JP6054409B2 - Absorbent articles having improved absorption characteristics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is directed to absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence underwear comprising superabsorbent polymer particles.

  Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, training pants, and adult incontinence undergarments absorb and contain body discharges. Many absorbent articles, such as diapers, include superabsorbent polymer materials. The superabsorbent polymer is typically present in the form of particles within the core of the absorbent article. Superabsorbent polymer particles can absorb liquid and swell upon contact with the liquid discharge. However, it has been shown to date that not all types of superabsorbent polymer particles are equally suitable for use in absorbent articles.

  In order to have an absorbent article that includes superabsorbent polymer particles that exhibit good absorption and containment functions, it is known that certain technical requirements must be met by the superabsorbent polymer particles.

  Superabsorbent polymer particles must first be able to absorb liquid effluent quickly. The absorption rate of superabsorbent polymer particles is generally characterized in the prior art by measuring the free swell ratio (FSR) of the particles.

  In addition to having a high absorption rate, the superabsorbent polymer particles present in the core must also be highly permeable to liquids. Poor permeability of superabsorbent polymer particles can cause the absorbent article to leak due to gel blocking. Gel blocking can occur in the absorbent core when the swollen superabsorbent polymer particles block the voids between the particles. In such cases, the liquid effluent cannot reach the layer below the superabsorbent polymer particles disposed in the core or can only reach slowly. The liquid effluent stays on the surface of the absorbent core and can therefore leak from the diaper.

  The permeability of superabsorbent polymer particles is typically characterized by measuring the SFC (salt flow conductivity) of the particles in the prior art. This parameter is measured at equilibrium. That is, the measurement is performed on a gel bed of superabsorbent polymer particles that have been sufficiently swollen beforehand.

  However, the inventors have now surprisingly found that an absorbent core comprising superabsorbent polymer particles having a high FSR value and a high SFC value, especially in the initial ejection, ie the absorbent core first comes into contact with the liquid. Have found that it does not automatically result in a short capture time of liquid effluent to the absorbent article.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an absorbent article that has improved absorbent properties and thus reduced leakage, particularly at the initial ejection, i.e., when the article begins to wet.

  The present invention relates to an absorbent article including an absorbent structure. The absorbent article is divided into three parts: a front part, a rear part, and a crotch part disposed between the front part and the rear part. The absorbent structure includes an absorbent core. The absorbent core has a dry thickness of 0.2-5 mm at the crotch point of the article. One or more parts of the absorbent structure comprise at least 90% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles and achieve an absorption of 20 g / g in less than 440 seconds when measured according to the K (t) test method Time (T20) is required.

It is a top view of a diaper by one embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the diaper shown in FIG. 1 along sectional line 2-2 of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the absorptive core layer by one embodiment of the present invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the absorptive core layer by another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an absorbent core including the combination of first and second absorbent core layers shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of an absorbent core including the combination of first and second absorbent core layers shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. 1 is a schematic diagram of a rheometer. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a suitable transmittance measurement system for performing dynamic effective transmittance and absorptivity measurement tests. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of a piston / cylinder assembly for use in performing dynamic effective permeability and absorptivity measurement tests. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a piston head suitable for use in the piston / cylinder assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a suitable permeability measurement system for performing a urine permeability measurement test. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a piston / cylinder assembly for use in performing a urine permeability measurement test. FIG. 12 is a plan view of a piston head suitable for use in the piston / cylinder assembly shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the piston / cylinder assembly of FIG. 11 positioned on a glass filter plate for a swollen surface. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a suitable flat acquisition measurement system for performing a flat acquisition test. FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent structure, tested according to the K (t) test method, where a layer of material that is not part of the absorbent structure has been removed from the absorbent structure using a cooling spray. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent structure that is tested according to the K (t) test method, with the upper layer of the absorbent structure being drilled using a drilled tip. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a perforation pattern in which an upper layer or a lower layer of the absorbent structure can be perforated. FIG. 2 is a graph (unit: g / g) representing the absorption of the absorbent structures of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and Example 1 as a function of time when measured according to the K (t) test method. FIG. 5 is a graph (unit: g / g) representing the absorption of the absorbent structures of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and Example 2 as a function of time when measured according to the K (t) test method.

  As used herein, an “absorbent article” is used to refer to a device that absorbs and contains body exudates, and more specifically, is placed against or in close proximity to the wearer's body and expels from the body. It refers to a device that absorbs and contains various effluents. Absorbent articles include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence underwear, feminine hygiene products and the like. As used herein, the term “body fluid” or “body excretion” includes, but is not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal discharge, breast milk, sweat and feces. In some embodiments of the invention, the absorbent article is a diaper or training pants.

  As used herein, “absorbent core” refers to a structure disposed between a topsheet and a backsheet of an absorbent article to absorb and contain the liquid received by the absorbent article Is done. The core includes superabsorbent polymer particles. The core includes one or more substrate layers, superabsorbent polymer particles disposed on the one or more substrate layers, and a thermoplastic composition typically disposed on the superabsorbent polymer particles. Can be included. Typically, the thermoplastic composition is a thermoplastic adhesive material. The thermoplastic adhesive material comprises a fibrous layer, at least partially in contact with superabsorbent polymer particles on one or more substrate layers, and in partial contact with one or more substrate layers. May form. Auxiliary adhesive on one or more substrate layers before applying the superabsorbent polymer particles to enhance the adhesion of the superabsorbent polymer particles and / or thermoplastic adhesive material to the respective substrate layer May be placed. The absorbent core can also include one or more cover layers such that the superabsorbent polymer particles are disposed between the one or more substrate layers and the one or more cover layers. The one or more substrate layers and cover layers may comprise a nonwoven fabric, tissue or film, or a combination thereof, or may be composed of a nonwoven fabric, tissue or film, or a combination thereof. The absorbent core can further comprise an odor control compound.

  The absorbent core consists essentially of one or more substrate layers, superabsorbent polymer particles, a thermoplastic composition, optionally an auxiliary adhesive, optionally a cover layer, and optionally an odor control compound. It may be.

  The absorbent core may include superabsorbent polymer particles, which are sandwiched between two layers, an upper layer and a lower layer, with no superabsorbent polymer particles above and below the upper layer. The upper layer corresponds to the base layer or cover layer of the absorbent core closest to the top sheet of the article, and the lower layer corresponds to the base layer or cover layer of the absorbent core closest to the back sheet of the absorbent article. Alternatively, if there is no upper layer, the absorbent core may correspond to a structure disposed between the topsheet and the lower layer, or if there is no lower layer, the absorbent core is the upper layer and the backsheet. May correspond to a structure disposed between the two. When there is no upper layer and lower layer, the absorbent core may correspond to the entire structure disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet of the absorbent article. The substrate layer and the cover layer may comprise a nonwoven fabric, tissue or film, or a combination thereof, or may be composed of a nonwoven fabric, tissue or film, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, “absorbent structure” refers to one of the following structures:
a. The absorbent core of the absorbent article includes superabsorbent polymer particles sandwiched between two layers, an upper layer and a lower layer, with no superabsorbent polymer particles above and below the upper layer If the absorbent core of the absorbent article. The upper layer corresponds to the base layer or cover layer of the absorbent core closest to the top sheet of the article, and the lower layer corresponds to the base layer or cover layer of the absorbent core closest to the back sheet of the absorbent article.
b. The absorbent core of the absorbent article combined with the top sheet of the absorbent article when the absorbent core does not include an upper layer.
c. As described above, the absorbent core of the absorbent article combined with the backsheet of the absorbent article when the absorbent core does not include a lower layer.

