens are taken from an area of ​​the sample that is free of any seams and any traces of folds or creases. The dry specimens are prepared for DT bending (i.e., bending normal to the lateral axis of the sample) by cutting them to a width of 50.0 mm along the DT (transverse direction; parallel to the lateral axis of the sample) and a length of 100.0 mm along the DM (machine direction; parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sample), maintaining their orientation after cutting, and marking the body-facing surface (or the surface intended to face the body of a finished article). Five replicate dry test specimens are prepared in a similar manner. Wet test specimens are initially prepared in the same manner as for the dry test specimen, followed by the addition of the test fluid just before testing, as follows. The dry specimen is fully immersed in the test fluid for 60 seconds. After 60 seconds, the specimen is removed from the test fluid and oriented vertically for 30 seconds to allow any excess fluid to drain. After the wet test specimen is removed from the test fluid, it must be tested within 10 minutes. Five replicate wet test specimens are prepared similarly. The universal test frame is programmed such that the moving crosshead is configured to move in the opposite direction to the fixed crosshead at a speed of 1.0 mm / s. The crosshead movement begins with specimen 1006 in a horizontal position and without deflection over the outer blades 1003a and 1003b, continues when the inner horizontal edge of the cavity 1005 in the central blade 1002 makes contact with the top surface of specimen 1006, and continues for an additional 4 mm of crosshead movement. The crosshead stops at 4 mm and then immediately returns to zero at a speed of 1.0 mm / s. The force (N) and displacement (mm) are collected at 50 Hz at all times. Before loading the test specimen 1006, the outer blades 1003a and 1003b are moved toward and then past the center blade 1002 until there is approximately a clearance, C, of ​​3 mm between the inner horizontal edges of the cavities 1004a and 1004b in the outer blades 1003a and 1003b and the inner horizontal edge of the cavity 1005 in the center blade 1002 (see Figure 10C). The specimen 1006 is placed within the clearance C so that it spans the inner horizontal edges of the cavities 1004a and 1004b in the outer blades 1003a and 1003b, oriented so that the DM (short side) of the specimen is perpendicular to the horizontal edges of the blades and the body-facing surface of the specimen is oriented upward. Specimen 1006 is centered between outer blades 1003a and 1003b.The outer blades 1003a and 1003b are slowly moved in a direction opposite to the fixed crosshead until the inner horizontal edge of the cavity 1005 in the central blade 1002 touches the top surface of the specimen 1006. The test is started and force and displacement data are continuously collected. The force (N) is plotted against the displacement (mm). The maximum peak force is recorded to the nearest 0.001 N. The area under the curve from the start of the load to the maximum peak force is calculated and recorded as bending energy to the nearest 0.001 N-mm. The recovery energy is calculated as the area under the curve where the force is unloaded from the maximum peak to 0.0 N and is recorded as recovery energy to the nearest 0.001 N-mm. Similarly, the entire test sequence is repeated for a total of five dry and five wet test specimens. For each test specimen type (dry and wet), the arithmetic mean of the maximum peak force among similar specimens is calculated to the nearest 0.001 N and is reported as dry peak load and wet peak load, respectively. For each test specimen type (dry and wet), the arithmetic mean of the bending energy among similar specimens is calculated to the nearest 0.001 N-mm and is reported as dry bending energy and wet bending energy, respectively. For each test specimen type (dry and wet), the arithmetic mean of the recovery energy among similar specimens is calculated to the nearest 0.001 N-mm and is reported as dry recovery energy and wet recovery energy, respectively. Wet and dry accumulation compression method The stack-up compression test method measures force behavior as a function of displacement over five cycles of load application ("compression") and load removal ("recovery") of a test specimen of an absorbent article that has been intentionally stacked, using a universal test frame with constant extension rate (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using TestSuite software, marketed by MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota, or equivalent) equipped with a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 99% of the cell limit. The test is run on dry test specimens as well as on wet test specimens, which are dosed with a specific quantity of test fluid.The purpose of this method is to simulate the deformation created in the Z-plane of the crotch region of an absorbent article, or its components, when worn by the wearer during sitting and standing movements. All tests are performed in a controlled room at 23°C ± 3°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. The test apparatus is shown in Figures 11-12B. The lower fixed fixture 3000 consists of two matching specimen clamps 3001, each 100 mm wide, each mounted on its own movable platform 3002a, 3002b. The clamp has a 110 mm long "blade edge 3009," which clamps against a 1 mm thick hard rubber face 3008. When closed, the clamps are flush with the inside of their respective platforms. The clamps are aligned so as to hold an unaccumulated specimen horizontally and orthogonally to the tensile axis of the tensile testing device. The platforms are mounted on a rail 3003 that allows them to move horizontally from left to right and lock into position. The rail has a 3004 adapter compatible with the tensile testing device mounting capable of securing the platform horizontally and orthogonally to the tensile testing device's pull axis.The upper accessory 2000 is a cylindrical plunger 2001 with a total length of 70 mm and a diameter of 25.0 mm. The contact surface 2002 is flat and without curvature. The plunger 2001 has an adapter 2003 compatible with the load cell mounting, capable of securing the plunger orthogonal to the tensile axis of the tensile testing device. Test samples are conditioned at 23°C ± 3°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least 2 hours before testing. The test specimen is prepared as follows. When testing an intact absorbent article, the backing paper is removed from any panty-fastening adhesive on the garment-facing side of the article, if present. Talcum powder is lightly applied to the adhesive to reduce any stickiness. If creases are present, they are removed with scissors to avoid disturbing the top sheet or any other underlying layers of the article. The article is placed, body-facing side up, on a work surface. The intersection of the longitudinal midline and the lateral midline is marked on the article.Using a rectangular cutting die or equivalent cutting tool, a specimen measuring 100 mm in the longitudinal direction by 80 mm in the lateral direction is cut, centered on the intersection of the midlines. When testing a layer of material or laminated components of an absorbent article, the layer of material or laminated components is placed on a worktable and oriented as if it were integrated into a finished article; that is, the body-facing surface and the lateral and longitudinal axes are identified. Using a rectangular cutting die or equivalent cutting tool, a specimen measuring 100 mm in the longitudinal direction by 80 mm in the lateral direction is cut, centered on the intersection of the midlines. The mass of the specimen is measured and recorded to an accuracy of 0.001 grams.The grammage of the specimen is calculated by dividing the mass (g) by the area (0.008 m2) and is recorded as grammage with an accuracy of 1 g / m2. The sample can be analyzed in either wet or dry form. The dry sample requires no further preparation. The test fluid used to dose wet test specimens is prepared by adding 100.0 grams of sodium chloride (reagent grade, any convenient source) to 900 grams of deionized water in a 1-liter Erlenmeyer flask. Swirl until the sodium chloride is completely dissolved. The wet specimen is then dosed with a total of 7 mL of the test solution as detailed below. The liquid dose is added using a calibrated Eppendorf-type pipette, spreading the fluid over the entire surface of the specimen facing the body over a period of approximately 3 seconds. The wet specimen is tested 10.0 min ± 0.1 min after the dose is applied. The tensile testing device is programmed to zero the load cell. The upper attachment is then lowered at 2.00 mm / s until the plunger's contact surface touches the sample, and 0.02 N is read on the load cell. The crosshead is then zeroed. The system is programmed to lower the crosshead 15.00 mm at 2.00 mm / s and then immediately raise it 15.00 mm at 2.00 mm / s. This cycle is repeated for a total of five cycles, with no delay between cycles. Data is collected at 50 Hz during all compression / decompression cycles. Position the left platform 3002a 2.5 mm from the face of the upper plunger (distance 3005). Lock the left platform in place. This platform 3002a will remain fixed throughout the experiment. Align the right platform 3002b 50.0 mm from the fixed clamp (distance 3006). Lift the upper probe 2001 so that it does not interfere with the sample loading. Open both clamps 3001. With reference to Figure 12A, place the dry specimen with its longitudinal edges (i.e., the 100 mm long edges) inside