An element for a hygiene absorbent article, a hygiene absorbent article, and a method of manufacture thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is an element for an hygiene absorbent article. The element comprises at least a first portion. The first portion comprises a pH regulator additive. A dry content of the pH regulator additive is less than 1% by weight compared to a total weight of the first portion of the element. Also disclosed is a hygiene absorbent article comprising the element. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing thereof.

Description

[0001] 2067481.0002022

[0002] AN ELEMENT FOR A HYGIENE ABSORBENT ARTICLE, A HYGIENE ABSORBENT ARTICLE, AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] Embodiments of the presently-disclosed invention relate generally to an element, such as a topsheet, and / or acquisition distribution layer (ADL), and / or core wrap material, for a hygiene absorbent article, a hygiene absorbent article comprising the element, and a method of manufacture of said element.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Hygiene absorbent articles, such as diapers and feminine hygiene products, are products that are intended for direct contact with the skin of a user to collect substance such as urine, vaginal fluids, and / or feces. However, the use of such articles can lead to irritation of the skin, partly due to an increase of the pH value of the skin that follows from direct contact with the collected substances. A natural pH value of the skin is typically around 4 to 6. Although current articles seek to solve this issue, there is still a need for an improved element for a hygiene absorbent article, a hygiene absorbent article comprising the element, and a method of manufacture thereof.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] In accordance with the present disclosure, the above-mentioned and other objects are obtained by the disclosed element.

[0009] Disclosed is an element for a hygiene absorbent article. The element comprises at least a first portion. The first portion comprises a pH regulator additive. A dry content of the pH regulator additive is less than 1% by weight compared to a total weight of the first portion of the element. In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the element for a hygiene article can include at least a first portion defined by the presence of a pH regulator additive thereon, and wherein a dry content of the pH regulator additive is less than 1% by weight based on a total weight of the first portion of the element, and wherein the element comprises a topsheet, acquisition distribution layer, or a core wrap material of the hygiene absorbent article.

[0010] It is an advantage that an improved element for a hygiene absorbent article is provided, because the inventors have found that using the pH regulator additive leads to less skin irritation, especially during long term use of the hygiene absorbent article, such as for2067481.0002022

[0011] example due to chronical conditions of incontinence. Furthermore, it is an advantage that the element as disclosed provides an improved element that it easier and cheaper to manufacture because the dry content of the pH regulator additive in the first portion of the element by weight is less than 1% by weight compared to a total weight of the first portion of the element. Thus, it is an advantage that the element may enable prolonged natural pH value of the skin during use and thereby lead to less skin irritation while keeping the dry content of the pH regulator additive at the first portion of the element at a relatively small amount compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element.

[0012] The element is for the hygiene absorbent article, such as suitable for the hygiene absorbent article. The hygiene absorbent article may be a diaper, such as an adult incontinence diaper or a baby diaper. The hygiene absorbent article may be a feminine hygiene product. The element may be a nonwoven material, or in other words, the element may be made from a nonwoven material. Nonwoven materials may typically be described as material made from staple fibre (short) and long fibres (continuous long) that may be bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Thus, nonwoven materials may be denoted as material that is not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting material fibres into yam. The element may be a synthetic material. The element may be an element, such as a layer, of the hygiene absorbent article. The element may be a part of the hygiene absorbent article. The hygiene absorbent article may comprise a back sheet. The hygiene absorbent article may comprise a top layer. The hygiene absorbent article may comprise an acquisition distribution layer. The hygiene absorbent article may comprise a core wrap. The hygiene absorbent article may comprise a core, such as an absorbent core. The core wrap may be configured for enclosing the core. The acquisition distribution layer may be provided between the core wrap and the top sheet. The top sheet may be in direct contact with skin during use. The back sheet may be provided opposite the top sheet.

[0013] The element comprises at least the first portion. The first portion may be part or some of the element. For instance, the first portion may comprise an area that constitutes less than the entire area of the element (e.g., topsheet, ADL, and / or core-wrap material). By way of example only, the first portion defined by the presence of the pH regulator may comprise from about 10% to about 90% of a total area of the element, such as at least about any of the following: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% of the total area of the element, and / or at most about any of the following: 90, 80, 70, 60, and 50% of the total area of the element. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion may be located in a region of insult by bodily fluids when worn by a user. Alternatively, the first portion may may constitute the entire area of the element.2067481.0002022

[0014] The first portion comprises the pH regulator additive. Thus, the pH regulator additive may have been applied to the first portion of the element. In other words, the first portion of the element may have been treated with the pH regulator additive, or the first portion of the element may have received a surface treatment comprising the pH regulator additive. The pH regulator additive may be configured for modifying a pH surface value of the first portion of the element, such as lowering the pH surface value, as compared to without the presence of the pH regulator additive.

