Absorbent articles containing an antimicrobial composition containing a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article that has excellent antibacterial properties, is less likely to irritate the wearer's skin, and is resistant to deformation. [Solution] The absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable first sheet 3, a liquid-permeable second sheet 5 positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the first sheet, and an absorbent core 11, wherein at least one of the first sheet 3 and the second sheet 5 is provided with an antimicrobial composition 19 comprising a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, and further comprises an antimicrobial composition placement region 21 overlapping with the antimicrobial composition 19 in the thickness direction T, and an antimicrobial composition non-placement region 23 not overlapping with the antimicrobial composition 19 in the thickness direction T, and each of the antimicrobial composition placement region 21 and the antimicrobial composition non-placement region 23 is provided with a joining portion 31 for joining the first sheet 3 and the second sheet 5, and the joining strength of the joining portion 31 in the antimicrobial composition placement region 21 is lower than the joining strength of the joining portion 31 in the antimicrobial composition non-placement region 23.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising an antimicrobial composition containing a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent articles containing antibacterial agents are being considered. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent sheet for absorbent articles (Claim 1) comprising an organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent, a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, and 10% by mass or less of water, and an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core containing an organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent (Claim 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-70515 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] In the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1, when bodily fluids containing water, such as urine or menstrual blood, are released onto the sheet, the antibacterial solution (a solution containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent) contained in the sheet mixes with the bodily fluids. However, because the antibacterial agent contained in the antibacterial solution is hydrophobic, it tends to aggregate and crystallize when mixed with bodily fluids. Crystallized antibacterial agents may not be able to exert their antibacterial effect sufficiently due to factors such as a reduced contact area with bodily fluids. Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that has excellent antibacterial properties, is less likely to irritate the wearer's skin, and is resistant to deformation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The Disclosers have found an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core having longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that are orthogonal to each other, wherein the absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable first sheet, a liquid-permeable second sheet disposed adjacent to the non-skin side of the first sheet, and the absorbent core disposed on the non-skin side of the second sheet, wherein at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet comprises an antimicrobial composition comprising a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, wherein the absorbent article comprises an antimicrobial composition-placed region that overlaps with the antimicrobial composition in the thickness direction and an antimicrobial composition-non-placed region that does not overlap with the antimicrobial composition in the thickness direction, wherein the absorbent article comprises a joint that joins the first sheet and the second sheet in each of the antimicrobial composition-placed region and the antimicrobial composition-non-placed region, and the bonding strength of the joint in the antimicrobial composition-placed region is lower than the bonding strength of the joint in the antimicrobial composition-non-placed region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The absorbent articles relating to this disclosure have excellent antibacterial properties, are less likely to irritate the wearer's skin, and are resistant to deformation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core having longitudinal, width, and thickness directions orthogonal to each other, where the absorbent article includes a first liquid-permeable sheet, a second liquid-permeable sheet disposed adjacent to the non-skin side of the first sheet, and the absorbent core disposed on the non-skin side of the second sheet, the absorbent article includes an antibacterial composition containing a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent in at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet, the absorbent article includes an antibacterial composition arrangement region overlapping the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction and an antibacterial composition non-arrangement region not overlapping the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction, the absorbent article includes a joining portion joining the first sheet and the second sheet in each of the antibacterial composition arrangement region and the antibacterial composition non-arrangement region, and the joining strength of the joining portion in the antibacterial composition arrangement region is lower than the joining strength of the joining portion in the antibacterial composition non-arrangement region, characterized by an absorbent article.

[0009] In the absorbent article, since the antibacterial composition contains a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent dissolved in the organic solvent is difficult to crystallize. Therefore, in the absorbent article, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can be rapidly moved to the body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article, and even after the hydrophilic antibacterial agent has moved to the body fluid, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is difficult to crystallize and is likely to exert an antibacterial action on the body fluid. On the other hand, in the absorbent article, since the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is likely to come into contact with the skin of the wearer, there is a risk that the skin of a wearer with weak skin may become rough.

[0010] In the absorbent article, the bonding strength of the joint in the antibacterial composition placement area is lower than that of the joint in the non-placement area of the antibacterial composition due to the antibacterial composition, particularly a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. Therefore, in the antibacterial composition placement area, while the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can easily exert an antibacterial action on body fluids, the topsheet having a skin contact surface can follow the movement of the wearer's skin (hereinafter, the topsheet following the movement of the wearer's skin may be referred to as "topsheet followability"). As a result, it becomes difficult to stimulate the skin of the wearer that may be roughened by the hydrophilic antibacterial agent (hereinafter, being difficult to stimulate the skin of the wearer may be referred to as "skin irritation inhibition"). Further, in the non-placement area of the antibacterial composition, the joint can suppress wrinkles, sagging, etc. of the absorbent article (hereinafter, the joint suppressing wrinkles, sagging, etc. of the absorbent article may be referred to as "wrinkle and sagging inhibition"). From the above, the absorbent article has excellent antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent, is difficult to stimulate the skin of the wearer, and is difficult to deform.

[0011] [Aspect 2] The combination of the first sheet and the second sheet is the combination of the topsheet and the second sheet having a skin contact surface, the combination of the topsheet and the core wrap sheet having a skin contact surface, or the combination of the second sheet and the core wrap sheet, the absorbent article according to aspect 1. In the absorbent article, since the first sheet and the second sheet are selected from a predetermined combination, the effect of aspect 1 is high.

[0012] [Aspect 3] The joint is an adhesive part by a hot melt adhesive, the absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2.

[0013] In the absorbent article described above, the joint is bonded with a hot-melt adhesive. Therefore, in the area where the antibacterial composition is placed, the strength of the joint can be more easily reduced by the antibacterial composition, particularly by a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, improving the top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression, and making it less likely to irritate the wearer's skin, which may be prone to skin irritation due to the hydrophilic antibacterial agent. As a result, the absorbent article described above has excellent antibacterial action of the antibacterial agent, is less likely to irritate the wearer's skin, and is less prone to deformation.