the clamps. With the dry specimen laterally centered, securely clamp both edges in the clamps. Referring to figure 12B, the right platform 3002b is moved towards the fixed platform 3002a by a distance of 20 mm so that a separation of 30.0 mm is achieved between the left and right clamps.The dried specimen is allowed to arch upwards while the mobile platform is positioned. The 2001 probe is then manually lowered until its lower surface is approximately 1 cm above the top of the arched specimen. The test begins, and force (N) versus displacement (mm) data is continuously collected for all five cycles. A separate force (N) versus displacement (mm) graph is plotted for each cycle. A representative curve is shown in Figure 13A. From the curve, the maximum dry compression force for each cycle is determined to the nearest 0.01 N, multiplied by 101.97, and recorded to the nearest gram-force. The percentage dry recovery between the first and second cycles is calculated as (DT-E2) / (DT-E1) * 100, where DT is the total displacement and E2 is the extension in the second compression curve that exceeds 0.02 N. It is recorded to the nearest 0.01%. Similarly, the % dry recovery between the first cycle and other cycles is calculated as (DT-E1) / (DT-E1) *100 and recorded with an accuracy of 0.01%.With reference to Figure 13B, the dry compression energy for cycle 1 is calculated as the area under the compression curve (i.e., area A+B) and recorded to an accuracy of 0.1 N-mm. The dry energy loss for cycle 1 is calculated as the area between the compression and decompression curves (i.e., area A) and recorded to an accuracy of 0.1 N-mm. The dry recovery energy for cycle 1 is calculated as the area under the decompression curve (i.e., area B) and reported to an accuracy of 0.1 N-mm. Similarly, the dry compression energy (N-mm), dry energy loss (N-mm), and dry recovery energy (N-mm) are calculated for each of the other cycles and recorded to an accuracy of 0.1 N-mm.Similarly, a total of five replicated dry test specimens are analyzed and the arithmetic mean among the five dry replicates is reported for each parameter, as described above, including grammage. The general procedure is now repeated for a total of five replicated wet test specimens, and the results for each of the five cycles are reported as the arithmetic mean of the five wet replicates for maximum wet compression force to the nearest gram-force for each cycle, wet compression energy to the nearest 0.1 N-mm for each cycle, wet energy loss to the nearest 0.1 N-mm for each cycle, wet energy recovery to the nearest 0.1 N-mm for each cycle, and % wet recovery for each cycle. Of particular importance are the properties of wet energy recovery at the 5th cycle and % wet recovery at the 5th cycle of this test method. Cyclic elongation in DT up to a strain of 3% The cyclic tensile response and recovery of absorbent article specimens are measured over ten cycles of load application ("elongation") and load removal ("recovery") using a universal testing frame with constant extension rate. The test specimen is cycled ten times to 3% engineering strain and then returned to zero engineering strain. For each cycle, stiffness, peak load, normalized energy to peak, normalized recovery energy, strain at cycle start, and strain at cycle end (i.e., "permanent strain") are calculated and reported. The intent of this method is to understand the ability of specimens to stretch in the xy plane as a result of body forces and then recover their original state.All measurements are performed in a laboratory maintained at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and the test specimens are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to the test(s). A suitable constant-extension-speed universal test frame is the MTS Alliance interfaced with a computer running TestSuite control software (marketed by MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minnesota), or equivalent. The universal test frame is equipped with a load cell for which the measured forces are within 1% to 99% of the cell's limit. The devices used to hold the test specimen are lightweight (< 80 grams) screw-action clamps with knife-edge or serrated gripping faces at least 40 mm wide. The clamps are installed on the universal test frame and mounted so that they are horizontally and vertically aligned with each other. The test specimen is prepared as follows. The test material is obtained by extracting it from an absorbent article, if necessary. When extracting the test material, no contamination or distortion should be transmitted to the material layer during the process. The test specimen is cut from an area of ​​the test material that is free from any creases or wrinkles. The test specimen is as long as the lateral length of the article (parallel to the article's lateral axis or intended lateral axis). When specimens are extracted from absorbent articles of different sizes and widths, the total length of the specimen (Ltotal) may vary from product to product; therefore, the results will be normalized to compensate for this variation. The test specimen is 25.4 mm wide (parallel to the article's longitudinal axis or intended longitudinal axis). Specimen width (w) = 25.4 mm.The total length of the specimen (Ltotal) is measured and recorded with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. Similarly, five replicate test specimens are prepared. The thickness (t) of the test specimen is measured using a hand-operated micrometer equipped with a pressure foot capable of exerting a constant pressure of 0.1 psi ± 0.01 psi. The hand-operated micrometer is a deadweight-type instrument with readings accurate to 0.01 mm. A suitable instrument is the Mitutoyo Series 543 ID-C Digimatic, marketed by VWR International, or an equivalent. The pressure foot is a flat, circular, movable face with a diameter of no more than 25.4 mm. The test specimen rests on a flat, horizontal reference platform that is larger than and parallel to the surface of the pressure foot. The micrometer is zeroed against the flat, horizontal reference platform. The test specimen is placed on the platform, centered beneath the pressure foot. The pressure foot is lowered manually at a rate of 3 ± 1 mm / s until the full weight of the pressure is exerted on the specimen.After 5 seconds have elapsed, the thickness is recorded as the thickness (t) of the specimen with a pressure of 0.01 mm. The universal testing frame is prepared as follows. The initial gap between the grips is set to a nominal gauge length (Lnominal) that is shorter than the total length of the specimen, ensuring that the specimen can be securely clamped at both ends (i.e., Lnominal < Ltotal). The crosshead is then zeroed. The testing frame is programmed to bring the grips together with an intentional clearance of 1 mm to ensure that no prestressing force is applied to the test specimen at the start of the test. (During this movement, the specimen will have some play between the tensile grips.) Next, the jaws will separate at a clearance rate of 1 mm / s until the clearance preload of 0.05 N is exceeded. At this point, the following is true.1) The crosshead position signal (mm) is defined as the specimen clearance (Lclearance).2) The initial gauge length of the specimen (L0) is calculated as the nominal gauge length plus the clearance: L0 = Lnominal + Lclear, where the units are in millimeters. 3) The crosshead extension (L) is set to zero (0.0 mm). 4) The crosshead displacement (mm) is set to zero (0.0 mm). In this position, the engineering strain is zero (0.0). Engineering strain is calculated as the change in length (L) divided by the initial length (L0): Engineering strain = L / L0. For one test cycle, the jaws are separated at an initial speed of 1 mm / s until the engineering strain endpoint of 0.03 mm / mm is exceeded, followed immediately by the jaws moving towards each other at an initial speed of 1 mm / s until the crosshead signal becomes less than the crosshead return position of 0 mm. The test cycle is repeated until a total of 10 cycles are completed. The test is performed by inserting the test specimen into the grips so that the longitudinal axis of the specimen is parallel to and centered with the movement of the crosshead. The test is initiated, and time, force, and displacement data are continuously collected at a data acquisition rate of 100 Hz. A load (N) versus displacement graph is plotted for all ten cycles. For each cycle, the following is performed. The peak load is recorded to the nearest 0.01 N. The peak energy (Epic) is calculated as the area under the load versus displacement curve from the start of the cycle to the final deformation point of 0.03 mm / mm (during the loading portion of the cycle) and recorded to the nearest 0.01 N*mm. The return energy (Ereturn) is calculated as the area under the load versus displacement curve from the final deformation point of 0.03 mm / mm to the crosshead return of 0 mm (during the unloading portion of the cycle) and recorded as the recovery energy to the nearest 0.01 N*mm. The normalized peak energy (NEpic) is calculated as the peak energy divided by the initial length, where NEpic = Epic / L0, and is recorded with an accuracy of 0.01 mN.The normalized return energy (NEreturn) is calculated as the return energy divided by the initial length (NEreturn = Ereturn / L0) and is recorded with an accuracy of 0.01 mN. The units of NEpeak and NEreturn are millinewtons (mN). A graph of engineering stress (σ) versus engineering strain is now plotted for all ten cycles, and for each cycle, the following is performed. Engineering stress, in units of N / mm², is the load divided