[0015] The dry content of the pH regulator additive, such as the dry content of the pH regulator additive in the first portion of the element, is less than 1% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element. The dry content of the pH regulator additive may be an amount of the pH regulator additive present in the first portion of the element, when the element is in a dry state, such as before coming into contact with moisture, e.g., urine, sweat, or other bodily fluids. The total weight of the first portion of the element may also be in the dry state.

[0016] In some embodiments, the dry content of the pH regulator additive is in a range from 0.05% up to, but not including, 1% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element. This range may mathematically also be described as 0.05% < x < 1%. Thus, the dry content of the pH regulator additive may for example be 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 0.55%, 0.60%, 0.65%, 0.70%, 0.75%, 0.80%, 0.85%, 0.90%, or 0.95% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element or any ranges defined by any of the foregoing values. For instance, the dry content of the pH regulator additive may, for example, be from about any of the following: 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element, and / or at most any of the following: 0.95%, 0.9%, 0.85%, 0.8%, 0.75%, 0.7%, 0.65%, 0.6%, 0.55%, and 0.5% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the element is a top sheet, such as the top sheet of the hygiene absorbent article. This is a preferred embodiment, because it has the advantage that the top sheet may be in direct contact with the skin, when the article is in use, and with the element being the top sheet, this may provide an effective means to regulate the skin pH value.

[0018] In some embodiments, the element is an acquisition distribution layer (ADL), such as the acquisition distribution layer of the hygiene absorbent article (e.g., diaper).

[0019] In some embodiments, the element is a core wrap, such as the core wrap of the hygiene absorbent article (e.g., diaper).2067481.0002022

[0020] The pH regulator additive may be an acid with buffer capacity, i.e. the pH value may vary a little when exposed to moderate amount of acids or bases. As is known to the person skilled in the art, it is weak and middle strong acids that have such capabilities. When a weak acid is exposed to a little amount of base, then a buffer system may be established, and the pH value may be stable during the next addition of a base until the buffer system is extinct. Acetic acid is an example of such a buffer solution or system. The pH value of such a mixture can be calculated using the Henderson - Hasselbach equation.

[0021] In some embodiments, the pH regulator additive is an alpha hydroxy acid, also known as AHA. Alpha hydroxy acids are carboxylic acids featuring a hydroxy group located 5 one carbon atom away from the acid group. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pH regulator additive is a salt of an alpha hydroxy acid.

[0022] In some embodiments, the alpha hydroxy acid belongs to the family of carboxylic acids, present in nature.

[0023] In some embodiments, the alpha hydroxy acid belongs to the family of polyprotic acids, i.e. acids with more than one acid group.

[0024] In some embodiments, the alpha hydroxy acid is a citric acid. The use of citric acid is 15 particular advantageous, as it comprises three COOH groups and a OH group positioned one carbon atom away from a COOH group. Thus, citric acid can donate three protons in a stepwise manner.

[0025] Typically, in chemistry, an acid dissociation constant (also known as acidity constant, or acid-ionization constant denoted Ka. or in its logarithmic form pA'a) is a quantitative measure of the strength of an acid in solution. For this disclosure, citric acid has the advantage that the pA'a values of its acid groups are so close to each other that in practice, they only have one equivalence point and hence a higher buffer capacity in the desired pH range.

[0026] In some embodiments, the citric acid pH regulator additive is mixed with one or several salts selected from a group consisting of monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, and trisodium citrate.

[0027] In some embodiments, the salts to be mixed with the citric acid pH regulator additive are selected from corresponding acid and base pairs, e.g. mono-potassium citrate and dipotassium citrate. The advantage of mixing salts from the corresponding acid and base pair is that the buffer system may be established from the outset.

[0028] In some embodiments, where a tight pH control is desired, multiple salts of acid and base pair can be used.2067481.0002022

[0029] In some embodiments, the element is spunlaid nonwoven material. In other words, the element may comprise or may be made of spunlaid nonwoven material. This is a preferred embodiment, because it may advantageously provide a strong, durable, and cost-effective nonwoven material. Spunlaid nonwoven material in this disclosure may

[0030] comprise spunbond nonwoven material. Spunlaid nonwoven material in this disclosure may comprise spunmelt nonwoven material. Spunlaid nonwoven material in this disclosure may comprise a combination of spunbond and spunmelt nonwoven material. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the element is carded nonwoven material. In other words, alternatively or additionally, the element may comprise or may be made of carded nonwoven material. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the element is spunlace nonwoven material. In other words, alternatively or additionally, the element may comprise or may be made of spunlace nonwoven material.