[0014] [Aspect 4] In the thickness direction described above, the antibacterial composition in the antibacterial composition arrangement region is arranged between the first sheet or the second sheet and the adhesive portion, as described in Embodiment 3 of the absorbent article.

[0015] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition is positioned at a predetermined location in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. Therefore, in the area where the antibacterial composition is positioned, the strength of the joint is more easily reduced by the antibacterial composition, particularly by hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvents, improving the top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression, and reducing irritation to the wearer's skin, which may be prone to skin irritation due to hydrophilic antibacterial agents. As a result, the absorbent article described above has excellent antibacterial action, is less irritating to the wearer's skin, and is less prone to deformation.

[0016] [Aspect 5] The absorbent article according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition area is higher than the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the area where the antibacterial composition is not placed.

[0017] In the absorbent article described above, the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition area and the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the area without the antibacterial composition are in a predetermined relationship, thereby suppressing the peeling of the first and second sheets in the antibacterial composition area. As a result, the absorbent article exhibits excellent absorbency.

[0018] [Aspect 6] The above organic solvent is an absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, comprising a polyhydric alcohol that is liquid at room temperature and pressure.

[0019] In the absorbent article described above, the organic solvent contains a predetermined polyhydric alcohol. Therefore, in the antimicrobial composition area, the antimicrobial composition readily blends with the water in body fluids, making it easier to impart antimicrobial activity to the body fluids. Furthermore, in the antimicrobial composition area, the polyhydric alcohol can improve the permeability of body fluids. In addition, the antimicrobial composition area is more likely to exhibit the top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression properties described above.

[0020] [Aspect 7] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the area not containing the antimicrobial composition is located outside the area containing the antimicrobial composition in the width direction.

[0021] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition area and the area without the antibacterial composition are positioned in predetermined locations. Therefore, the antibacterial composition area is more likely to be positioned in the center of the absorbent article in the width direction, and the area without the antibacterial composition is more likely to be positioned outside the antibacterial composition area in the width direction. As a result, the antibacterial composition area, located in the center of the width direction, is more likely to impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids and exhibits excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the area without the antibacterial composition, located outside the antibacterial composition area in the width direction, can exhibit the aforementioned wrinkle and crease suppression properties.

[0022] [Aspect 8] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the area not containing the antimicrobial composition is located outside the area containing the antimicrobial composition in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition area and the area without the antibacterial composition are positioned in predetermined locations. Therefore, the antibacterial composition area is more likely to be located in the center of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and the area without the antibacterial composition is more likely to be located outside the antibacterial composition area in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the antibacterial composition area, located in the center of the longitudinal direction, is more likely to impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids and exhibits excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the area without the antibacterial composition, located outside the antibacterial composition area in the longitudinal direction, can exhibit the aforementioned wrinkle and crease suppression properties.

[0024] [Aspect 9] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the antimicrobial composition area is located in the area in contact with the excretory opening, and the area not containing the antimicrobial composition is located so as to surround the area containing the antimicrobial composition.

[0025] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition area and the area without the antibacterial composition are positioned at predetermined locations. Therefore, the area with the antibacterial composition facilitates the imparting of antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the area in contact with the excretory opening, and also exhibits excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the area without the antibacterial composition can exhibit the aforementioned wrinkle and crease suppression properties at the periphery of the area with the antibacterial composition.

[0026] [Aspect 10] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the absorbent article comprises the antibacterial composition on a first sheet, the first sheet being a top sheet having a skin-contact surface and a non-skin-contact surface, and in the antibacterial composition area, the antibacterial composition is more abundantly distributed on the non-skin-contact surface than on the skin-contact surface.

[0027] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition is distributed in greater quantities on the non-skin contact surface than on the skin contact surface within the antibacterial composition distribution area. Therefore, the amount and opportunity of direct contact between the antibacterial agent and the wearer's skin are suppressed, while the antibacterial agent can quickly exert its antibacterial effect on bodily fluids.

[0028] [Aspect 11] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein in the antibacterial composition arrangement area, the antibacterial composition is more abundantly distributed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core than on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core.

[0029] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition is distributed in greater quantities on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core than on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core. Therefore, the antibacterial agent can impart its antibacterial effect to the body fluid before it reaches the absorbent core.

[0030] [Aspect 12] The absorbent article further comprises a pair of side sheets arranged on both outer sides in the width direction of the first sheet, and further comprises side joining portions that join the first sheet and the pair of side sheets, The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the bonding strength of the side joint is higher than the bonding strength of the joint in the antimicrobial composition area.

[0031] In the absorbent article described above, the bonding strength of the side joint is higher than the bonding strength of the joint in the antibacterial composition area. Therefore, the top sheet conformability described above can be achieved in the antibacterial composition area, while the wrinkle and twist suppression described above can be achieved in the side joint.

[0032] [Aspect 13] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, further comprising a compression section for compressing a first sheet, a second sheet, and the absorbent core, wherein the antimicrobial composition area and the antimicrobial composition non-area are located in the compression section.

[0033] In the absorbent article described above, the antibacterial composition area and the antibacterial composition non-area are located in the compressed section. Therefore, the antibacterial composition area in the compressed section exhibits the top sheet conformability described above to a certain extent, while the antibacterial composition non-area in the compressed section exhibits the wrinkle and twist suppression described above.

[0034] The absorbent articles related to this disclosure will be described in detail below. [First Embodiment] Figures 1 to 3 are diagrams illustrating an absorbent article, specifically a sanitary napkin 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"). Specifically, Figures 1 and 2 are a front view and a rear view of the sanitary napkin 1, respectively. Figure 3 is an end view of the sanitary napkin 1 at the III-III end face of Figure 1.

[0035] The sanitary napkin 1 comprises a top sheet 3 as a first sheet that is permeable to liquid, a second sheet 5 as a second sheet that is permeable to liquid and is positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the top sheet 3, an absorbent 9 positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet 5, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 15 positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the absorbent 9. The second sheet 5 comprises a skin-side surface 7a that faces the skin and a non-skin-side surface 7b that faces the non-skin.