by the cross-sectional area of ​​the specimen, where the cross-sectional area is the specimen width (w) multiplied by the thickness (t), σ = load / (w*t). The modulus, or slope, of the stress-strain curve is determined for a line between the point occurring with the minimum force and the point occurring with the maximum force (during the loading portion of the cycle) and recorded as the modulus to the nearest 0.01 N / mm. Stiffness is calculated by multiplying the modulus by the specimen thickness and recorded as tensile stiffness to the nearest 0.01 N / mm.The strain of the test specimen at the beginning of the cycle is defined as the strain when the slack preload of 0.05 N for that cycle is exceeded (during the loading portion of the cycle) and is recorded as the initial cycle strain with an accuracy of 0.01 mm / mm. The strain of the test specimen at the end of the cycle is defined as the strain when the load becomes less than the 0.05 N preload for that cycle (during the unloading portion of the cycle) and is recorded as the permanent strain with an accuracy of 0.01 mm / mm. Similarly, the general procedure is then repeated for the five replicates. The arithmetic mean among the five replicated test specimens is calculated for each of the parameters, for each of the ten cycles, and is reported as peak load to an accuracy of 0.01 N, normalized peak energy to an accuracy of 0.01 mN, normalized recovery energy to an accuracy of 0.01 mN, tensile stiffness to an accuracy of 0.01 N / mm, initial cycle deformation to an accuracy of 0.01 mm / mm, and permanent deformation to an accuracy of 0.01 mm / mm. Method for measuring area and separation between structural joining site patterns The spacing between discrete structural bonding sites used to create a quilt-like pattern in absorbent material samples, and the total area occupied by the sum of these elements in a specific sample region, are measured on images of the absorbent material sample acquired using a flatbed scanner. The scanner is capable of reflectance scanning at a resolution of 2400 dpi and 8-bit grayscale. A suitable scanner is an Epson Perfection V750 Pro from Epson America Inc., Long Beach, CA, or equivalent. The scanner is interfaced with a computer running image analysis software. A suitable software is ImageJ v.1.52, National Institutes of Health, USA, or equivalent. The sample images are calibrated by distance against an acquired image of a NIST-certified ruler.To allow for maximum contrast, the specimen is placed behind a uniformly colored, opaque black background before image acquisition. The entire test is performed in a climate-controlled room maintained at approximately 23 ± 2 °C and approximately 50 ± 2% relative humidity. The test sample is prepared as follows. The absorbent item is removed from any packaging. If the item is folded, it is gently unfolded and any wrinkles are smoothed out. If wings are present, they are extended, but the adhesive backing paper is left intact. The test samples are conditioned at approximately 23 °C ± 2 °C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours before testing. The images are obtained as follows. The ruler is placed on the scanner bed so that it is parallel to the sides of the scanner glass. An image of the ruler (the calibration image) is acquired in reflectance mode with a resolution of 2400 dpi (approximately 94 pixels per mm) and 8-bit grayscale. The calibration image is saved as an uncompressed TIFF file. After obtaining the calibration image, the ruler is removed from the scanner glass, and the test sample is scanned under the same scanning conditions as follows. The test sample is placed in the center of the scanner glass and secured, if necessary, so that it is horizontal with the sample surface facing the scanner glass. The sample is oriented so that the entire sample is within the scanner glass surface.The black background is placed over the specimen, the scanner lid is closed, and a scanned image of the entire sample is acquired with the same settings used for the calibration image. The sample image is saved as an uncompressed TIFF file. The sample image is analyzed as follows. The calibration image file is opened in the image analysis program, and the image resolution is calibrated using the ruler on the image to determine the number of pixels per millimeter. The sample image is then opened in the image analysis program, and the distance scale is set using the image resolution determined from the calibration image. The pattern of embossed elements present on the sample in the image is then visually inspected, and the areas of the pattern to be analyzed are identified. For example, the absorbent material can be divided into three zones of equal length in the machine direction, such as the front third zone (zone 1), the middle third zone (zone 2), and the rear third zone (zone 3).Image analysis tools are used to draw a shape along the outer perimeter of the first discrete zone to be analyzed. The area of ​​this first zone is measured and recorded as the Total Area of ​​Zone 1 to the nearest 0.01 mm². The area of ​​each individual discrete embossing element within the perimeter of Zone 1 is then measured as follows. A minimum bounding circle is drawn around an individual embossing element such that no part of the embossing element lies outside the bounding circle. The area of ​​the bounding circle for that embossing element is then measured and recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm². Similarly, the area of ​​each embossing element, including portions thereof, that lies within Zone 1 is measured and recorded to the nearest 0.01 mm².The areas of all embossed elements within Zone 1 are then summed and recorded as the total embossed element area for Zone 1, accurate to 0.01 mm². The total embossed element area for Zone 1 is divided by the total area of ​​Zone 1, multiplied by 100, and recorded as a percentage of the total area of ​​Zone 1 represented by the embossed elements. The spacing between each discrete embossed element within Zone 1 is measured as follows: The distance from the center of the minimum bounding circle drawn around a discrete embossed element within Zone 1, as described herein, to the center of the minimum bounding circle drawn around the nearest neighboring discrete embossed element within Zone 1 is measured and recorded as the spacing between embossed elements, accurate to 0.01 mm.Similarly, this is repeated for all neighboring embossing elements within zone 1, and each distance is recorded to an accuracy of 0.01 mm. The arithmetic mean of all the distances between embossings measured between nearest neighbors within zone 1 is then calculated and recorded as the distance between embossings for zone 1, with an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Similarly, the entire procedure is repeated for each additional zone containing embossing elements that is present in the test sample and is labeled accordingly as zone 2, zone 3, etc. Light contact rewetting method The light contact rewetting method is a quantitative measurement of the mass of liquid that flows from a test sample of an absorbent article to which a specific volume of artificial menstrual fluid (AMF; as described herein) has been dispensed when a weight is applied for a specified period of time. All measurements are performed in a laboratory maintained at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity. A syringe pump equipped with a disposable syringe is used to dispense the test sample. A suitable pump is the Perfusor® Compact S (marketed by B. Braun), or equivalent, and it must be capable of accurately dispensing the AMF at a rate of 42 mL / min. The disposable syringe is a large-volume syringe (e.g., BD Plastipak 20 mL) and is connected to flexible tubing with an inside diameter of 3 / 16 inch (e.g., the Original Perfusor® line, marketed by Braun, or equivalent). The AMF is prepared as described herein and brought to room temperature (23 °C ± 2 °C) before use for this test. Before the start of the measurement, the syringe is filled with AMF and the flexible tube is prepared with the liquid, and the dispensing speed (42 ml / min) and dosage volume (4.0 ml ± 0.05 ml) are checked according to the manufacturer's instructions.The flexible tubing is then mounted so that it is oriented vertically above the test sample, with a distance of 19 mm between the tip of the tubing and the surface of the test sample. Note that the AMF must be drawn from the syringe and thoroughly mixed every 15 minutes. The rehumidification weight unit consists of an acrylic plate and a stainless steel weight. The acrylic plate measures 65 mm by 80 mm and is approximately 5 mm thick. The stainless steel weight and acrylic plate together have a combined mass of 2 lbs (907.19 g), which imparts a pressure of 0.25 psi below the surface of the acrylic plate. For each test sample, five sheets of filter paper measuring 4 inches by 4 inches are used as the rewetting substrate. The filter paper is conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least 2 hours prior to testing. Suitable filter paper has a basis weight of approximately 139 g / m², a thickness of approximately 700 micrometers, an absorption rate of approximately 1.7 seconds, and is marketed by Ahlstrom-Munksjo North America LLC, Alpharetta, Georgia, VWR International, as Ahlstrom Grade 989, or equivalent. Prepare the test sample as follows. Condition the test samples at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for at least 2 hours before testing. Remove the test samples from all packaging, taking care not to press or pull on the products during handling. Place the test