[0031] The nonwoven material of the element may have a basis weight between 6 to 100 g / m2, such as 6 to 80 g / m2, such as 6 to 60 g / m2, such as 6 to 40 g / m2, preferably 6 to 35 g / m2. In an more preferred embodiment, the nonwoven material of the element may have a basis weight between 8 to 20 g / m2. In some alternative preferred embodiments, the element / nonwoven material (e.g., topsheet, acquisition distribution layer, or a core wrap material) may have a basis weight from 5 to 50 grams-per-square meter (gsm), such as at least any of the following: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 gsm, and / or at most any of the following: 50, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 18, 15, 12, and 10 gsm.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first portion and / or the element by comprises a plurality of fibers, such as spunbond fibers, and / or meltblown fibers, and / or carded fibers, and / or hydroentangled fibers, and wherein the plurality of fibers comprise (i) a polymer matrix component comprising one or more petroleum based polymers, and (ii) optionally one or more additives dispersed throughout the polymer matrix component. In this regard, the one or more petroleum based polymers may comprise one or more polyolefin polymers, such as one or more polypropylene polymers, one or more polypropylene-containing copolymers, one or more polyethylene polymers, one or more polyethylene-containing copolymers, one or more polyester polymers, one or more polyamides, or any combinations thereof.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, the element may comprise from 10 to 100% by weight of fibers comprising one or more petroleum based polymers, such as at least about any of the following: 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% by weight of fibers comprising one or more petroleum based polymers, and / or at most about any of the following: 100, 9080, 70, 60, and 50% by weight of fibers comprising one or more petroleum based polymers. In this regard, the first2067481.0002022

[0034] portion and / or the element (e.g., topsheet, acquisition distribution layer, or a core wrap material) may be devoid of cellulosic material, such as natural cellulosic fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, and pulp.

[0035] In some embodiments, the element has a structure according to any one of the following:

[0036] (Structure 1) Sia-Mib-S2c ; and

[0037] (Structure 2) Sia-Mib-S3d-M2e-S2c;

[0038] wherein,

[0039] ‘Ml ’ comprises a first meltblown layer or a first group of multiple meltblown layers; ‘M2’ comprises a second meltblown layer or a second group of multiple meltblown layers;

[0040] ‘SI ’ comprises a first spunbond layer or a first group of multiple spunbond layers; ‘S2’ comprises a second spunbond layer or a second group of multiple spunbond layers;

[0041] ‘S3’ comprises a third spunbond layer or a third group of multiple spunbond layers; ‘a’ represents the number of layers of ‘SI’ and is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;

[0042] ‘b’ represents the number of layers of ‘Ml’ and is independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;

[0043] ‘c’ represents the number of layers of ‘S2’ and is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;

[0044] ‘d’ represents the number of layers of ‘S3’ and is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; and

[0045] ‘e’ represents the number of layers of ‘M2’ and is independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first portion of the element further comprises a surfactant. Thus, the surfactant may have been applied to the first portion of the element. In other words, the first portion of the element may have been treated with the surfactant, or the first portion of the element may have received a surface treatment comprising the surfactant. If the first portion of the element has received a surface treatment comprising the surfactant, the surface treatment may also comprise the pH regulator additive. It is an advantage that the first portion of the element further comprises the surfactant because it may enable improved application of the pH regulator additive to the first portion of the element. The surfactant may be a synthetic surfactant. The surfactant may be a hydrophilic agent. The surfactant may be an anionic2067481.0002022

[0047] surfactant. There are many commercially available surfactants known to the skilled person. An example is Silastol 163by Schill + Seilacher GmbH. This is an example of a suitable anionic surfactant.

[0048] The term “hydrophilic”, as used herein, may refer to a material (e.g., fibers, nonwoven web and / or fabric, etc.) having a surface that tends to absorb water or be wetted by water. In this regard, a material or surface may be considered “hydrophilic” if water droplets deposited thereon spreads, wetting a large area of the surface, then the contact angle is less than 90° and that surface may be designated as being hydrophilic.