[0036] The absorbent body 9 comprises an absorbent core 11, a skin-side core wrap sheet 13a that covers the absorbent core 11 from the skin side, and a non-skin-side core wrap sheet 13b that covers the absorbent core 11 from the non-skin side. The sanitary napkin 1 has a pair of side sheets 17 on both outer sides in the width direction W of the top sheet 3. Each of the pair of side sheets 17 is hydrophobic. The absorption core 11 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are orthogonal to each other.

[0037] In the sanitary napkin 1, an antimicrobial composition 19 containing a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and propylene glycol, a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, is placed on the non-skin side 7b of the second sheet 5. This allows the hydrophilic antimicrobial agent to be quickly transferred to the bodily fluid absorbed by the sanitary napkin 1, and even after the hydrophilic antimicrobial agent has moved to the bodily fluid, it is less likely to crystallize, making it easier for it to exert its antimicrobial effect on the bodily fluid. Furthermore, in the antimicrobial composition area 21, the antimicrobial composition 19 is more compatible with the water in the bodily fluid, making it easier to impart an antimicrobial effect to the bodily fluid. In the antimicrobial composition area 21, propylene glycol can improve the permeability of the bodily fluid, and the antimicrobial composition area 21 is more likely to exhibit top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. The sanitary napkin 1 comprises an antibacterial composition area 21 that overlaps with the antibacterial composition 19 in the thickness direction T, and an antibacterial composition non-area 23 that does not overlap with the antibacterial composition 19 in the thickness direction T.

[0038] The sanitary napkin 1 is provided with a first joint portion 31 that joins a top sheet 3, which is a first sheet, and a second sheet 5, which is a second sheet, in both the antibacterial composition area 21 and the antibacterial composition non-area 23. The first joint portion 31 is a first adhesive portion formed with a hot melt adhesive, and the first adhesive portion is arranged in a coating pattern (not shown) that extends in a wavy shape in the longitudinal direction L and is intermittently arranged in the width direction W. The basis weight of the first joint portion 31 in the antibacterial composition area 21 (basis weight of the hot melt adhesive) and the basis weight of the first joint portion 31 in the antibacterial composition non-area 23 (basis weight of the hot melt adhesive) are substantially the same.

[0039] Due to the antibacterial composition 19, particularly the hydrophilic antibacterial agent, the bonding strength of the first joint 31 in the antibacterial composition area 21 is lower than that of the first joint 31 in the area without the antibacterial composition 23. As a result, the sanitary napkin 1 has excellent top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, and wrinkle and crease suppression.

[0040] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the second sheet 5 and the skin-side core wrap sheet 13a can be considered as a liquid-permeable first sheet and a liquid-permeable second sheet, respectively. The sanitary napkin 1 is provided with a second joining portion 33 that joins the second sheet 5 and the skin-side core wrap sheet 13a in the antibacterial composition area 21 and the antibacterial composition non-area 23, respectively. The second joining portion 33 is a second adhesive portion formed with a hot-melt adhesive, and the second adhesive portion is arranged in a coating pattern (not shown) that extends in a wavy shape in the longitudinal direction L and is intermittently arranged in the width direction W. The basis weight of the second joining portion 33 in the antibacterial composition area 21 (basis weight of the hot-melt adhesive) and the basis weight of the second joining portion 33 in the antibacterial composition non-area 23 (basis weight of the hot-melt adhesive) are substantially the same.

[0041] The bonding strength of the second joint 33 in the antibacterial composition area 21 is lower than that of the second joint 33 in the area without the antibacterial composition 23. As a result, the sanitary napkin 1 has excellent top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, and wrinkle and twist suppression.

[0042] In the antibacterial composition placement area 21, the antibacterial composition 19 is placed between the second joint 33 and the second sheet 5 as a second sheet or the second sheet 5 as a first sheet. As a result, the sanitary napkin 1 has excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, as described above, the second joint 33 is a second adhesive part made of hot melt adhesive, which further enhances the top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0043] The antibacterial composition non-placement areas 23 are located on both outer sides in the width direction W of the antibacterial composition placement area 21. As a result, the antibacterial composition placement area 21 is able to easily impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the center in the width direction W, and also exhibits excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the antibacterial composition non-placement areas 23 can exhibit the aforementioned wrinkle and crease suppression properties on the outer sides in the width direction of the antibacterial composition placement area 21.

[0044] The antibacterial composition non-placement area 23 is located on both outer sides of the antibacterial composition placement area 21 in the longitudinal direction L. As a result, the antibacterial composition placement area 21 is able to easily impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the center of the longitudinal direction L, and also exhibits excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the antibacterial composition non-placement area 23 can exhibit the aforementioned wrinkle and crease suppression properties on the outer sides of the antibacterial composition placement area 21 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0045] Furthermore, the antibacterial composition area 21 is located in the area in contact with the excretory opening (not shown), and the area without the antibacterial composition 23 is located surrounding the area with the antibacterial composition 21. As a result, the area with the antibacterial composition 21 makes it easier to impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the area in contact with the excretory opening, and also exhibits excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. In addition, the area without the antibacterial composition 23 can exhibit the aforementioned wrinkle and crease suppression at the periphery of the area with the antibacterial composition 21.

[0046] The sanitary napkin 1 further comprises a top sheet 3 as a first sheet and a side joint portion 35 that joins each of the pair of side sheets 17. The side joint portion 35 is composed of a combination of a side adhesive portion 37a that adheres the top sheet 3 and the pair of side sheets 17 with a hot melt adhesive and a side embossing portion 37b that embosses the top sheet 3 and the side sheets 17. The bonding strength of the side joint portion 35 is higher than the bonding strength of the first joint portion 31 in the antibacterial composition placement area 21. As a result, the top sheet conformability described above can be exhibited in the antibacterial composition placement area 21, while the wrinkle and twist suppression described above can be exhibited in the side joint portion 35.

[0047] Furthermore, the bonding strength of the side joint 35 is higher than that of the second joint 33 in the antibacterial composition placement area 21. As a result, the top sheet conformability described above can be achieved in the antibacterial composition placement area 21, while the wrinkle and twist suppression described above can be achieved in the side joint 35.