sample on a rigid, horizontal, flat surface and gently smooth out any creases. Determine the test location as follows. For symmetrical samples (i.e., the front of the sample has the same shape and size as the back of the sample when divided laterally along the midpoint of the sample's longitudinal axis), the test location is the intersection of the midpoints of the longitudinal and lateral axes of the sample.For asymmetrical samples (i.e., the front of the sample does not have the same shape and size as the back of the sample when divided laterally along the midpoint of the sample's longitudinal axis), the test location is the intersection of the midpoint of the sample's longitudinal axis and a lateral axis placed at the midpoint of the sample's wings. A total of three test samples are prepared. The test sample is placed on a rigid, horizontally flat surface, with the previously identified test location centered directly below the tip of the flexible tube. The height of the tube is adjusted so that it is 19.0 mm above the surface of the test sample. The pump is started to dispense 4.0 ml ± 0.05 ml of AMF at a rate of 42 ml / min. As soon as the AMF has been completely dispensed, a 10-minute timer is started. The mass of 5 sheets of filter paper is then obtained and recorded as dry mass to the nearest 0.001 grams. After 10 minutes, the five pre-weighed sheets of filter paper are placed on top of the test sample, centering the stack over the dosing site. The acrylic plate is then placed centered on top of the filter papers so that the long side of the plate is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the test sample.The stainless steel weight is now carefully lowered, centered on the acrylic plate, and a 30-second timer is immediately started. After 30 seconds have elapsed, the rewetting weight and the acrylic plate are carefully removed and set aside. The mass of the five filter paper sheets is obtained and recorded as wet mass to the nearest 0.001 grams. The dry mass is subtracted from the wet mass of the filter papers and recorded as rewetting to the nearest 0.001 grams. Any residual test liquid is wiped from the underside of the acrylic plate before testing the next sample. This process is repeated for a total of three replicated test samples. The arithmetic mean of rewetting among the three replicated test samples is calculated and reported as "light touch rewetting" to an accuracy of 0.001 g. Preparation of artificial menstrual fluid (AMF) Artificial menstrual fluid (AMF) is composed of a mixture of defibrinated sheep blood, phosphate-buffered saline, and a mucous component. AMF is prepared to have a viscosity between 7.15 and 8.65 centistokes at 23°C. The viscosity of the AMF was determined using a low-viscosity rotary viscometer (a suitable instrument is the Cannon LV-2020 rotary viscometer with UL adapter, Cannon Instrument Co., State College, PA, or equivalent). The appropriate spindle size was selected for the viscosity range, and the instrument was operated and calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Measurements were taken at 23 °C ± 1 °C and 60 rpm. Results are reported to the nearest 0.01 centistokes. The reagents required for the preparation of AMF include: defibrinated sheep blood with a packed cell volume of 38% or more (collected under sterile conditions, marketed by Cleveland Scientific, Inc., Bath, Ohio, or equivalent), gastric mucin with a target viscosity of 3-4 centistokes when prepared as a 2% aqueous solution (crude form, sterilized, marketed by American Laboratories, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska, or equivalent), 10% v / v aqueous lactic acid solution, 10% w / v aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, anhydrous dibasic sodium phosphate (reactive grade), sodium chloride (reactive grade), monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate (reactive grade), and distilled water, each marketed by VWR International or an equivalent source. The phosphate-buffered saline solution consists of two separately prepared solutions (solution A and solution B). To prepare 1 L of solution A, add 1.38 ± 0.005 g of monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate and 8.50 ± 0.005 g of sodium chloride to a 1000 mL volumetric flask and add distilled water to the volume. Mix well. To prepare 1 L of solution B, add 1.42 ± 0.005 g of anhydrous dibasic sodium phosphate and 8.50 ± 0.005 g of sodium chloride to a 1000 mL volumetric flask and add deionized water to the volume. Mix well. To prepare the phosphate-buffered saline solution, add 450 ± 10 ml of solution B to a 1000 ml beaker and stir at low speed on a stir plate. Insert a calibrated pH probe (accurate to 0.1) into the beaker of solution B and add enough solution A, while stirring, to bring the pH to 7.2 ± 0.1.The mucous component is a mixture of phosphate-buffered saline, aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, gastric mucin, and aqueous lactic acid solution. The amount of gastric mucin added to the mucous component directly affects the final viscosity of the prepared AMF. To determine the amount of gastric mucin needed to achieve AMF within the target viscosity range (7, 15, 8, 65 centistokes at 23°C), prepare three batches of AMF with varying amounts of gastric mucin in the mucous component and then interpolate the exact amount required from a concentration-viscosity curve using a linear least-squares fit at the three points. A successful range of gastric mucin is typically between 38 and 50 grams. To prepare approximately 500 mL of the mucous component, add 460 ± 10 mL of the previously prepared phosphate-buffered saline solution and 7.5 ± 0.5 mL of 10% w / v aqueous potassium hydroxide solution to a 1000 mL heavy glass beaker. Place this beaker on a hot plate with stirring and, while stirring, bring the temperature to 45 °C ± 5 °C. Weigh the predetermined amount of gastric mucin (± 0.50 g) and sprinkle it slowly, without forming lumps, into the previously prepared liquid that has been brought to 45 °C. Cover the beaker and continue mixing. Over a period of 15 minutes, bring the temperature of this mixture to above 50 °C but not exceeding 80 °C. Continue heating with gentle stirring for 2.5 hours while maintaining this temperature range. After 2.5 hours, remove the beaker from the hot plate and cool to below 40°C.Next, add 1.8 ± 0.2 ml of 10% v / v aqueous lactic acid solution and mix well. Autoclave the mucosal component mixture at 121 °C for 15 minutes and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Remove the mucosal component mixture from the autoclave and shake until the temperature reaches 23 °C ± 1 °C. Allow the temperature of the sheep blood and the mucous component to reach 23°C ± 1°C. Using a 500 ml graduated cylinder, measure the volume of the entire batch of the previously prepared mucous component and add it to a 1200 ml beaker. Add an equal volume of sheep blood to the beaker and mix thoroughly. Using the viscosity method described above, ensure that the viscosity of the AMF is between 7.1 and 8.65 centistokes. If it is not, discard the batch and prepare another batch by adjusting the mucous component accordingly. Qualified AMF should be refrigerated at 4°C unless intended for immediate use. AMF may be stored in an airtight container at 4°C for up to 48 hours after preparation. Before testing, the AMF should be brought to 23°C ± 1°C. Any unused portion is discarded once the test is completed. Examples / Data The following data and examples, including comparative examples, are provided to help illustrate the upper and lower nonwoven layers, absorbent core structures, and / or absorbent articles described herein. The exemplified structures are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations of the present description, as many variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Non-woven material test Nonwoven layer materials are tested to evaluate their ability to deform (elongate) under balanced stretching and to recover their original state (simulating physical deformation during use). Samples FH are comparative examples. The test is performed using the cyclic elongation method at DT up to 3% deformation and the deformation-to-break method described in this document. The results are shown in Table 1. Table 1: Nonwoven materials tested in the cyclic elongation method in DT up to a deformation of 3% and the deformation to break method Suitable nonwoven layer materials have been found to deform (elongate) with a balanced stretch-versus-recovery behavior. If the nonwoven layer material elongates plastically (i.e., stretches but does not recover) as the fuzz / AGM matrix in the inner core layer elongates, there will not be enough recovery energy to return to the initial pre-stretched state, and the nonwoven layer material will permanently deform (stretch). The upper nonwoven layers described herein may have a permanent deformation value of less than approximately 0.013. At the same time, if the nonwoven layer material is aggressively deformed, for example, by more than 5%, the nonwoven layer material must retain its integrity and not tear or break (see, for example, sample H, which tears and has a deformation to break of less than 5%).The non-woven layers of the present description may have a deformation to breakage of more than approximately 10%. The nonwoven layer materials described above are also tested to evaluate their ability to flex and deform and to recover their original shape. The test is performed using the ultrasensitive 3-point flex test method in wet and dry DT conditions described in this document. The results are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Nonwoven