  As used herein, “part of the absorbent structure” refers to the part of the absorbent structure that passes through the thickness of the absorbent structure, ie, in the corresponding part, the absorbent structure. Refers to the part of the absorbent structure that includes all of the various layers that have been made.

  As used herein, “front part” and “rear part” are used to refer to the front and back waist areas of an absorbent article. The length of both the front part and the rear part is one third of the total length of the article, starting from the respective front and rear waist edges. In embodiments where the front and / or back waist edge is not configured as a straight line extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article, the length of the absorbent article is measured on the longitudinal centerline or crossed. Measured parallel to the longitudinal center line, starting from the location of the front waist edge closest to the direction center line and starting from the location of the rear waist edge closest to the transverse center line.

  In the present specification, the “crotch portion” is used to indicate a region of an article positioned at the center of the article between a front part and a rear part of the article. The length of the crotch portion is one third of the total length of the article.

  In the present specification, the “crotch point” is used to indicate a part of an article positioned at the center of the absorbent article at the intersection of the longitudinal center line and the transverse center line of the article. In the present invention, the crotch point of the article is not necessarily the absorbent core, particularly when the absorbent core is not centered on the transverse centerline of the article, that is, when the absorbent core is offset to the front side and / or the back side of the article. It should be understood that it is not located at the center of the absorbent core, ie, the intersection of the longitudinal centerline and the transverse centerline of the absorbent core.

  As used herein, the “center of the front portion” is parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the article and the transverse centerline of the article, and 1/3 transverse to the entire length of the absorbent article The point of the absorbent article arrange | positioned at the intersection with the line arrange | positioned in the predetermined distance from the direction center line is pointed out. In embodiments where the front and / or back waist edge is not configured as a straight line extending parallel to the transverse centerline of the absorbent article, the length of the absorbent article is measured on the longitudinal centerline or crossed. Measured parallel to the longitudinal center line, starting from the location of the front waist edge closest to the direction center line and starting from the location of the rear waist edge closest to the transverse center line.

  “Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” are non-limiting terms, which also include the limited terms “consist of”, “ It also includes “consisting of” or “consists of”.

  As used herein, “air felt” refers to ground wood pulp that is a form of cellulose fiber.

  As used herein, “superabsorbent polymer particles” refers to 0.9% saline solution at least 10 times its weight as measured using a centrifuge retention volume test (EDANA WSP 241.2-05). Used to refer to a resorbable crosslinked polymeric material. The superabsorbent polymer particles have a particulate form so that they can flow in a dry state. Preferred superabsorbent polymer particles of the present invention are made from poly (meth) acrylic acid polymers. However, for example, starch-based superabsorbent polymer particles are also within the scope of the present invention.

  As used herein, “thermoplastic adhesive material” refers to a polymer composition that can form fibers and is added to superabsorbent polymer particles for the purpose of fixing the superabsorbent polymer particles in both dry and wet states. Used to point at things. The thermoplastic adhesive material of the present invention preferably forms a fiber network on the superabsorbent polymer particles.

  As used herein, the term “nonwoven fabric” refers to an artificial sheet, web, or bat of fibers that are unidirectionally or irregularly oriented and fixed by friction and / or adhesion and / or adhesion. Paper, and woven, knitted, tufted, stitchbonded incorporating thread or filament bonds, or felted by wet milling, whether or not to sew. except. The fibers may be of natural or artificial origin, short fibers or continuous filaments, or may be formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm and come in several different forms: short fibers (known as staples or chopped fibers), continuous monofilaments (filaments) Or monofilament), untwisted bundles of continuous filaments (tau yarns), and continuous filament twist bundles (knitting yarns). Nonwoven fabric fibers can be formed by a number of processes such as melt blowing, spunbonding, solvent spinning, electrostatic spinning, and carding. The basis weight of the nonwoven fiber is usually expressed in grams per square meter (gsm).

  In this specification, “attached” means a configuration in which the first element is directly fixed to another element by being directly attached to the second element, or the first element is connected to the third intermediate member. Pointing to a configuration in which the first element is indirectly secured to the second element by attaching to the second element, and then the third intermediate member (s) is attached to the second element. used. The attachment means may include adhesive bonding, thermal adhesion, pressure adhesion, ultrasonic adhesion, dynamic mechanical adhesion, or any other suitable attachment means known in the art, or a combination of these attachment means.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 10 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The absorbent article 10 is shown in its unfolded, non-shrinked (no elastic contraction) state, and a portion of the absorbent article 10 is cut away to more clearly show the underlying structure of the diaper 10. . The part of the absorbent article 10 that comes into contact with the wearer faces the observer in FIG. The absorbent article 10 generally includes a chassis 12 and an absorbent core 14 disposed in the chassis 12.

  The chassis 12 of the absorbent article 10 in FIG. 1 may constitute the main body of the absorbent article 10. The chassis 12 may include an outer cover 16 that includes a topsheet 18 that may be liquid permeable and / or a backsheet 20 that may be liquid impermeable. The absorbent core 14 may be wrapped between the top sheet 18 and the back sheet 20. The chassis 12 may further include a side panel 22, an elastic leg cuff 24, and an elastic waist mechanism 26.

  Each leg cuff 24 and elastic waist mechanism 26 may typically include an elastic member 28. One end portion of the absorbent article 10 is configured as a front portion 30, and the other end portion is configured as a rear portion 32 of the absorbent article 10. An intermediate portion of the absorbent article 10 is configured as a crotch portion 34 extending in the longitudinal direction between the front portion 30 and the rear portion 32.

  The absorbent article 10 is shown in FIG. 1 with its longitudinal centerline 36 and its transverse centerline 38. The periphery 40 of the absorbent article 10 is defined by the outer edge of the absorbent article 10, and the longitudinal edge 42 extends generally parallel to the longitudinal centerline 36 of the absorbent article 10, and the front waist edge 43 and the rear side The waist edge 44 extends between the longitudinal edges 42 generally parallel to the transverse centerline 38 of the absorbent article 10. The chassis 12 may also include a fastening system, which may include at least one fastening member 46 and at least one landing area 48.

  In addition, other mechanisms known in the art (including front and rear ear panels, waist cap mechanisms, elastic materials, etc.) are mounted on the absorbent article 10 to improve fit, sealing power, and aesthetic characteristics. It is possible. Such additional mechanisms are well known in the art and are described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 3,860,003 and 5,151,092.