[0048] The sanitary napkin 1 includes a top sheet 3 as a first sheet, a second sheet 5 as a second sheet, and an absorbent core 11, and is equipped with an excretion port contact area compression section 41 located in the area that contacts the excretion port, and an excretion port periphery compression section 43 located outside the excretion port contact area compression section 41, which also compresses the top sheet 3 as a first sheet, the second sheet 5 as a second sheet, and the absorbent core 11. Both the antibacterial composition area 21 and the antibacterial composition non-placement area 23 are located in the excretion port contact area compression section 41. As a result, the antibacterial composition area 21 in the excretion port contact area compression section 41 exhibits the above-mentioned top sheet conformability to a certain extent, while the antibacterial composition non-placement area 23 in the excretion port contact area compression section 41 exhibits the above-mentioned wrinkle and twist suppression.

[0049] The sanitary napkin 1 further includes an absorbent core 11 and an absorbent core wrap sheet 13a, an absorbent core wrap sheet 13b, a back sheet adhesive part 103 that adheres the side sheet 17 and the back sheet 15 to the side sheet 17 and the back sheet 13b, an adhesive part 105 for fixing the sanitary napkin 1 to clothing, a release sheet 107, a round seal part 109 that seals the top sheet 3 and the side sheet 17 to the back sheet 15, etc., but these are known components of the sanitary napkin 1 and will not be described.

[0050] [Second Embodiment] Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating a sanitary napkin 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "second embodiment"). Specifically, Figure 4 is a front view of the sanitary napkin 1. Figure 5 is an end view of the sanitary napkin 1 at the VV end face of Figure 4. Figures 4 and 5 are drawings corresponding to Figures 1 and 3 of the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Since the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment has many similarities to the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the explanation of the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment will focus on the differences from the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] A sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment comprises a top sheet 3 as a liquid-permeable first sheet, a second sheet 5 as a liquid-permeable second sheet positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the top sheet 3, an absorbent 9 positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet 5, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 15 positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the absorbent 9. The top sheet 3 comprises a skin-contact surface 51 which is the surface that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and a non-skin-contact surface 53 which is the surface opposite to the skin-contact surface 51.

[0052] The absorbent body 9 comprises an absorbent core 11, a skin-side core wrap sheet 13a that covers the absorbent core 11 from the skin side, and a non-skin-side core wrap sheet 13b that covers the absorbent core 11 from the non-skin side. The sanitary napkin 1 has a pair of side sheets 17 on both outer sides in the width direction W of the top sheet 3. Each of the pair of side sheets 17 is hydrophobic. The absorption core 11 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are orthogonal to each other.

[0053] The sanitary napkin 1 contains an antimicrobial composition 19 on the non-skin contact surface 53 of the top sheet 3, which includes a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and propylene glycol, a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. The sanitary napkin 1 comprises an antimicrobial composition area 21 that overlaps with the antimicrobial composition 19 in the thickness direction T, and an antimicrobial composition non-area 23 that does not overlap with the antimicrobial composition 19 in the thickness direction T.

[0054] The sanitary napkin 1 is provided with a first joint portion 31 that joins the top sheet 3 and the second sheet 5 in both the antibacterial composition area 21 and the antibacterial composition non-area 23. The first joint portion 31 is a first adhesive portion formed with a hot melt adhesive, and the first adhesive portion is arranged in a coating pattern (not shown) that extends in a wavy shape in the longitudinal direction L and is intermittently arranged in the width direction W. The basis weight of the first joint portion 31 in the antibacterial composition area 21 (basis weight of the hot melt adhesive) and the basis weight of the first joint portion 31 in the antibacterial composition non-area 23 (basis weight of the hot melt adhesive) are substantially the same.

[0055] Due to the antibacterial composition 19, particularly the hydrophilic antibacterial agent, the bonding strength of the first joint 31 in the antibacterial composition area 21 is lower than that of the first joint 31 in the area without the antibacterial composition 23. As a result, the sanitary napkin 1 has excellent top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, and wrinkle and crease suppression.

[0056] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment, in the antibacterial composition area 21, the antibacterial composition 19 is distributed more in the non-skin contact surface 53 than in the skin contact surface 51. More specifically, the antibacterial composition 19 is not distributed on the skin contact surface 51 but is distributed on the non-skin contact surface 53. This allows the antibacterial agent to exert its antibacterial effect on bodily fluids quickly while suppressing the amount and opportunity of direct contact of the antibacterial agent with the wearer's skin.

[0057] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment, the antibacterial composition area 21 is arranged along the entire length of the sanitary napkin 1. This makes it easier for the antibacterial composition 19 to exert its antibacterial effect on bodily fluids other than those excreted from the excretory opening, such as sweat, in areas that are prone to sweating and close contact, such as the lower abdomen and buttocks, and are easily touched when moving.

[0058] The absorbent articles relating to this disclosure are not particularly limited as long as they absorb bodily fluids, and include, for example, sanitary napkins, panty liners, shorts-type napkins, tampons, disposable diapers (e.g., adult disposable diapers, baby disposable diapers), urine pads, incontinence pads, absorbent shorts, breast pads, etc.

[0059] The absorbent article described above generally comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent article may further optionally include a liquid-diffusing sheet (hereinafter referred to as a "second sheet") placed between the top sheet and the absorbent core, a liquid-diffusing sheet (sometimes referred to as a "third sheet") placed between the absorbent core and the back sheet, and a sheet (e.g., a nonwoven fabric sheet, e.g., a hydrophobic sheet member) placed on the non-skin side of the back sheet.

[0060] The absorbent core of the absorbent article relating to this disclosure may have longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are orthogonal to each other. The plane orthogonal to the thicknesswise direction may be referred to as the planar direction, and this planar direction includes the longitudinal and widthwise directions. The longitudinal and widthwise directions used in reference to the absorbent article refer to the longitudinal and widthwise directions of the absorbent core, and not to the long and short directions of the absorbent article. Furthermore, in this specification, when the terms longitudinal, widthwise, and / or thicknesswise are used simply, they refer to the longitudinal, widthwise, and / or thicknesswise directions as defined above in reference to the absorbent article.