materials tested in the ultrasensitive 3-point flex method in wet and dry DT When walking, an absorbent article is compressed and flexed from side to side in a cyclical pattern as the space between the legs narrows and then expands with leg movements. Not limited to theory, it is believed that a nonwoven layer material with a dry flexural energy of less than approximately 2 N*mm will allow this flexural compression to occur readily, but will not be so rigid as to prevent it. At the same time, after flexural compression, the nonwoven layer must be able to maintain sufficient dry recovery energy to return the nonwoven layer and the lint / AGM matrix in the inner core layer to their initial pre-flexed state. The upper nonwoven layers described herein may have a dry recovery energy value greater than approximately 0.03 N*mm. Samples AE exhibit a peak dry load of 0.03 N to 0.38 N and a dry recovery energy of 0.032 to 0.092 N*mm, demonstrating that these materials flex easily and have sufficient dry recovery energy to return to their initial pre-flexed state. Samples F and G, which are comparative examples, exhibit a peak dry load of 0.01 N and 0.03 N, respectively, and a dry recovery energy of 0.005 N*mm and 0.019 N*mm, respectively, demonstrating that while these materials flex easily, they do not have sufficient recovery energy to return to their initial pre-flexed state after compression. Sample H (comparative example) exhibits a peak dry load of 0.04 N and a dry recovery energy of 0.031 N*mm.However, sample H has been found to tear when wet, making it insufficient to function as a top and / or bottom nonwoven layer of the present description. Beyond theory, it is believed that nonwoven layer materials comprising coarse fibers (from approximately 2.0 dtex to approximately 10 dtex) arranged within a network structure are capable of withstanding mechanical loading within the fiber network and returning the absorbent core structure and / or the absorbent article to its original shape after flexural compression. Samples F and G comprise relatively fine fibers (less than approximately 2.0 dtex), while samples AE comprise fiber blends having a fiber thickness of approximately 2.2 dtex to approximately 10 dtex. Absorber core structure test Absorbent core structures are tested to evaluate their ability to compress (simulating the compressions experienced between a carrier's legs) and recover their original state. Examples 1–3 in Table 3 illustrate the absorbable core structures described herein. Examples AC compression are comparative examples. A description of Examples 1–3 and AC compression is listed in Table 3. The absorbable core structures are prepared as described below. The absorbable core structures are evaluated using the wet and dry stack compression method as described herein. The results are shown in Table 4. Table 3: Absorbing core structures The absorbent core structures listed in Table 3 are produced as detailed in the specification. Specifically, the top nonwoven layer is first fed into the forming drum within the deposition section and, under vacuum, drawn into the three-dimensional pocket shape. A homogeneous stream of lint (cellulose) and AGM material is deposited onto the top nonwoven layer directly within the forming station. Before entering the forming station, the top nonwoven material is coated with a spray adhesive (Technomelt DM 9036U, marketed by Henkel, Germany, 6 g / m² continuous melt-blown spirals, 50 mm wide) to provide a stronger bond between the lint (cellulose) and AGM and the top nonwoven layer without impeding the flow of liquid into the lint / AGM matrix.Upon exiting the deposition section, the lower nonwoven web is combined with the nonwoven material that carries the homogeneous lint / AGM mixture. This lower nonwoven material is pre-coated with adhesive (Technomelt DM 9036U marketed by Henkel [Germany]) to allow for a perimeter seal (10 g / m² melt-blown spirals, 20 mm wide on the sides), and in the center, continuous melt-blown spirals of 6 g / m² and 50 mm wide (Technomelt DM 9036U marketed by Henkel [Germany]) are applied to better integrate the lint / AGM matrix. Components 1 to 3 and examples A and B also have the structural joints shown in Figure 8 with the profile shown in Figure 9. Components 1-3 and example AB have a spacing between structural joints of 32 mm x 16 mm, thus occupying a total area of ​​structural joint sites of 1.38% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure. Example C is identical to example B, except that the spacing between structural joints is 10 mm x 10 mm, thus occupying a total area of ​​structural joint sites of 6.28% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure. The structural joints are applied with a heated aluminum die to create an embossed pattern inside a heated hydraulic press. The embossing plate for structural joints has protrusions with an area of ​​3.55 mm2 and approximately 1 mm in height as shown in Figure 8 with the profile shown in Figure 9.The structural bonds are spaced according to the separation dimensions described above. The structural bond embossing plate is heated to 120°C and set to a compression pressure of 170 kPa. The absorbent article is placed and oriented beneath the heated embossing plate on the lower platen of the hydraulic press, and a thin Teflon™ film is placed over the sample before embossing to prevent fusion of the fibers of the top film. The hydraulic press is activated and compresses the sample for a dwell time of 1.7 seconds to create the structural bond pattern. Samples 1-3 and AC also have flex-bond channel regions applied in the pattern shown in Figure 2C. The flex-bond channel regions are applied using a heated aluminum die to create an embossing pattern within a heated hydraulic press. The flex-bond channel embossing plate has protrusions spaced approximately 1.5 mm apart and measuring approximately 3 mm long and approximately 1.5 mm wide. The bond channel embossing plate is heated to 120 °C and set to a compression pressure of 200 kPa. The absorbent article is placed and oriented beneath the heated embossing plate on the lower platen of the hydraulic press, and a thin film of Teflon™ is placed over the sample before embossing to prevent fusion of the fibers in the top film.The hydraulic press is activated and compresses the sample for a dwell time of 1.7 seconds to create the embossing pattern. Table 4: Absorbent core structures measured using the wet and dry accumulation compression method Absorbent core structures comprising nonwoven layer materials with sufficient resilience and recovery energy have been found to be able to regain their original pre-compression shape. Examples 1-3 exhibit a wet recovery energy at the 5th cycle of over 1.0 N*mm and a maximum wet compression strength at the 5th cycle of 207 gf to 213 gf. These structures exhibit low compressive strength (less resistance, so they feel soft and flexible), but are still able to recover their shape as the structure is cyclically compressed and released. However, examples AC exhibit a wet recovery energy at the 5th cycle of 0.26 to 0.59 N*mm. Without sufficient recovery energy after five compression cycles, examples AC...The absorbent core structures and / or absorbent articles described herein may have a wet recovery energy at the 5th cycle of more than approximately 1.0 N*mm, or from approximately 1.0 to approximately 3.5 N*mm. The absorbent core structures and / or absorbent articles described herein may have a maximum wet compression strength at the 5th cycle of more than approximately 150 gf, preferably more than approximately 200 gf, or from approximately 150 gf to approximately 225 gf.It has been found that while an individual nonwoven material may have a sufficient strain-to-break percentage in the strain-to-break test, once combined into an absorbent core structure, the nonwoven material may not be able to provide enough recovery energy for the entire absorbent core structure (such as, for example, in example A) to return to its original pre-compression shape. For example, in example A, the basis weight and fiber thickness of the top nonwoven material, when combined with the thin bottom nonwoven material, provide a wet recovery energy on the 5th cycle of less than 1.0 N*mm. Finished product test. Absorbent articles are tested to evaluate the ability of a wrapped absorbent core structure to compress (simulating the compressions experienced between a wearer's legs) and to recover its original state. Figures 4-7 illustrate absorbent articles described herein. Examples D and E are comparative examples. Examples FL are finished, marketed products. A description of examples 4-7 and example DE is listed in Table 5a. A description of example FL is listed in Tables 5b and 5c. Figures 4-7 and examples D and E are prepared as described below. The absorbent articles in Tables 5a and 5b are evaluated using the 3-point bending method in wet and dry DT and DM, the wet and dry build-up compression method, and the light contact rewetting method as described herein. The results are shown in Table 6. Table 5a: Description of the absorbent article Table 5b: Finished products marketed: Table 5c: Materials found in marketed products (e.g., components F to L) Articles 4 to 7 and examples D and E include structures as detailed for examples 1 to 3 in Table 3 with the same adhesive designs and the same 32 mm x 16 mm structural bonding pattern (a total area of ​​structural bonding sites of 1.38% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure) on the absorbent core structure. Additionally, the absorbent articles include a nonwoven top sheet band, as