[0049] In accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, the plurality of fibers of the element may be formed from petroleum based polymers, which may be rendered hydrophilic such as by treatment with the surfactant. The surfactant may, in some embodiments, comprise a hydrophilic spin-finish coated or otherwise disposed on the plurality of fibers of the portion of the element having the pH regulator disposed thereon. The spin-finish, for example, may be anionic, cationic, or non-ionic in nature. The spin-finish, for example, may include one or more anionic agents, one or more non-ionic agents, and / or one or more cationic agents (e.g., blends of cationic and non-ionic agents or blends of anionic and non-ionic agents, etc.) Additionally or alternatively, the spin-finish may be silicone-free or comprise a silicon-containing chemistry. One example of a suitable spin-finish is SILASTOL® 163 from, Schill+Seilacher GmbH, (Germany). Alternatively, the spin-finish may comprise a nonionic modified siloxane additive, such as a nonionic modified polyorganosiloxane. In certain embodiments, for example, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise a polyoxyalkyl-modified polydimethyl siloxane. In some embodiments, for instance, the nonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise a polyoxyalkyl (C2-C8) polydimethyl siloxane. In such embodiments, for example, thenonionic modified siloxane additive may comprise a polyoxyalkyl (C2-C4) polydimethyl siloxane (e.g., SILASTOL® 186 F from Schill + Seilacher GmbH, Germany). Additionally or alternatively, the first plurality of hydrophilic polyolefin fibers may be formed from a melt additive to the polymeric composition forming the first plurality of fibers, in which the melt additive comprises a hydrophilic additive compound(s) such as (but not limited to) any of those noted above.

[0050] In some embodiments, the dry content of the surfactant is in a range between 0.05% and 1% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element. Thus, the dry content of the surfactant may for example be 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 0.55%, 0.60%, 0.65%, 0.70%, 0.75%, 0.80%, 0.85%,2067481.0002022

[0051] 0.90%, 0.95%, or 1.0% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first portion of the element is configured for having a pH surface value between 4 to 6, such as between 4.0 and 6.0, such as for example 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, or 6.0. In a preferred embodiment, the pH surface value of the first portion of the element is 5.5 + / - 0.5.

[0053] The pH surface value of the first portion of the element may be measured e.g. by means of a pH meter. There are many commercially available pH meters known to the skilled person, said pH meters comprising an electrode and a probe suitable for surfaces tests. An example is PH60 by Apera Instruments GmbH. Prior to testing, an amount of saline may be applied to the first portion of the element, and the first portion of the element may be folded over or alternatively, several samples of the first portion of the element may be stacked to perform testing on the folded or stacked sample of the first portion of the element.

[0054] Disclosed is a hygiene absorbent article comprising the element according the above disclosure. For example, the hygiene absorbent article may be a diaper, such as an adult incontinence diaper or a baby diaper. Alternatively, the hygiene absorbent article may be a feminine hygiene product.

[0055] Disclosed is a method of manufacturing the element according to the above disclosure. The method comprises that the pH regulator additive is applied using a kiss roll or by spraying means.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method comprises that the pH regulator additive is mixed with the surfactant prior to application.

[0057] The present invention relates to different aspects including the element, the hygiene absorbent article and the method of manufacture thereof, and comprises one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the element and / or disclosed in the appended claims or items.

[0058] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0060] Fig. 1 illustrates a Bjerrum Plot for acetic acid.

[0061] Fig. 2 illustrates the Henderson - Hasselbach equation.

[0062] Fig. 3 illustrates a citric acid.2067481.0002022

[0063] Fig. 4 illustrates various forms of citric acid at a given pH value.

[0064] Fig. 5 illustrates the relative positioning of a topsheet, an ADL, and an absorbent core in accordance with certain example embodiments of the invention.

[0065] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hygiene absorbent article illustrating an absorbent core including a core wrap material and a backsheet in accordance with certain example embodiments of the invention.

[0066] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The figures are neither intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention nor as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0068] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a Bjerrum Plot or a Bjerrum Diagram for acetic acid, showing a speciation of acetic acid as a function of pH Value. The plot is captured from https: / A¥ww.biosite.dkAeksikcn^jerrumdiagrammer.htm, but has been altered slightly. In the figure, it can be seen how little the pH value varies when base is added. Thus, acetic acid is an example of a buffer solution that for a period of time can keep the pH value in a narrow range while base is added. It is only when the buffer capacity is almost exhausted that the pH value increases sharply. The pH value of such a mixture can be calculated using the Henderson - Hasselbach equation, see figure 2. The Bjer-rum plot illustrates the advantage of a buffering solution visually by illustrating how acetic acid mitigates pH value fluctuations effectively within its buffering range.