  In order to hold the absorbent article 10 in place around the wearer, at least a portion of the front portion 30 is attached to at least a portion of the rear portion 32 by a fastening member 46 to provide a leg opening ( S) and the waist of the article can be formed. When fastened, the fastening system supports the tensile load around the waist of the article. The fastening system allows the user of the article to hold one element of the fastening system, such as the fastening member 46, and connect the front portion 30 to the rear portion 32 in at least two locations. This can be achieved by manipulating the coupling strength between the elements of the fastening device.

  According to certain embodiments, the absorbent article 10 may comprise a reclosable fastening system or may be provided in the form of a pant-type diaper. If the absorbent article is a diaper, the absorbent article may include a reclosable fastening system joined to the chassis to secure the diaper to the wearer. When the absorbent article is a pant diaper, the article can include at least two side panels joined together to form a pant.

Absorbent structure The absorbent structure comprises superabsorbent polymer particles.

  One or more portions of the absorbent structure may be the weight of a portion of the absorbent structure (any substrate layer and / or cover layer that may be included in a portion of the absorbent structure, and / or Or excluding the weight of the topsheet and / or backsheet) at least 90% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles. The one or more substrate layers and cover layers may comprise a nonwoven fabric, tissue or film, or a combination thereof, or may be composed of a nonwoven fabric, tissue or film, or a combination thereof.

  One of the one or more parts of the absorbent structure may be centered on the center of the front part of the article and / or of one or more parts of the absorbent structure One may be centered on the crotch point of the article.

At least one of the one or more portions of the absorbent structure may have a surface area of 30 cm ² or more. Alternatively, each of the one or more parts may have a surface area of 30 cm ² or more.

At least one of the one or more parts of the absorbent structure having a surface area of 30 cm ² or more may surround a circular region. Alternatively, each of the one or more parts of the absorbent structure having a surface area of 30 cm ² or more may surround a circular region.

  One or more portions of the absorbent structure may include at least 95% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles.

  One or more portions of the absorbent structure may include at least 98% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles.

  One or more portions of the absorbent structure may comprise at least 99% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles.

  The entire absorbent structure may comprise at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 98%, even more preferably at least 99% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles.

  Absorbent articles containing a high proportion of superabsorbent polymer particles are in a dry state compared to the thickness of conventional absorbent articles that have a larger amount of conventional absorbent materials such as air felt in addition to superabsorbent polymer particles. These embodiments are particularly preferred because they typically have a reduced thickness. The reduced thickness helps to improve fit and comfort when the article is placed on the wearer.

  One or more parts of the absorbent structure are measured in accordance with the K (t) test method presented below for less than 440 seconds, or less than 400 seconds, or less than 350 seconds, or 300 seconds An absorption achievement time (T20) of 20 g / g of less than or less than 250 seconds is required.

  The absorption achievement time (T20) of 20 g / g can be 50-440 seconds, or 100-350 seconds, or 150-300 seconds, as measured according to the K (t) test method presented below.

One or more parts of the absorbent structure have a 20 minute porous permeability (K20) of at least 2.9 · 10 ⁻⁸ cm ² when measured according to the K (t) test method. obtain.

Absorbent structure, when measured in accordance with K (t) test method presented below, of at least 2.95 ^{· 10} -8 cm ^2, or at least 3 ^{· 10} -8 cm ^2, or 2.95 - 10 ⁻⁸ cm ^{2 to} 1.0 · 10 ⁻⁶ cm ² , or 2.95 · 10 ⁻⁸ cm ^{2 to} 1.0 · 10 ⁻⁷ cm ² , or 3.0 · 10 ^{−8 to} 1.0 -You may have the effective transmittance | permeability (K20) of 10 ^<-7> cm ^{< 2 >} for 20 minutes.

  One or more parts of the absorbent structure are greater than 0.75, or greater than 0.8, or greater than 0.9, as measured according to the K (t) test method presented below. It may have a ratio between the minimum effective transmittance and the transmittance at 20 minutes (Kmin / K20 ratio). In such embodiments, temporary gel blocking is minimal and the liquid effluent passes through the voids that exist between the particles throughout the entire swelling process, especially in the initial part of the most important swelling stage in the initial ejection. Can move quickly.

  The absorption at 20 minutes (U20) of one or more parts of the absorbent structure is at least 24 g / g, or at least 24.5 g / g when measured according to the K (t) test method presented below. g, or 24 g / g to 60 g / g, or 24.5 g / g to 50 g / g, or 24.5 g / g to 40 g / g.

  In some embodiments, the values of T20, K20, and U20 mentioned in the preamble are met.

  Absorbent articles comprising such an absorbent structure have improved absorbent properties and therefore reduced leakage, especially in the initial ejection, compared to prior art absorbent articles. Such an absorbent structure is particularly suitable for use in absorbent articles.

The absorbent core some embodiments, the absorbent core, the average amount per area of 50~2200g / ^{m 2,} or 100 to 1500 g / ^{m 2,} or superabsorbent polymer particles of 200 to 1000 g / ^{m 2} Including.

In some embodiments, the absorbent core is 100-1500 g / m ² , or 150-1000 g / m ² , or 200-900 g / m ² , or 400-700 g / m ² superabsorbent in the crotch portion of the article. The average amount per area of the conductive polymer particles is included. The absorbent article includes a sufficient amount of superabsorbent polymer particles to have good absorbent properties in addition to being thin enough to provide a fit and comfort to the wearer. However, although the superabsorbent polymer particles are also present in the front and rear portions, the amount may be small (or may not be present) particularly in the rear portion. In some embodiments, the absorbent core is less than 300 g / ^{m 2} in the rear part of the article, or 200 g / ^m less than ^2, or 25~300g / ^{m 2,} or 50 to 200 g / ^{m 2,} or 50 Includes an average amount per surface area of 100 g / m ² superabsorbent polymer particles.

  In some embodiments, the absorbent core may further include a small amount of absorbent material (eg, air felt) other than superabsorbent polymer particles.

  In some embodiments, the absorbent core typically comprises less than 5% by weight of air felt, preferably less than 2%, more preferably no air felt. In some embodiments, the absorbent structure may not include air felt.

  The absorbent core, when measured according to the test method presented below, is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm, even more preferably less than 1.5 mm or even 0.1 to 10 mm at the crotch point of the article. , Preferably 0.2 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 3 mm, and still more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm. Therefore, the absorbent core is sufficiently thin compared to the conventional air felt-containing absorbent core. As a result, fit and comfort are substantially improved.

Superabsorbent polymer particles The superabsorbent polymer particles useful in the present invention may be in various shapes. The term “particle” refers to granules, fibers, flakes, spheres, powders, platelets, and other shapes and forms known to those skilled in the art of superabsorbent polymer particles. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles may be in the form of fibers, i.e. elongated needle-like superabsorbent polymer particles. In such embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particle fibers have a small dimension (ie, fiber diameter) of less than about 1 mm, usually less than about 500 μm, or preferably less than 250 μm to 50 μm. The length of the fiber is preferably about 3 mm to about 100 mm. The fibers may also be in the form of long filaments that can be woven.