detailed in patent publication US-2019 / 0380887, bonded to the absorbent core structure with a spray adhesive application (Technomelt DM 9036U marketed by Henkel [Germany], 3 g / m² continuous melt-blown spirals, 50 mm wide and 150 mm long).In addition, a 12 g / m² polypropylene backsheet is bonded to the outward-facing surface of the lower nonwoven material with an application of spray adhesive (Technomelt DM 9036U marketed by Henkel [Germany], 3 g / m² continuous melt-blown spirals, 50 mm wide and 150 mm long). Examples 4-7 and D and E also have the structural bonds shown in Figure 8 with the profile shown in Figure 9. The structural bonds are applied using a heated aluminum die to create an embossed pattern within a heated hydraulic press. The structural bond embossing plate has protrusions with an area of ​​3.55 mm² and approximately 1 mm in height, as shown in Figure 8 with the profile shown in Figure 9. The structural bonds are spaced according to the spacing dimensions described above. The structural bond embossing plate is heated to 120 °C and set to a compression pressure of 170 kPa. The absorbent article is placed and oriented beneath the heated embossing plate on the lower platen of the hydraulic press, and a thin film of Teflon™ is placed over the sample before embossing to prevent fusion of the fibers of the top film.The hydraulic press is activated and compresses the sample for a dwell time of 1.7 seconds to create the structural bonding pattern. Before bonding the backsheet, flex bonding channel regions are applied to specimens 4-7 and composite specimens D and E in the pattern shown in Figure 7. The flex bonding channel regions are applied using a heated aluminum die to create an embossing pattern within a heated hydraulic press. The channel embossing plate has protrusions spaced approximately 1.5 mm apart and measuring approximately 3 mm long and approximately 1.5 mm wide. The bonding channel embossing plate is heated to 120 °C and set to a compression pressure of 200 kPa. The absorbent article is placed and oriented beneath the heated embossing plate on the lower platen of the hydraulic press, and a thin film of Teflon™ is placed over the sample before embossing to prevent fusion of the topsheet fibers.The hydraulic press is activated and compresses the sample for a dwell time of 1.7 seconds to create the embossing pattern. Table 6: Absorbent articles and finished products marketed tested in the 3-point bending method in DT and DM in wet and dry conditions, the wet and dry accumulation compression method, and the light contact rewetting method It is believed that, to provide high conformability to the body, the absorbent article described herein may exhibit low dry flexural stiffness (i.e., high flexibility) of approximately 10 to approximately 30 N·mm², or approximately 10 to approximately 25 N·mm². It is also believed that, to provide an absorbent article that can be compressed with body movement and recover its original pre-compressed state against a user's body, the absorbent article described herein may have a wet recovery energy at the 5th cycle of approximately 1.0 to approximately 3.5 N·mm² and / or a wet recovery percentage at the 5th cycle of approximately 29% to approximately 40%. The absorbent articles described herein may also maintain good fluid handling, providing low rewetting upon light contact of approximately 0 to approximately 0.15 g. Structures 4-7 exhibit a dry flexural stiffness in DT of 13.0 to 18.7 N·mm² and a wet recovery percentage in the 5th cycle using the wet and dry accumulation compression method of 29 to 36%, demonstrating that these structures will be able to maintain their shape during use. Structures D and E, on the other hand, exhibit a dry flexural stiffness in DT of 9.1 and 13.0 N·mm², respectively. However, structures D and E exhibit a wet recovery percentage in the 5th cycle using the wet and dry accumulation compression method of less than 29%, demonstrating that these structures will not be able to maintain their shape during use and will remain accumulated. FL, which are finished products sold, have a dry bending stiffness in DT of 29 to 47.5 N.mm2, which shows that the structures are less flexible and less able to adapt. Beyond theory, it is believed that to maintain comfortable recovery after compression, sufficient recovery energy is needed to push the absorbent material over the underwear back to its pre-compression shape. Simultaneously, the absorbent material (through its absorbent core structure) needs to recover along the same path as the compression to return to its pre-compression position. If the wet recovery energy at the 5th cycle is less than approximately 1.0 N·mm, the absorbent material may not have enough recovery energy to regain its shape. If the wet recovery energy value at the 5th cycle is too high, the recovery may be too forceful, causing the wearer to feel that the absorbent material is not staying in place. If the wet recovery percentage at the 5th cycle...If the wet recovery percentage at the 5th cycle is low (less than approximately 29%), the absorbent item may not return to its pre-compression shape and may remain deformed and bunched up. If the wet recovery percentage at the 5th cycle is excessively high (more than approximately 40%), this suggests that the absorbent item may too strongly recover its flat shape when first applied to the user's underwear, rather than conforming to their body. Structural bond test The absorbent core structures are tested to evaluate the impact of structural bonding areas on flexural flexibility and stiffness. Component 8 has no structural bonding within the absorbent core structure. Components 9 and 10 have the structural bonding areas shown in Figure 8, with the profile shown in Figure 9. Components 8-10 are prepared as described below in the report. The results of the 3-point bending test on wet and dry DM are shown in Table 7. Table 7: Absorbing core structures according to the invention with different structural bonding areas tested in the 3-point bending method in DT and DM in wet and dry conditions. Table 7 demonstrates the impact of the total area of ​​structural bonding sites and the amount of separation. The asymmetric structural bonding shape shown in Figure 8 and the profile shown in Figure 9 have a maximum area of ​​3.55 mm². Dry flexural stiffness in DM has been found to increase with the structural bonding area. 8, which has non-structural joints, exhibits a dry bending stiffness in MDF of 9.8 N.mm2. Comp. 9, which has a spacing between structural joints of 32 mm x 16 mm (a total area of ​​structural joint sites of 1.38% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure), exhibits a dry bending stiffness in MDF of 19.2 N.mm2. Comp. 10, which has a spacing between structural joints of 16 mm x 16 mm (a total area of ​​structural joint sites of 3.96% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure), exhibits a dry bending stiffness in DM of 29.6 N.mm2. It is believed that in order to maintain a flexible and adaptable absorbent core structure and / or absorbent article in the front-to-back (DM) direction of use, the absorbent core structure and / or absorbent article may have a dry bending stiffness in DM of approximately 10 to approximately 30 N.mm2. The absorbent core structures listed in Table 7 are produced as detailed in the specification. Specifically, the 50 g / m² resilient hydrobound nonwoven top layer is first fed into the forming drum within the deposition section and, under vacuum, drawn into the three-dimensional pocket shape. A homogeneous stream of wadding (cellulose) and AGM material is deposited onto the top nonwoven directly into the forming station. Before entering the forming station, the top nonwoven is coated with a spray adhesive (Technomelt DM 9036U marketed by Henkel [Germany], 6 g / m² continuous melt-blown spirals, 50 mm wide) to provide a stronger bond between the wadding (cellulose) and AGM to the top nonwoven layer without impeding the flow of liquid into the wadding / AGM mass.Upon exiting the deposition section, the 10 g / m² SMS bottom nonwoven belt is combined with the nonwoven material that carries the homogeneous mixture of the fluff (cellulose) and AGM layer. This bottom nonwoven material is pre-coated with adhesive (Technomelt DM 9036U, marketed by Henkel [Germany]) to allow for a perimeter seal (10 g / m² melt-blown spirals, 20 mm wide on the sides), and a continuous 6 g / m² melt-blown spiral adhesive, 50 mm wide, is applied in the center to better integrate the fluff / AGM mass. The structural joints as shown in Figure 8 with the profile shown in Figure 9 are applied to e.g. 9 and 10. The structural joints of e.g. 9 have a spacing of 32 mm x 16 mm, thus occupying a total area of ​​structural joint sites of 1.38% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure. The structural joints of e.g.Ten of the structural bonding sites are spaced 16 mm x 16 mm apart, thus occupying a total area of ​​structural bonding sites equal to 3.96% of the total area of ​​the absorbent core structure with this structural bonding profile. The total area of ​​the absorbent core structure is measured according to the area and spacing measurement method for structural bonding site patterns. The structural bonds are applied using the same method described above for examples 1-3 and example AB. The dimensions and values ​​described in this document should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​stated. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the stated value and a functionally equivalent interval around that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm".