[0061] The absorbent article according to this disclosure comprises a first sheet having liquid permeability, a second sheet having liquid permeability positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the first sheet, and an absorbent core positioned adjacent to or not adjacent to the second sheet on the non-skin side. The first and second sheets are preferably hydrophilic in order to absorb bodily fluids. Note that the adjacentness of the first and second sheets does not include the presence of a joint between the first and second sheets, such as a joint bonded by a hot-melt adhesive.

[0062] Examples of combinations of the first and second sheets include a top sheet with a skin-contact surface and a second sheet, a top sheet with a skin-contact surface and a core wrap sheet, and a second sheet and a core wrap sheet. This makes it easier for the absorbent material to exhibit antibacterial action by the antibacterial agent, top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, wrinkle and crease suppression, etc. Examples of the top sheet and second sheet mentioned above include nonwoven fabric and perforated film. Examples of the core wrap sheet mentioned above include nonwoven fabric and tissue paper.

[0063] The absorbent article relating to this disclosure comprises an antimicrobial composition in one or both of the first and second sheets, which includes a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. The above-mentioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent refers to an antibacterial agent that can dissolve in 100g of deionized water at 25°C in an amount of 40g or more in 5 hours. Examples of the above-mentioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent include cationic antibacterial agents. Examples of the above-mentioned cationic antibacterial agents include guanidine-based antibacterial agents, biguanide-based antibacterial agents, and quaternary ammonium salts. An example of the above-mentioned guanidine-based antibacterial agent is polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG). An example of the above-mentioned biguanide-based antibacterial agent is polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide. Examples of the above-mentioned quaternary ammonium salts include benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride.

[0064] The above-mentioned organic solvent is hydrophilic and non-volatile. Hydrophilicity means that it is miscible with water in any ratio. Non-volatility means that it has a vapor pressure of 50 Pa or less at 25°C.

[0065] Examples of the above organic solvents include polyhydric alcohols (for example, polyhydric alcohols that are liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure), monohydric alcohols, etc. Room temperature means 25°C, and atmospheric pressure means 1,013 hPa. Examples of polyhydric alcohols that are liquid at room temperature and atmospheric pressure include glycols and glycerin. Examples of glycols include propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), 1,3-butylene glycol (BG), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400), etc. Examples of monohydric alcohols include 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol, etc.

[0066] The absorbent article relating to this disclosure comprises an antimicrobial composition containing a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. As a result, the absorbent article allows the hydrophilic antimicrobial agent to be rapidly transferred to the body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article, and even after the hydrophilic antimicrobial agent has moved to the body fluid, it is less likely to crystallize and is more likely to exert its antimicrobial effect on the body fluid.

[0067] The basis weight of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can be appropriately set according to the antibacterial performance required for the absorbent article. The basis weight of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can be set in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015 "Test methods and antibacterial effects of textile products" to obtain the required antibacterial performance. The required antibacterial performance is defined as showing antibacterial activity with a statistically significant difference of log 2 or higher when the test bacteria used for antibacterial testing are Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

[0068] The basis weight of the above-mentioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent is preferably 0.01 g / m². 2 In summary, and more preferably 0.02 g / m 2 That concludes the explanation. Furthermore, the basis weight of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is preferably 1.0 g / m². 2 The following, and more preferably 0.8 g / m² 2 The following applies: Furthermore, the basis weight of the above antibacterial composition is preferably 0.1 g / m². 2 In addition, and more preferably 0.3 g / m 2That concludes the explanation. Furthermore, the basis weight of the above antibacterial composition is preferably 50.0 g / m². 2 The following, and more preferably 40 g / m² 2 The following applies:

[0069] By setting the basis weight of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent within the above range, when evaluating antibacterial activity using Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae as test bacteria in JIS L 1902:2015 "Antibacterial Test Method and Antibacterial Effect of Textile Products," it is possible to demonstrate antibacterial activity with a statistically significant difference of log 2 or higher. Furthermore, with the above basis weight, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can maintain its effectiveness even when the absorbent material repeatedly absorbs bodily fluids.

[0070] In this disclosure, the basis weight of the hydrophilic antimicrobial agent is measured as follows: (1) Cut a material coated with the antibacterial composition into a sample of a predetermined size (for example, 3 cm x 3 cm). (2) The sample is dissolved in a predetermined reagent (e.g., ethanol), and the sample is analyzed using a predetermined analytical method to identify and quantify the hydrophilic antibacterial agent and organic solvent constituting the antibacterial composition. The organic solvent is analyzed using GC / MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), and the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is analyzed using LC / MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). (3) The basis weight of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is calculated by dividing the mass of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent obtained in (2) above by the predetermined area of ​​the sample.

[0071] In the absorbent articles relating to this disclosure, it is preferable that the hydrophilic antibacterial agent in the antibacterial composition does not precipitate even when left standing at 0°C for 24 hours. This makes it possible to suppress the crystallization of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent during storage and use of the absorbent articles.

[0072] In this disclosure, the presence or absence of precipitation of hydrophilic antimicrobial agents is evaluated as follows. (1) Prepare a predetermined amount (e.g., 5 g) of the antimicrobial composition and place it in a petri dish. (2) Leave the petri dish containing the antibacterial composition to stand for 24 hours at a temperature of 0°C and a relative humidity of 50%RH, and visually check whether the hydrophilic antibacterial agent has precipitated and formed a precipitate.

[0073] In the absorbent articles relating to this disclosure, it is preferable that the hydrophilic antibacterial agent does not precipitate even when twice the mass of water is added at 25°C. This makes it possible to suppress the crystallization of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial composition when the antibacterial composition comes into contact with bodily fluids.

[0074] In this disclosure, the contact test between the antimicrobial composition and water is carried out as follows. (1) Prepare a predetermined amount (e.g., 5 g) of the antimicrobial composition and place it in a petri dish. (2) At 25°C, add deionized water (for example, 10 g) twice the mass of the antibacterial solution to the antibacterial composition in the petri dish and visually observe whether or not the antibacterial agent precipitates in the antibacterial solution.