  Alternatively, in some preferred embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles of the present invention are spherical particles. According to the present invention, in contrast to fibers, “spherical particles” have the longest and shortest dimensions in which the ratio of the longest particle size to the shortest particle size of the fine particles is in the range of 1 to 5, and the value 1 is equal to a perfect spherical particle and a value of 5 can deviate somewhat from such a spherical particle. In such embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles have a particle size of less than 850 μm, or 50 to 850 μm, preferably 100 to 500 μm, more preferably 150 to 300 μm, as measured according to EDANA method WSP 220.2-05. You may have. Superabsorbent polymer particles having a relatively small particle size help to increase the surface area of the absorbent material that comes into contact with the liquid effluent, thus helping to quickly absorb the liquid effluent.

  Superabsorbent polymer particles useful in the present invention include various water-swellable polymers that are water-insoluble but can absorb large amounts of fluid. Such polymeric materials are generally known in the art.

  Suitable superabsorbent polymer particles include, for example, reverse phase suspension polymerization as described in US Pat. Nos. 4,340,706 and 5,849,816, or US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0192035. No., 2009/0258994, and 2010/0068520, and can be obtained from spray liquid phase dispersion polymerization or other gas phase dispersion polymerization. In some embodiments, suitable superabsorbent polymer particles are obtained by state-of-the-art manufacturing processes as described in more detail in WO 2006/083584, page 12, line 23 to page 20, line 27. be able to.

  In some embodiments, the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles may be coated. In such embodiments, the coating makes the surface sticky and the superabsorbent polymer particles cannot be easily dislocated when wet (and therefore do not close the voids).

  In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles may be coated with a cationic polymer. Preferred cationic polymers may include polyamine or polyimine materials that react with at least one component contained in body fluids, particularly urine. Preferred polyamine materials include (1) polymers having primary amine groups (eg, polyvinylamine, polyallylamine), (2) polymers having secondary amine groups (eg, polyethyleneimine), and (3) third It can be selected from the group consisting of polymers having secondary amine groups (eg, poly N, N-dimethylalkylamine).

  Practical examples of cationic polymers are, for example, polyethyleneimine, modified polyethyleneimine crosslinked with epihalohydrin to the extent that it is soluble in water, polyamine, modified polyamidoamine by grafting of ethyleneimine, polyetheramine, polyvinylamine, polyalkylamine, polyamide Polyamine and polyallylamine.

  In preferred embodiments, the cationic polymer has a weight average molecular weight of at least 500, more preferably 5,000, most preferably 10,000 or greater. The cationic polymer having a weight average molecular weight exceeding 500 or more is not limited to a polymer showing a single maximum value (peak) in molecular weight analysis by gel permeation chromatography, and a cation having a weight average molecular weight of 500 or more. Sex polymers can also be used that exhibit multiple maxima (peaks).

  The preferred amount of cationic polymer is about 0.05 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably about 0.3 to 10 parts by weight, and most preferably about 0.5 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles. Part range.

  In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles may be coated with a chitosan material such as that disclosed in US Pat. No. 7,537,832 (B2).

  In some other embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles can include mixed bed ion exchange absorbent polymers such as those disclosed in WO99 / 34841 and 99/34842.

  As already mentioned above, the absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles having a high SFC value and a high FSR value, especially in the initial ejection, i.e. when the dried superabsorbent polymer particles first contact the liquid. Does not automatically result in a short capture time of the liquid discharge. Without being bound by theory, dry superabsorbent polymer particles have a lower diffusivity of water into dry superabsorbent polymer particles than water diffusivity into wet superabsorbent polymer particles. Typically, it absorbs less water than wet superabsorbent polymer particles.

  So far, the absorption properties regarding the initial absorption of dried absorbent structures containing superabsorbent polymer particles have not yet been investigated. Rather, there has been an emphasis on the salt flow conductivity (SFC) of superabsorbent polymer particles, measured at equilibrium and thus measured at a stage away from the initial liquid absorption. In absorbent structures that contain a significant amount of air felt in addition to superabsorbent polymer particles, the air felt provides temporary storage of the liquid that enters the absorbent core, and the superabsorbent polymer particles are somewhat delayed in the surroundings. Liquid can be absorbed from the air felt. However, even in absorbent articles that do not contain air felt as disclosed in the prior art, the permeability of superabsorbent polymer particles is always measured at equilibrium, and thus dry superabsorbent upon initial exposure to liquid. The behavior of the conductive polymer particles is not considered. The inventors of the present invention carefully investigated the behavior of absorbent structures comprising superabsorbent polymer particles upon initial exposure to liquids. The inventors have discovered that certain absorbent structures that contain superabsorbent polymer particles and contain no or very little air felt, yet not publicly available, perform excellently. Excellent performance resulted in improved liquid capture and thus reduced risk of leakage. When a dry absorbent structure containing superabsorbent polymer particles absorbs against a sealing pressure, it has a superior absorbent structure containing superabsorbent polymer particles in terms of the time it takes to reach a certain liquid absorption. I know I can explain. This made it possible to intentionally and easily select these newly developed absorbent structures without the need for further extensive investigation and testing.

In some embodiments, the absorbent structure is expressed as a UPM (urine permeability measurement) value of greater than 50, preferably greater than 60, or 50-500, or 55-200, or 60-150 UPM units. 1 UPM unit is 1 × 10 ⁻⁷ (cm ³ · sec) / g.

  The UPM value is measured according to the UPM test method presented below. This method is closely related to the prior art SFC test method. UPM test methods typically measure the flow resistance of a pre-swelled layer of superabsorbent polymer particles, ie, the flow resistance is measured at equilibrium. Accordingly, those superabsorbent polymer particles having high UPM values have high permeability when a significant volume of the absorbent article is already wetted by the liquid effluent. Absorbent structures containing such superabsorbent polymer particles have good absorption properties not only in the initial ejection but also in the subsequent ejection.

  In some embodiments, the absorbent structure is greater than 0.1 g / g / s, or 0.1-2 g / g / s, or 0.3-1 g / g / s, or 0.3- Superabsorbent polymer particles having an FSR (free swell ratio) of 0.6 g / g / s, or 0.4 to 0.6 g / g / s may be included.

  The free swelling rate of the superabsorbent polymer particles is measured according to the FSR test method presented below. Absorbent structures comprising superabsorbent polymer particles with high free swell values will be able to absorb liquids quickly without sealing pressure. Contrary to the K (t) test method, no external pressure is applied to the gel bed for the measurement of the free swelling rate. Absorbent structures comprising superabsorbent polymer particles with very low FSR values should take less than 440 seconds to achieve an absorption of 20 g / g when measured according to the K (t) test method of the present invention. Therefore, the liquid effluent will not be absorbed as fast as necessary. However, as mentioned above, absorbent structures comprising superabsorbent polymer particles with high FSR values do not automatically yield high absorption values when measured according to the K (t) test method.