[0069] Fig. 2 illustrates the Henderson - Hasselbach equation.

[0070] Fig. 3 is an illustration of a particularly suited alpha hydroxy acid namely citric acid. As can be seen from the formula, citric acid is a polyprotic acid and at the same time an alpha hydroxy acid. Citric acid comprises three COOH groups and a OH group positioned one carbon atom away from a COOH group. Thus citric acid can donate three protons in a stepwise manner, as also illustrated below.

[0071] Fig. 4 is an illustration of the various forms of citric acid that is present at a given pH value. The plot shows the relative species formation calculated for a 10-millimolar solution of citric acid. The plot is captured from htps: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Buffer solution. The pXa values of the three acid groups in citric acid are so close to each other that one acid group is not fully deprotonated before the next acid group begins to deprotonate. In the figure, AH3 is2067481.0002022

[0072] the fully protonated citric acid, i.e. the formula shown in figure 3. AH2-is citric acid that has lost the first proton, AH2-is citric acid that has lost two protons, and A3-is citric acid that has lost all three protons. The curves in Fig. 4 illustrate the fraction of each component present at a given pH value, e.g. at pH value 5.5, there are approximately 10% AH2-and 10% A3-and 80% AH2-present. Hence, by choosing an appropriate mixture of salts of citric acid, an initial pH value of the pH regulator additive can be achieved. Further, given that there are two corresponding acid and base pairs present at most pH value, then the buffer capacity at that pH value is increased compared to a mono protic acid like acetic acid for the same concentration.

[0073] Fig. 5 illustrates the relative positioning of a topsheet, an ADL, and an absorbent core in accordance with certain example embodiments of the invention. Fig. 5, for instance, illustrates a portion of a hygiene absorbent article 1 showing the relative positioning of a topsheet 10, an ADL 20, and an absorbent core 30 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the topsheet 10 may be located adjacent and / or in contact with the ADL 20. Similarly the ADL 20 may be located adjacent and / or in contact with the absorbent core 30. In this regard, the individual layers may be bonded together via an adhesive and / or thermal bonds. As noted above, the one or more of the topsheet 10 and the ADL 20 may comprise a respective portion defined by the presence of the pH regulator. In some embodiments, the topsheet may have a first portion defined by the presence of a pH regulator and the ADL may have a second portion defined by the presence of a pH regulator. In this regard, the area of the first portion may be different that the area of the second portion. Additionally or alternatively, the type or composition of the pH regulator of the first portion may be identical or different than the pH regulator of the second portion. For example, the type or composition of the pH regulator of the first portion may be tailored to facilitate improved skin health relative to the type or composition of the pH regulator of the second portion. Additionally or alternatively, the percent weight of the pH regulator of the first portion, such as those values described herein, may be less than the percent weight of the pH regulator of the second portion.

[0074] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hygiene absorbent article illustrating an absorbent core including a core wrap material and a backsheet in accordance with certain example embodiments of the invention. In particular, Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hygiene absorbent article 1 illustrating an absorbent core 30 including channels 35 in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. The absorbent core 30, as noted above, may comprise an absorbent material and a core-wrap material enclosing the absorbent2067481.0002022

[0075] core. The core wrap material may comprise two separate materials, substrates, or nonwoven materials 16 and 16' for the top side and bottom side of the absorbent core. Alternatively, the core wrap material may comprise a single material. As shown in Fig. 6 the hygiene absorbent article 1 includes a top sheet 10, a liquid impermeable back sheet 25, an ADL 20, and an absorbent core 30, which is at least partially enclosed in a core-wrap material formed from two separate core-wrap materials 16 and 16’.

[0076] Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive manner. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.2067481.0002022

[0077] LIST OF ITEMS

[0078] 1. An element for an hygiene absorbent article, wherein the element comprises at least a first portion, the first portion comprising a pH regulator additive, and wherein a dry content of the pH regulator additive is less than 1% by weight compared to a total weight of the first portion of the element.

[0079] 2. The element according to item 1, wherein the dry content of the pH regulator additive is in a range from 0.05% and up to, but not including, 1% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element.

[0080] 3. The element according to item 1 or 2, wherein the element is a top sheet, an acquisition distribution layer and / or a core wrap.

[0081] 4. The element according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the pH regulator additive is an alpha hydroxy acid or a salt thereof.

[0082] 5. The element according to item 4, wherein the alpha hydroxy acid belongs to the family of carboxylic acids, present in nature.