[0075] The absorbent article, in its unfolded state, comprises an antibacterial composition area that overlaps with the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction and is located on at least one of the first and second sheets, and an antibacterial composition non-area that does not overlap with the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction. The antibacterial composition area and the antibacterial composition non-area are terms used to demarcate the absorbent article in the planar direction. The area that demarcates the antibacterial composition area and the antibacterial composition non-area is the area where the sheet on which the antibacterial composition is located (the first sheet and / or the second sheet) is located.

[0076] In this specification, "unfolded state" means the state in which the absorbent article is spread out on a flat surface by stretching the material constituting the absorbent article (e.g., nonwoven fabric) to the extent that it does not tear. In the case of the absorbent article being of the pant type (e.g., shorts-type sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, etc.), it means the state in which the pant-type absorbent article is spread out on a flat surface by releasing the locking of the fastening part of the pant-type absorbent article to separate the ventral and dorsal parts, and stretching the material constituting the pant-type absorbent article (e.g., nonwoven fabric) to the extent that it does not tear. Also, in this specification, the unfolded state of the absorbent article may be simply referred to as the "unfolded state".

[0077] The absorbent article includes a joint portion that joins the first sheet and the second sheet in each of the antibacterial composition disposed region and the antibacterial composition non-disposed region. As the joint portion, in the technical field of absorbent articles, a joint portion that joins a plurality of sheets can be adopted without particular limitation. For example, an adhesive portion that adheres the first sheet and the second sheet with a hot melt adhesive, an embossed portion that embosses the first sheet and the second sheet by fusion of heat-fusible fibers included in the first sheet and / or the second sheet, a squeezing portion that squeezes the first sheet, the second sheet, and the absorbent core, and any combination thereof can be mentioned. Thereby, it becomes easier to reduce the joint strength of the joint portion in the antibacterial composition disposed region than the joint strength of the joint portion in the antibacterial composition non-disposed region.

[0078] When the joint portion is an adhesive portion with a hot melt adhesive, the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition disposed region can be the same as or different from the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition non-disposed region. When the basis weights are different, the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition disposed region can be higher or lower than the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition non-disposed region, and it is preferably higher. By the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition disposed region being high, peeling of the first sheet and the second sheet in the antibacterial composition disposed region can be suppressed.

[0079] When the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition disposed region is the same as the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition non-disposed region, the basis weight of the adhesive portion is preferably 1.0 g / m 2 or more, more preferably 2.0 g / m 2 or more, and preferably 10.0 g / m 2 or less, more preferably 9.0 g / m 2 or less. This is from the viewpoint of the effects according to the present disclosure.

[0080] If the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition area is higher than the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the area without the antibacterial composition, the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition area is preferably 2.0 g / m². 2 More than 3.0 g / m 2 The above, and preferably 15.0 g / m² 2 More preferably, 14.0 g / m² 2 The following applies. Furthermore, the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition area is preferably 1.0 g / m², which is lower than the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the area where the antibacterial composition is not placed. 2 The above, and more preferably 2.0 g / m² 2 The above range is high, and preferably 8.0 g / m². 2 The following, and more preferably 7.0 g / m² 2 The following ranges are high. This makes it possible to suppress the peeling of the first and second sheets in the antibacterial composition placement area.

[0081] Preferably, the above-mentioned joint is an adhesive joint that bonds the first sheet and the second sheet using a hot-melt adhesive. This makes it easier to reduce the strength of the joint in the antibacterial composition area, further improving the top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression, and making it less likely to irritate the wearer's skin, which may be prone to skin irritation due to hydrophilic antibacterial agents.

[0082] The bonded portion using the hot melt adhesive described above may be arranged continuously on the first sheet and / or the second sheet, or it may be arranged intermittently. An example of the intermittent arrangement is that the bonded portion includes multiple bonded parts. The multiple bonded parts may be bonded parts that extend in the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart in the width direction. The bonded parts that extend in the longitudinal direction may be linear, omega-shaped, spiral, wavy, etc.

[0083] In the absorbent article relating to this disclosure, the bonding strength of the joint in the area where the antimicrobial composition is placed is lower than the bonding strength of the joint in the area where the antimicrobial composition is not placed. As a result, the absorbent article is more likely to exhibit antimicrobial activity, top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, wrinkle and crease suppression, etc.

[0084] In this disclosure, the above-mentioned joint strength is measured as follows: (1) Place multiple absorbent materials (for example, absorbent materials from the same package) in a constant temperature and humidity chamber with a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH for 24 hours. (2) A dye (e.g., bromophenol blue solution) is sprayed onto one absorbent article to color the areas where the antimicrobial composition is placed with the dye, thereby identifying the areas where the antimicrobial composition is placed and the areas where the antimicrobial composition is not placed. (3) From among the multiple absorbent articles, cut out samples from the area where the antimicrobial composition is placed and samples from the area where the antimicrobial composition is not placed, from a new absorbent article that has not been sprayed with dye. The sample should be based on a length of 70 mm x width of 25 mm (longitudinal direction x width direction), but if it is difficult to obtain a width of 25 mm, the sample should be the widest width that can be obtained.

[0085] (4) If necessary, partially peel off the first and second sheets of the sample in the antibacterial composition placement area, attach adhesive tape to each of the first and second sheets, and form gripping portions on each of the first and second sheets. (5) Set the gripping parts of the first sheet and the second sheet on the fixture of Instron Japan's 5900 series universal material testing machine, with a chuck distance of 20 mm. (6) Perform a T-type peel test on the above sample at 25°C and a speed of 100 mm / min, and measure the maximum load.