  In some embodiments, the absorbent structure is greater than 20 g / g, or greater than 24 g / g, or 20-50 g / g, or 20-40 g, as measured according to EDANA method WSP 241.2-05. / G, or superabsorbent polymer particles having a CRC (centrifuge retention capacity) value of 24-30 g / g. CRC measures the liquid absorbed by superabsorbent polymer particles that swell freely in excess liquid.

  Absorbent structures comprising superabsorbent polymer particles having a high CRC value are desirable because they require a smaller amount of superabsorbent polymer particles to facilitate the overall volume required for liquid absorption.

  In some embodiments, the absorbent article may have an initial ejection capture time of less than 30 seconds, preferably less than 27 seconds, as measured according to the flat capture test method presented below. This capture time is for infant diapers designed for wearers with weights ranging from 8 to 13 kg ± 20% (eg, Size 4 for Papers Active Fit or size 4 for other Pampers infant diapers, Huggies infants Measured with size 4 for baby diapers, or size 4) for most other brand names for infant diapers. An absorbent article comprising superabsorbent polymer particles and an absorbent structure that takes less than 440 seconds to achieve an absorption of 20 g / g as measured according to the K (t) test method is As shown in the example section, compared to prior art absorbent articles, it can provide faster capture times, particularly at the initial ejection, thus reducing leakage.

Absorbent Core Structure Examples of the absorbent core of the present invention are shown below. However, the present invention is not limited to such an absorbent core.

  In some embodiments, the absorbent core 14 includes an absorbent layer 60, as illustrated in FIGS. The base material layer 64 of the absorbent layer 60 is sometimes referred to as a dusting layer and has a first surface 78 facing the backsheet 20 of the diaper 10 and a second surface 80 facing the superabsorbent polymer particles 66. . According to some embodiments, the substrate layer 64 is a nonwoven material, such as a multilayer nonwoven material having a spunbond layer as an outer layer and one or more meltblown layers between the spunbond layers. Examples include, but are not limited to, SMS materials that include a spunbond layer, a meltblown layer, and a further spunbond layer. The absorbent layer 60 may include a cover layer 70 as illustrated in FIG. The cover layer 70 may be a non-woven material, for example, a multi-layer non-woven material having a spunbond layer as an outer layer and one or more meltblown layers between the spunbond layers, including a spunbond layer, Examples include, but are not limited to, SMS materials including a meltblown layer and an additional spunbond layer. In some embodiments, the substrate layer 64 and the cover layer 70 are made of the same material.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 may be disposed on the substrate layer 64 as a group 90 of particles composed of land regions 94 and junction regions 96 between the land regions 94. As defined herein, land area 94 is an area where the thermoplastic adhesive material is not in direct contact with the nonwoven substrate or auxiliary adhesive, and bonding area 96 is where the thermoplastic adhesive material is non-woven. This is the area that comes into direct contact with the substrate or auxiliary adhesive. Bonding region 96 contains little or no superabsorbent polymer particles 66. The land region 94 and the junction region 96 can have various shapes, including but not limited to circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like.

  As a result, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 secures the material by providing cavities and holding the superabsorbent polymer particles 66. In another aspect, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 binds to the substrate layer 64 and thus secures the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 to the substrate layer 64. In some other embodiments, the thermoplastic adhesive material 68 will also at least partially penetrate both the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and the substrate layer 64, thus providing further fixation and anchoring.

  In some other embodiments, the absorbent core 14 may include two absorbent layers, a first absorbent layer 60 and a second absorbent layer 62. As best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first absorbent layer 60 of the absorbent core 14 comprises a substrate layer 64, superabsorbent polymer particles 66 on the substrate layer 64, and superabsorbent polymer particles 66. And thermoplastic adhesive material 68 above. Although not shown, the first absorbent layer 60 may also include a cover layer, such as the cover layer 70 shown in FIG.

  Similarly, as best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second absorbent layer 62 of the absorbent core 14 also includes a substrate layer 72, superabsorbent polymer particles 74 on the second substrate layer 72, And a thermoplastic adhesive material 76 on the absorbent polymer particles 74. Although not shown, the second absorbent layer 62 may also include a cover layer, such as the cover layer 70 shown in FIG. As described above, the base material layer 64 of the first absorbent layer 60 is sometimes called a dusting layer, and faces the first surface 78 facing the back sheet 20 of the diaper 10 and the superabsorbent polymer particles 66. A second surface 80. Similarly, the base material layer 72 of the second absorbent layer 62 may be referred to as a core cover, and the first surface 82 facing the top sheet 18 of the diaper 10 and the second surface facing the superabsorbent polymer particles 74. 84. The first base material layer 64 and the second base material layer 72 are attached to each other by an adhesive at the periphery of the outer periphery, and a wrapping for holding the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74 in the absorbent core 14 is obtained. It may be formed around superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74.

  The region of the absorbent core 14 that includes the superabsorbent polymer particles can vary depending on the desired use of the absorbent core 14 and the particular absorbent article 10 in which the absorbent core 14 can be incorporated. However, in some embodiments, the region of superabsorbent polymer particles extends over substantially the entire absorbent core 14. In some other embodiments, the region of superabsorbent polymer particles extends across the absorbent core 14 at the crotch portion 34 of the absorbent article 10, while the region of superabsorbent polymer particles is absorbent. The absorbent article 14 does not extend over the entire front part and rear part of the absorbent article 10.

  The first absorbent layer 60 and the second absorbent layer 62 may be combined with each other to form the absorbent core 14 so that the superabsorbent on the substrate layer 64 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The layers can be shifted so that the polymer particles 66 and the superabsorbent polymer particles 74 on the substrate layer 72 are distributed substantially continuously across the region of the superabsorbent polymer particles. In some embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74 are superabsorbent despite being grouped 90 and discontinuously distributed across the first substrate layer 64 and the second substrate layer 72. Polymer particles 66 and 74 are distributed substantially continuously across the region of superabsorbent polymer particles. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the land region 94 of the first absorbent layer 60 faces the junction region 96 of the second absorbent layer 62, and the land region of the second absorbent layer 62 is the first The absorbing layer can be shifted so as to face the bonding region 96 of the one absorbing layer 60. When the land region 94 and the joining region 96 are appropriately adjusted in size, the resulting superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74 combination is a superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent core 14 as shown in FIG. 5A. A substantially continuous layer of superabsorbent polymer particles across the region of the particles (ie, the first substrate layer 64 and the second substrate layer 72 do not form a plurality of pockets, with the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 in between. And 74 groups 90 respectively).