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent article (20), comprising: a front end region, a middle region, and a rear end region; a top sheet (110); a back sheet (130); and an absorbent core structure (10) disposed between the top sheet (110) and the back sheet (130), wherein the absorbent core structure (10) comprises: a. an upper nonwoven layer (210) comprising polymeric fibers and having a basis weight of 30 g / m² to 65 g / m²; wherein the upper nonwoven layer (210) comprises a first side region (400), a second laterally opposite side region (402), and a first side width of the nonwoven fabric (WN1); b. a lower nonwoven layer (220) comprising polymeric fibers and having a basis weight of 10 g / m² to 40 g / m²; wherein the lower non-woven layer (220) comprises a first lateral region (406),a second laterally opposite side region (407) and a second nonwoven fabric side width (WN2); and c. an inner core layer (200) having an inner core longitudinal length (LC), a first inner core layer side width (WC1), and a second inner core side width (WC2); wherein a portion of the inner core layer (220) is disposed between the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220); wherein the inner core layer (200) comprises an absorbent material comprising 50% to 85% cellulosic fibers, by weight of the inner core layer, and 15% to 50% superabsorbent particles, by weight of the inner core layer (200); wherein the absorbent core structure (10) has an average density of between approximately 0.045 g / cm³ and approximately 0.15 g / cm3; wherein a portion of the inner core layer (200) is contained within the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) by sealing a portion of the first lateral region (400) and the second lateral region (402) of the upper nonwoven layer (210) with a portion of the first lateral region (406) and the second lateral region (407) of the lower nonwoven layer (220) in a lateral perimeter seal (230), wherein an adhesive (528) is placed between the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) in the perimeter seal (230); wherein the lateral perimeter seal (230) is placed in the middle region and has a longitudinal seal length (LS) that is 45% to 90% of the longitudinal length of the inner core (LC).