[0083] 6. The element according to item 4 or 5, wherein the alpha hydroxy acid is a citric acid.

[0084] 7. The element according to item 6, wherein the citric acid pH regulator additive is mixed with one or several salts selected from a group consisting of monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, and trisodium citrate.

[0085] 8. The element according to item 6, wherein the citric acid pH regulator additive is mixed with one or several salts from a group consisting of monopotassium citrate, dipotassium citrate, and tripotassium citrate.2067481.0002022

[0086] 9. The element according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the element is spunlaid, carded and / or spunlace nonwoven material with a basis weight between 6 to 100 g / m2.

[0087] 10. The element according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first portion of the element further comprises a surfactant.

[0088] 11. The element according to the preceding item, wherein the dry content of the surfactant is in a range from 0.05% up to, but not including, 1% by weight compared to the total weight of the first portion of the element.

[0089] 12. The element according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first portion of the element is configured for having a pH surface value between 4 to 6.

[0090] 13. A hygiene absorbent article comprising the element according to any one of the preceding items.

[0091] 14. A method of manufacturing the element according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises that the pH regulator additive is applied using a kiss roll or by spraying means.

[0092] 15. The method of the preceding item, wherein the method comprises that the pH regulator additive is mixed with the surfactant prior to application.

Claims

2067481.0002022WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An element for a hygiene absorbent article, comprising: at least a first portion defined by the presence of a pH regulator additive thereon, and wherein a dry content of the pH regulator additive is less than 1% by weight based on a total weight of the first portion of the element, and wherein the element comprises a topsheet, acquisition distribution layer, or a core wrap material of the hygiene absorbent article.

2. The element according to claim 1 , wherein the pH regulator additive is an alpha hydroxy acid or a salt thereof.

3. The element according to claim 2, wherein the alpha hydroxy acid belongs to the family of carboxylic acids, present in nature.

4. The element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the alpha hydroxy acid is a citric acid.

5. The element according to claim 4, wherein the citric acid pH regulator additive is mixed with one or several salts selected from a group consisting of monosodium citrate, disodium citrate, and trisodium citrate.

6. The element according to claim 4, wherein the citric acid pH regulator additive is mixed with one or several salts from a group consisting of monopotassium citrate, dipotassium citrate, and tripotassium citrate.

7. The element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the element further comprises a surfactant.

8. The element according to the preceding claim, wherein a dry content of the surfactant is in a range between 0.05% and 1% by weight based on the total weight of the first portion of the element.

9. The element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element comprises a plurality of fibers, such as spunbond fibers, meltblown fibers, or carded fibers,2067481.0002022and wherein the plurality of fibers comprise (i) a polymer matrix component comprising one or more petroleum based polymers, and (ii) optionally one or more additives dispersed throughout the polymer matrix component.

10. The element of claim 9, wherein the element has a structure according to any one of the following:(Structure 1) Sla-Mlb-S2c; and(Structure ) Sla-Mlb-S3d-M2e-S2c;wherein,‘Ml’ comprises a first meltblown layer or a first group of multiple meltblown layers;‘M2’ comprises a second meltblown layer or a second group of multiple meltblown layers; ‘S 1’ comprises a first spunbond layer or a first group of multiple spunbond layers;‘S2’ comprises a second spunbond layer or a second group of multiple spunbond layers; ‘S3’ comprises a third spunbond layer or a third group of multiple spunbond layers;‘a’ represents the number of layers of ‘SI’ and is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;‘b’ represents the number of layers of ‘Ml ’ and is independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;‘c’ represents the number of layers of ‘S2’ and is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5;‘d’ represents the number of layers of ‘S3’ and is independently selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; and‘e’ represents the number of layers of ‘M2’ and is independently selected from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

11. The element of claim 10, wherein the element comprises a topsheet and the one or more petroleum based polymers comprise one or more polyolefin polymers, such as one or more polypropylene polymers, one or more polypropylene-containing copolymers, one or more polyethylene polymers, one or more polyethylene-containing copolymers, one or more polyester polymers, one or more polyamides, or any combinations thereof.2067481.000202212. The element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element has a basis weight from 5 to 50 grams-per-square meter (gsm), such as at least any of the following: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 gsm, and / or at most any of the following: 50, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 18, 15, 12, and 10 gsm.

13. The element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element is devoid of cellulosic material, such as natural cellulosic fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, and pulp.

14. A hygiene absorbent article comprising the element according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method of manufacturing the element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises applying the pH regulator additive via a kiss roll or by spraying means.

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