  The amount of superabsorbent polymer particles may or may not vary along the length of the core, and typically the core is measured for distribution along its length. In many absorbent articles, such as diapers, it has been found that liquid discharge occurs mainly in the front half of the diaper. Thus, the front half of the absorbent core 14 should contain the majority of the absorbent capacity of the core. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the front half of the absorbent core 14 is greater than about 60% of the superabsorbent polymer particles or about 65%, 70%, 75 of the superabsorbent polymer particles. %, 80%, 85%, or more than 90%.

  Typically, the thermoplastic adhesive material can serve to at least partially fix the superabsorbent polymer particles in both dry and wet conditions. The thermoplastic adhesive material may be disposed essentially uniformly between the superabsorbent polymer particles. However, typically the thermoplastic adhesive material may be provided as a fibrous layer that is at least partially in contact with the superabsorbent polymer particles and partially in contact with the substrate layer. Typically, the thermoplastic adhesive material of the present invention forms a fiber network on superabsorbent polymer particles. Typically, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74 are provided as discontinuous layers and the layers of fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and 76 are superabsorbent. Overlying the layer of polymer particles 66 and 74 so that the thermoplastic adhesive materials 68 and 76 are in direct contact with the superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74 but the second surface of the substrate layers 64 and 72 Also in direct contact with 80 and 84, where the substrate layer is not covered by superabsorbent polymer particles 66 and 74. This inherently affects the fibrous layers of thermoplastic adhesive materials 68 and 76, which are themselves two-dimensional structures that are relatively small in thickness relative to their longitudinal and width dimensions. Gives a three-dimensional structure. In other words, the thermoplastic adhesive materials 68 and 76 are wavy between the superabsorbent polymer particles 68 and 76 and the second surfaces of the substrate layers 64 and 72.

  The thermoplastic adhesive material may provide cavities for embedding superabsorbent polymer particles, thereby securing these particles. In another aspect, the thermoplastic adhesive material bonds to the substrate layer and thus secures the superabsorbent polymer particles to the substrate layer. Some thermoplastic adhesive materials will also penetrate both the superabsorbent polymer particles and the substrate layer, thus providing further fixation and anchoring. Of course, the thermoplastic adhesive materials disclosed herein improve wet fixing (i.e., fixing of the absorbent material when the article is at least partially loaded) while these thermoplastic adhesive materials. Can fix the absorbent material very well even when the absorbent core is dry. The thermoplastic adhesive material is sometimes referred to as a hot melt adhesive.

  Without being bound by theory, it has been found that the most useful thermoplastic adhesive materials for fixing superabsorbent polymer particles have both good agglomeration and good adhesion behavior. Good adhesion can promote good contact between the thermoplastic adhesive material, the superabsorbent polymer particles and the substrate layer. Excellent cohesiveness reduces the possibility of the adhesive breaking, particularly in response to external forces, i.e. strains. When the absorbent core absorbs the liquid, the superabsorbent polymer particles swell and expose the thermoplastic adhesive material to external forces. The thermoplastic adhesive material can allow such swelling without breaking and without applying a large compressive force that inhibits the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer particles.

  The thermoplastic adhesive material as a whole is a single thermoplastic polymer or blend of thermoplastic polymers having a softening point in the range of 50 ° C. to 300 ° C. as measured by ASTM Method D-36-95 “Ring and Ball Method”. Alternatively, or alternatively, the thermoplastic adhesive material comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer in combination with other thermoplastic diluents such as tackifier resins, plasticizers, and additives such as antioxidants. It may be a hot melt adhesive. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer typically has a molecular weight (Mw) greater than 10,000 and a glass transition temperature (Tg) that is usually less than room temperature or −6 ° C. <Tg <16 ° C. In some embodiments, typical concentrations of polymer in the hot melt are in the range of about 20 to about 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may be non-water sensitive. Exemplary polymers are (styrene) block copolymers including ABA ternary block structures, AB binary block structures, and (AB) n radial block copolymer structures, where the A block is It is a non-elastomeric polymer block typically made of polystyrene, and the B block is an unsaturated conjugated diene or its (partial) hydrogenated product. The B block is typically isoprene, butadiene, ethylene / butylene (hydrogenated butadiene), ethylene / propylene (hydrogenated isoprene), or mixtures thereof.

  Other suitable thermoplastic polymers that can be used include metallocene polyolefins, which are ethylene polymers prepared using single site or metallocene catalysts. In that case, at least one comonomer can be polymerized with ethylene to prepare a copolymer, terpolymer, or higher order polymer. Also usable are amorphous polyolefins or amorphous polyalphaolefins (APAO) which are homopolymers, copolymers or terpolymers of C2 to C8 alpha olefins.

  In some embodiments, the thermoplastic adhesive material is present in the form of fibers. In some of these embodiments, the fibers have an average thickness of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, or about 1 to about 35 micrometers, and an average length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm or about 5 mm to about 30 mm. In order to improve the adhesion of the thermoplastic adhesive material to the substrate layer or any other layer, in particular any other nonwoven layer, such a layer may be pretreated with an auxiliary adhesive.

  In certain embodiments, the thermoplastic adhesive material is in an amount of 0.5-30 g / m 2, 1-15 g / m 2, 1-10 g / m 2, or even 1.5-5 g / m 2 per substrate layer. Applied on the substrate layer.

  Exemplary thermoplastic adhesive material 68 and thermoplastic adhesive material 76 are at least 30,000 Pa and less than 300,000 Pa, or less than 200,000 Pa, or 140,000 Pa to 200,000 Pa, or less than 100,000 Pa. May have a storage modulus G ′ measured at 20 ° C. In a further aspect, the storage modulus G ′ measured at 35 ° C. may be greater than 80,000 Pa. In a further aspect, the storage modulus G ′ measured at 60 ° C. is less than 300,000 Pa and greater than 18,000 Pa, greater than 24,000 Pa, or greater than 30,000 Pa, or It may be greater than 90,000 Pa. In a further aspect, the storage modulus G ′ measured at 90 ° C. may be less than 200,000 Pa and greater than 10,000 Pa, greater than 20,000 Pa, or greater than 30,000 Pa. Good. The storage modulus measured at 60 ° C. and 90 ° C. can be a measure of the shape stability of the thermoplastic adhesive material at high ambient temperatures. This value is especially true when absorbent products are used in high temperature climates where the thermoplastic adhesive material loses its integrity unless the storage modulus G ′ at 60 ° C. and 90 ° C. is sufficiently high. is important.

  G 'is measured using a rheometer as schematically shown in FIG. 6 for general explanation only. The rheometer 627 can apply shear stress to the adhesive and measure the strain (shear deformation) response generated at a constant temperature. The adhesive is placed between a Peltier element acting as a lower fixing plate 628 and an upper plate 629 having a radius R of 10 mm, which is connected to the motor drive shaft to generate shear stress. The gap between both plates has a height H of 1500 micrometers. The temperature of the material can be controlled by a Peltier element (+ 0.5 ° C.). The strain amplitude is set to 0.05%, the strain frequency is set to 1 Hz, and the cooling rate is set to 2 ° C./min (starting temperature is 150 ° C. or higher, end temperature is −5 ° C.).