2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the first side width of the inner core layer (WC1) is greater than at least one of the first side widths of the nonwoven fabric (WN1) and the second side width of the nonwoven fabric (WN2).

3. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second side width of the inner core layer (WC2) is greater than at least one of the first side widths of the nonwoven fabric (WN1) and the second side width of the nonwoven fabric (WN2).

4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the entire inner core layer (200) is disposed between the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220).

5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1,wherein an adhesive zone (525) is disposed between at least one of the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) and the inner core layer (200), and wherein the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) substantially surround the adhesive zone (525) and the inner core layer (200); wherein a portion of the inner core layer (200) extends laterally outward from the adhesive zone (525) to define an unsealed portion (420); wherein the unsealed portion (420) is positioned longitudinally outward from the lateral perimeter seal (230).

6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 5, wherein the unsealed portion (420) has an unsealed longitudinal length (ULL) that is from 5% to 30% of the inner core longitudinal length (LC).

7. The disposable absorbent article of claim 5 or 6,wherein the unsealed portion (420) is located in the rear end region.

8. The disposable absorbent article of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein a second portion of the inner core layer (200) extends laterally outward from the adhesive zone (525) to define a second unsealed region (423b); wherein the second unsealed region (423b) is located longitudinally outward from the perimeter seal (230).

9. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) are further joined by at least one of a front perimeter seal region (430) and a rear perimeter seal region (432).

10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9,wherein the at least one front perimeter sealing region (430) and the rear perimeter sealing region (432) extend longitudinally outward from a perimeter (200a) of the inner core layer by a distance of 3 mm to 30 mm.

11. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side width of the nonwoven material (WN1) and the second side width of the nonwoven material (WN2) are different.

12. The disposable absorbent article of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first side width of the nonwoven material (WN1) and the second side width of the nonwoven material (WN2) are the same.

13. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the absorbent article (20) comprises a front edge (30) and a rear edge (32); wherein the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) each comprise a front edge (403, 408); wherein the front edge (403, 408) of at least one of the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) is adjacent to the front edge (30) of the article.

14. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, wherein the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) each comprise a rear edge (404, 409), and the rear edge (404, 409) of at least one of the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) is adjacent to the rear edge (32) of the article.

15. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims,wherein at least one of the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220) is shaped.

16. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a crimp seal (500) comprising the top sheet (110), the back sheet (130), and at least one of the upper nonwoven layer (210) and the lower nonwoven layer (220).

17. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side perimeter seal (230) has a side seal width of approximately 1 mm to approximately 15 mm.

18. The disposable absorbent article of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner core layer (200) has a third inner core layer side width (WC3),wherein the third lateral width of the inner core layer (WC3) is less than the first lateral width of the inner core layer (WC1) and the second lateral width of the inner core layer (WC2).

19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 18, wherein the second lateral width of the inner core layer (WC2) is greater than the first lateral width of the inner core layer (WC1) and the third lateral width of the inner core layer (WC3).

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