[0086] (7) A total of 10 T-type peel tests were performed on samples of different antibacterial composition placement areas, and the average value of the maximum load was converted to a value per 25 mm width to obtain the bonding strength (N / 25 mm) of the antibacterial composition placement area. (8) A T-type peel test is performed on the samples in the area without the antibacterial composition in the same manner as the samples in the area with the antibacterial composition, and the bonding strength (N / 25mm) of the area without the antibacterial composition is obtained. Furthermore, if the first sheet and / or the second sheet itself are destroyed during the measurement of the joint strength, the joint strength shall be considered to be higher than the maximum load per 25 mm width obtained.

[0087] In the absorbent article relating to this disclosure, the bonding strength of the antimicrobial composition area is preferably 0.5 N / 25 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 N / 25 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.5 N / 25 mm or more. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the antimicrobial composition area is preferably 4.0 N / 25 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 N / 25 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.0 N / 25 mm or less. This is from the viewpoint of top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, etc.

[0088] In the absorbent article relating to this disclosure, the bonding strength of the areas where the antibacterial composition is not present is preferably 1.0 N / 25 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 N / 25 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.0 N / 25 mm or more. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the areas where the antibacterial composition is not present is preferably 7.0 N / 25 mm or less, more preferably 5.0 N / 25 mm or less, and even more preferably 4.0 N / 25 mm or less. This is from the viewpoint of wrinkle and crease suppression, etc.

[0089] In the absorbent article according to this disclosure, the bonding strength of the area without the antibacterial composition is preferably 0.5 N / 25 mm or more, and more preferably 0.7 N / 25 mm or more, higher than the bonding strength of the area with the antibacterial composition. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the area without the antibacterial composition is preferably 3.0 N / 25 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 N / 25 mm or less, higher than the bonding strength of the area with the antibacterial composition. As a result, the absorbent article according to this disclosure has excellent top sheet conformability, skin irritation suppression, and wrinkle and crease suppression.

[0090] The above antibacterial composition can be placed on the skin side, non-skin side and / or inside of the first sheet, the skin side, non-skin side and / or inside of the second sheet, etc. If the first sheet is the top sheet, the skin side and non-skin side are also referred to as the skin-contact surface and non-skin-contact surface, respectively. The above skin side and non-skin side refer to the surface facing the wearer's skin and the surface opposite to it, respectively. The above skin-contact surface and non-skin-contact surface refer to the surface that comes into contact with the wearer's skin and the surface opposite to it.

[0091] When the joint is a hot melt adhesive, the antibacterial composition in the antibacterial composition placement area may or may not be placed between the first sheet or the second sheet and the joint in the thickness direction, but it is preferable that it is placed. As a result, the strength of the joint tends to be lower in the antibacterial composition placement area, the top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression are further improved, and the wearer's skin, which may be prone to irritation from hydrophilic antibacterial agents, becomes less likely to be irritated.

[0092] In the thickness direction described above, in the sheet on which the antibacterial composition is placed among the first sheet and / or second sheet, it is preferable that the antibacterial composition is placed in greater quantities on the non-skin side than on the skin side within the antibacterial composition placement area. This allows the antibacterial agent to exert its antibacterial effect on bodily fluids quickly while suppressing the amount and opportunity of direct contact between the antibacterial agent and the wearer's skin.

[0093] In particular, when the first sheet is a top sheet and the antibacterial composition is placed on the top sheet, it is preferable that the antibacterial composition is placed in greater quantities on the non-skin-contact surface of the top sheet than on the skin-contact surface of the top sheet in the antibacterial composition placement area. This allows the hydrophilic antibacterial agent to exert its antibacterial effect on bodily fluids more quickly while further suppressing the amount and opportunity of direct contact between the hydrophilic antibacterial agent and the wearer's skin. From the viewpoint of further suppressing the amount and opportunity of direct contact between the hydrophilic antibacterial agent and the wearer's skin, it is preferable that the antibacterial composition is not placed on the skin-contact surface of the top sheet.

[0094] In the unfolded state and in the planar direction, the area without the antibacterial composition and the area with the antibacterial composition can be positioned at any position. In the unfolded state and in the width direction, the area without the antibacterial composition is positioned preferably on one side, and more preferably on both sides, of the area with the antibacterial composition. This makes it easier for the area with the antibacterial composition to impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the center in the width direction, and also provides excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the area without the antibacterial composition can exhibit the wrinkle and crease suppression properties described above on the outside of the area with the antibacterial composition in the width direction.

[0095] In the unfolded state and in the longitudinal direction, the area without the antibacterial composition is preferably located on one side, and more preferably on both sides, of the area with the antibacterial composition. This makes it easier for the area with the antibacterial composition to impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the center of the longitudinal direction, and also provides excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the area without the antibacterial composition can exhibit the wrinkle and crease suppression properties described above on the longitudinal side of the area with the antibacterial composition.

[0096] In the unfolded state, the areas where the antibacterial composition is not placed may extend over the entire longitudinal area. This allows the antibacterial composition to exert its antibacterial effect on bodily fluids other than those excreted from the excretory opening, such as sweat, in areas that are prone to sweating and close contact, such as the lower abdomen and buttocks, and are easily touched when moving. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing absorbent articles, the antibacterial composition can be applied continuously, which reduces the likelihood of unevenness in the amount (basis weight) of the antibacterial composition applied.

[0097] In the unfolded state and in the planar direction, it is preferable that the antibacterial composition area is located in the area in contact with the excretory opening, and that the area without the antibacterial composition is located surrounding the area with the antibacterial composition. This makes it easier for the area with the antibacterial composition to impart antibacterial action to bodily fluids in the area in contact with the excretory opening, and also provides excellent top sheet conformability and skin irritation suppression. Furthermore, the area without the antibacterial composition can exhibit the wrinkle and crease suppression properties described above at the periphery of the area with the antibacterial composition.

[0098] When an antimicrobial composition is placed on the absorbent core, it is preferable that the antimicrobial composition is more abundant on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core than on the non-skin-facing side. This allows the antimicrobial agent to impart its antimicrobial effect to the body fluid before it reaches the absorbent core.