  The absorbent core may also include an auxiliary adhesive not illustrated in the drawings. In order to increase the adhesion of the superabsorbent polymer particles and the thermoplastic adhesive material to the respective substrate layer, an auxiliary adhesive is applied on the substrate layer before applying the superabsorbent polymer particles on the substrate layer. You may arrange. The auxiliary adhesive can also help to fix the superabsorbent polymer particles and may include the same thermoplastic adhesive materials as described above or include sprayable hot melt adhesives. However, the adhesive may include other adhesives. Examples of commercially available auxiliary adhesives are described in H.C. B. Fuller Co. (St. Paul, MN) product number HL-1620-B. The auxiliary adhesive may be applied to the substrate layer by any suitable means, but according to some embodiments, is applied about 0.5 to about 2 mm apart with a slot about 0.5 to about 1 mm wide. May be.

Topsheet The absorbent article 10 may include a topsheet 18 that may be liquid permeable. The top sheet 18 is made of a woven or non-woven material; a polymer material such as a perforated molded thermoplastic film, a perforated plastic film, and a hydroformed thermoplastic film; a porous foam; a reticulated foam; a reticulated thermoplastic film. As well as a wide range of materials such as thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and non-woven materials are natural fibers (eg, wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polymeric fibers such as polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers May be included.

  In some embodiments, the topsheet 18 may be made of a hydrophobic material to isolate the wearer's skin from liquid that has passed through the topsheet 18. In such embodiments, at least a portion of the top surface of the topsheet 18 is treated to be hydrophilic so that liquid can move more quickly through the topsheet 18. This reduces the tendency for body effluent to flow out of the topsheet 18 without being drawn through the topsheet 18 and absorbed by the absorbent core. The top sheet 18 can be made hydrophilic by being treated with a surfactant. Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 18 with a surfactant include spraying the topsheet material with a surfactant and immersing the material in the surfactant.

  In some embodiments, the topsheet comprises a perforated molded film. Perforated molded films are permeable to liquid effluents, but are non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to reverse the liquid and rewet the wearer's skin. Therefore, by keeping the surface of the molded film in contact with the body in a dry state, the dirt on the body is reduced and the comfort of the wearer is further improved. Suitable molded films are described in US Pat. No. 3,929,135, “Absorbable Structures Having Tapered Capillaries” (December 30, 1975, Thompson), US Pat. No. 4,324,246, “Disposable Absentative Histology. Topsheet "(April 13, 1982, Mullane et al.), No. 4,342,314," Resilient Plastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties "(August 3, 1982, Radel et al.), 4,463, 1992. No. 045 “Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensiona Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and Close-Like Tactile Impression ”(July 31, 1984, Ahr et al.) And No. 5,006,394“ Multilayer Polymer 19 ” Baird).

  Alternatively, the topsheet comprises a perforated nonwoven material. Suitable perforated nonwoven materials are described in US Pat. No. 5,342,338 and WO 93/19715.

Backsheet The absorbent article may include a backsheet 20 that can be attached to the topsheet. The backsheet can prevent discharges absorbed by the absorbent core and contained in the diaper from contaminating other external articles that may come in contact with diapers such as bed sheets and underwear. In some embodiments, the backsheet may be substantially impermeable to liquid (eg, urine) and is about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm ( 2.0 mil) thick laminate with a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film. Suitable backsheet films include Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Indiana. Manufactured under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the diaper while still preventing liquid effluent from passing through the backsheet. Typical breathable materials include composite materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, film coated nonwoven webs, etc., as well as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co. in Japan under the name ESPOIR NO. Microporous film and EXXAIRE Co. under the name EXXAIRE. A material such as a microporous film manufactured by (Bay City, Tex.) Can be mentioned. A suitable breathable composite material comprising a polymer blend is available from Clopay Corporation (Cincinnati, OH) under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathable composite materials are disclosed in E.I. I. This is described in more detail in PCT application WO 95/16746 published June 22, 1995 under the name DuPont. Other breathable backsheets such as nonwoven webs and perforated molded films are described in US Pat. No. 5,571,096 issued Nov. 5, 1996 to Dobrin et al.

Test method K (t) test method (dynamic effective transmittance and absorptivity measurement test method)
This method measures the time-dependent effective transmittance (K (t)) and absorptance of an absorbent structure containing superabsorbent polymer particles under confining pressure. The purpose of this method is an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles when the polymer is present in a high concentration in the absorbent article and is subjected to mechanical pressure as typically occurs during use of the absorbent article. To assess the body's ability to capture and distribute body fluids. For the calculation of the effective transmittance, Darcy's law and the steady flow method are used (see below) (see, for example, “Absorbency” (1982, pages 42-43) edited by PK Chatterjee, Elsevier) and J. M. Coulson. And J. F. Richardson, “Chemical Engineering Vol. II, Third Edition” (Pergamon Press, 1978, pages 122-127).

  Unlike previously published methods, the sample does not swell in advance, so hydrogel-forming superabsorbent polymer particles do not form a hydrogel by pre-swelling in synthetic urine, but measured using a dry structure To start.

  The device used in this method is called “Zeitabanger Durchlasigkeitsprufstand” or “Time-Dependent Transmittance Tester” device number 03-080578 and is commercially available from BRANUN GmbH (Frankfurter Str. 145, 61476, Germany). This will be described below. Operation instructions, wiring diagrams, and detailed drafting are also available upon request.

Dynamic Effective Transmittance and Absorption Rate Measurement System FIG. 7 shows a dynamic effective transmission and absorption rate measurement system, referred to herein as a “time-dependent transmittance tester”.

The device consists of the following main parts.
-M11 digital laser sensor 701 for thickness measurement (MEL Mikroelektronik GmbH (85386 Eching, Germany))
-Liquid level detection fiber 702 (FU95, Keyence Corp. (Japan))
-Digital fiber sensor 703 (FS-N10, Keyence Corp. (Japan))
-Precision balance 704 (XP6002MDR, Mettler Toledo AG (8606 Greifense, Switzerland))
-Power supply Logo! Power (C98130-A7560-A1-5-7519, Siemens AG)
-Labview Software License 706 (National Instruments (Austin, Tx, USA))
-Receiving container 707 (5L glass beaker, Roth)
-Reservoir 708 (5L glass bottle, VWR) with joint 709 and air-absorbing open tube 723
-Operation unit and console 705 (Conrad Electronics)
A computerized data acquisition system 710
The piston / cylinder assembly 713 described herein;
-Control valve 714 (Burkert)