[0099] The absorbent article according to this disclosure may further comprise a pair of side sheets arranged on both outer sides in the width direction of the first sheet. Each of the pair of side sheets may be joined to the first sheet by a side joint. The side joint may be similar to the joint described above, for example, an adhesive portion that bonds the first sheet and the side sheet with a hot melt adhesive, an embossed portion that embosses the first sheet and the side sheet by fusing the heat-fusible fibers contained in the first sheet and / or the side sheet, or a combination of the adhesive portion and the embossed portion. In this case, it is preferable that the bonding strength of the side joint is higher than the bonding strength of the joint in the antimicrobial composition area. This allows the top sheet conformability described above to be exhibited in the antimicrobial composition area, while the wrinkle and twist suppression described above can be exhibited in the side joint.

[0100] In this disclosure, the joint strength at the above-mentioned side joint is measured as follows. (1) Place multiple absorbent materials (for example, absorbent materials from the same package) in a constant temperature and humidity chamber with a temperature of 25°C ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% RH for 24 hours. (2) Cut out a sample from the absorbent material, including the side joint and the leak-proof wall. The sample should be based on a length of 50 mm x width of 25 mm (width direction x length direction), but if it is difficult to obtain a length of 50 mm or a width of 25 mm, the sample should be the maximum length or width that can be obtained. (3) Apply adhesive tape to the first sheet and the leak-proof wall, forming gripping sections on both the first sheet and the leak-proof wall. Adjust the size of the gripping section as appropriate by varying the amount of adhesive tape applied, so that the side joint is approximately in the center of the sample.

[0101] (4) Set the jig of Instron Japan's 5900 series universal material testing machine with a chuck distance of 20 mm, and set the gripping portion of the first sheet and the gripping portion of the leak-proof wall so that the side joint is positioned approximately in the center of the chuck. (5) Perform a tensile test on the above sample at 25℃ and a speed of 100mm / min, and measure the maximum load. (6) Ten tensile tests were performed on samples of different absorbent materials, and the average value of the maximum load was converted to a value per 25 mm width to obtain the joint strength (N / 25 mm) of the side joint.

[0102] In the absorbent article according to this disclosure, the bonding strength of the side joint is preferably 0.5 N / 25 mm or more, more preferably 0.8 N / 25 mm or more, and even more preferably 1.0 N / 25 mm or more, higher than the bonding strength of the joint in the antibacterial composition area. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the side joint is preferably 3.0 N / 25 mm or less, more preferably 2.0 N / 25 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.5 N / 25 mm or less, higher than the bonding strength of the joint in the antibacterial composition area. As a result, the above-mentioned top sheet conformability can be exhibited in the antibacterial composition area, while the above-mentioned wrinkle and twist suppression can be exhibited in the side joint.

[0103] The absorbent article described above may further include a compression section for compressing the first sheet, the second sheet, and the absorbent core. In this case, both the antibacterial composition area and the antibacterial composition non-area may or may not be located in the compression section, but it is preferable that they be located in the compression section. This allows the antibacterial composition area in the compression section to exhibit the top sheet conformability described above to a certain extent, while the non-area of ​​the antibacterial composition in the compression section can exhibit the wrinkle and twist suppression described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1. Sanitary napkin 3 Top Sheet 5. Second row seats 7a Skin side 7b Non-skin side 9 Absorbent 11 Absorption core 13a Skin-side core wrap sheet 13b Non-skin side core wrap sheet 15 Backseat 17 Side Seats 19 Antibacterial composition 21 Antibacterial composition placement area 23 Area where antibacterial composition is not placed 31 1st joint 33 Second joint 35 Side joint 37a Side adhesive section 37b Side embossed section 41 Compression area in contact with the excretory opening 43. Compression area around the excretory opening 51 Skin contact surface 53 Non-skin contact surface

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core having longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are perpendicular to each other, The absorbent article comprises a first sheet that is permeable to liquid, a second sheet that is permeable to liquid and is positioned adjacent to the non-skin side of the first sheet, and the absorbent core which is positioned further towards the non-skin side than the second sheet. The absorbent article comprises an antimicrobial composition in at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet, which includes a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. The absorbent article comprises an antibacterial composition area that overlaps with the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction, and an antibacterial composition non-area that does not overlap with the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction. The absorbent article is provided with a joint for joining the first sheet and the second sheet in both the antibacterial composition area and the area without the antibacterial composition, and the bonding strength of the joint in the antibacterial composition area is lower than the bonding strength of the joint in the area without the antibacterial composition. An absorbent article characterized by the following features.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the combination of the first sheet and the second sheet is a combination of a top sheet and a second sheet having a skin-contact surface, a combination of a top sheet and a core wrap sheet having a skin-contact surface, or a combination of a second sheet and a core wrap sheet.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the joint is bonded with a hot melt adhesive.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein, in the thickness direction, the antibacterial composition in the antibacterial composition arrangement region is arranged between the first sheet or the second sheet and the adhesive portion.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the antibacterial composition area is higher than the basis weight of the adhesive portion in the area where the antibacterial composition is not placed.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the organic solvent contains a polyhydric alcohol that is liquid at room temperature and pressure.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the region where the antimicrobial composition is not placed is located outside the region where the antimicrobial composition is placed in the width direction.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the region where the antimicrobial composition is not placed is located outside the region where the antimicrobial composition is placed in the longitudinal direction.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the antimicrobial composition area is located in the area in contact with the excretory opening, and the area not containing the antimicrobial composition is located so as to surround the area containing the antimicrobial composition.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article comprises the antibacterial composition on a first sheet, the first sheet being a top sheet having a skin-contact surface and a non-skin-contact surface, and in the antibacterial composition area, the antibacterial composition is more abundantly distributed on the non-skin-contact surface than on the skin-contact surface.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the antibacterial composition placement area, the antibacterial composition is more abundantly distributed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core than on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core.

12. The absorbent article further comprises a pair of side sheets arranged on both outer sides in the width direction of the first sheet, and further comprises side joining portions that join the first sheet and the pair of side sheets, The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the bonding strength of the side joint is higher than the bonding strength of the joint in the antimicrobial composition area.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising a compression section for compressing a first sheet, a second sheet, and the absorbent core, wherein the antimicrobial composition area and the antimicrobial composition non-area are located in the compression section.

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