FIG. 8 shows a piston / cylinder assembly 713 that includes a piston guide lid 801, a piston 802, and a cylinder 803. The cylinder 803 is formed from a transparent polycarbonate (eg Lexan®) and has an inner diameter p (area = 28.27 cm ² ) of 6.00 cm. The cylinder inner wall 850 is smooth; the cylinder height r is about 7.50 cm. The bottom 804 of the cylinder 803 is a US standard 400 mesh stainless steel screen cloth (not shown) (e.g. Weisse and Esrich) that is biaxially stretched to a stretched state before being attached to the bottom 804 of the cylinder 803. Available). The piston 802 includes a stainless steel piston body 805 and a stainless steel head 806. The diameter q of the piston head 806 is slightly less than 6 cm so that it slides freely into the cylinder 803 without leaving a gap through which the hydrogel-forming particles pass. The piston body 805 is securely attached vertically to the center of the piston head 806. The diameter t of the piston body is about 2.2 cm. The piston body 805 is then inserted into the piston guide lid 801. The guide lid 801 has a diameter that allows the piston 802 to slide freely while still maintaining the piston body 805 completely vertical and parallel to the cylinder wall 850 even if the piston 802 is placed on the cylinder 803 with the guide lid 801. It has a POM (polyoxymethylene) ring 809. A plan view of the piston head 806 is shown in FIG. Piston head 806 is intended to apply pressure uniformly to sample 718. Also, the piston head 806 is highly permeable to hydrophilic liquid so as not to restrict the flow of liquid during measurement. Piston head 806 is constructed of a US standard 400 mesh stainless steel screen cloth 903 (e.g., available from Weisse and Esrich) that is biaxially extended to a stretched state and secured with a stainless steel outer ring 901 of the piston head. Is done. The entire lower surface of the piston is flat. Structural integrity and mesh screen flex resistance is then ensured by the stainless steel radial spokes 902. The height of the piston body 805 is selected so that the weight of the piston 802 composed of the piston body 805 and the piston head 806 is 596 g (± 6 g), which is 2.07 kPa (0 .30 psi).

  The piston guide lid 801 is a flat circular body of stainless steel having a diameter s of about 7.5 cm, maintained at its center perpendicular to the piston body 805 by a POM ring 809. The guide lid has two inlets (810 and 812).

  When the piston 802 is assembled to the cylinder 803 for measurement, the first inlet 812 is precisely positioned at 5 cm above the upper surface of a screen (not shown) attached to the bottom (804) of the cylinder 803 so that the liquid level detection fiber 702 Can be placed.

  The second inlet 810 can connect a liquid pipe 721 that supplies liquid to the test.

  To ensure consistent assembly of the piston 802 to the cylinder 803, a slit 814 is formed in the cylinder 803 that aligns the position marker 813 on the guide lid 801. In this way, the rotation angle between the cylinder and the guide lid is always the same.

  Prior to each use, the stainless steel screen cloth 903 of the piston head 806 and cylinder 803 should be inspected for clogging, holes, or overstretching and replaced as necessary. K (t) devices with damaged screens may give incorrect K (t) and absorption results and should not be used until the screen is replaced.

  A 5 cm mark 808 is drawn on the cylinder at a height k of 5.00 cm (± 0.02 cm) above the top surface of the screen attached to the bottom 804 of the cylinder 803. This is an indication of the fluid level to be maintained during the analysis. The liquid level detection fiber 702 is accurately placed on the mark 808 of 5 cm. Maintaining an accurate and constant fluid level (hydrostatic pressure) is important for measurement accuracy.

  A reservoir 708 and control valve 714 connected via tubing to a piston / cylinder assembly 713 that secures the sample supplies saline to the cylinder 803 and is 5.00 cm above the top of the screen attached to the bottom of the cylinder 804. Is used to maintain the level of the saline solution at a height k. The valve 714, the liquid level detection fiber 702, and the digital fiber sensor 703 are connected to a computerized acquisition system 710 via an operation unit 705. As a result, the dynamic effective transmittance and absorptivity measurement system uses the information from the liquid level detection fiber 702 and the digital fiber sensor 703 to control the valve 714, and finally the liquid level is marked with a mark 808 of 5 cm. Can be maintained.

  Reservoir 708 is placed on piston / cylinder assembly 713 such that a 5 cm hydrohead is formed within 15 seconds of the start of the test and is maintained in the cylinder throughout the test procedure. The piston / cylinder assembly 713 is disposed on the support ring 717 of the cover plate 716, and the first inlet 812 is fixed in place with a coupling support 719. This gives the guide lid 801 a unique position. Further, the cylinder 803 is also in a unique position by the position marker 813. The screen attached to the bottom of the cylinder 804 must be completely flat and horizontal. The support ring 717 is small enough to securely support the cylinder 803 when the cylinder is placed on the support ring 717, but should have an inner diameter greater than 6.0 cm so that it is outside the inner diameter of the cylinder. This is important to avoid that the support ring 717 obstructs any liquid flow.

  Saline added to the sample 718 with a constant head of 5 cm can now freely flow from the piston / cylinder assembly 713 into a receiving container 707 placed on a balance 704 with an accuracy of within ± 0.01 g. . The digital output of the balance is connected to a computerized data acquisition system.

  The caliper (thickness) of the sample is constantly measured by a thickness measuring digital laser sensor 701. The laser beam 720 of the digital laser sensor 701 is directed to the center of the POM cover plate 811 of the piston body. By accurately positioning all parts of the piston / cylinder assembly 713, the piston body 805 can be perfectly parallel to the laser beam 720, resulting in an accurate measurement of thickness.

Test Preparation Reservoir 708 is filled with test solution. The test solution is an aqueous solution containing 9.00 grams of sodium chloride and 1.00 grams of surfactant per liter of solution. The preparation of the test solution is described below. A receiving container 707 is placed on a balance 704 connected to a computerized data acquisition system 710. Reset the balance to zero before starting the measurement.

Test solution preparation:
Required chemicals:
-Sodium chloride (CAS # 7647-14-5, eg Merck catalog number 1.0640404.1000)
- linear _C 12 _{-C 14} alcohol ethoxylate (CAS # 68439-50-9, for example, Lorodac (TM) (Sasol, Italy))
- _H 2 O which is deionized

  Prepare 10 liters of a solution containing 9.00 grams / liter NaCl and 1.00 grams / liter linear C12-C14 alcohol ethoxalate in distilled water and equilibrate at 23 ° C ± 1 ° C for 1 hour To do. The surface tension is measured in three separate aliquots and should be 28 ± 0.5 mN / m. If the surface tension of the solution deviates from 28 ± 0.5 mN / m, discard the solution and prepare a new test solution. The test solution should be used within 36 hours of its preparation, after which it is considered expired.

K (t) Sample Preparation Obtain a representative circular section of an absorbent structure with a diameter of 6.00 cm. This part of the absorbent article may be a suitable circular die and hydraulic cutter, such as the Electro-Hydraulic Alfa Cutter 240-10 available in the Thwing-Albert instrument company (14 W. Collings Ave. West Berlin, NJ 08901). N).

  The circular sample 118 is carefully placed flat on a screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 204 of the cylinder 203 so as to occupy all available surfaces on the screen. In order to reproduce the general flow direction in use, it is important to place the circular sample 118 in such a way that the surface in direct contact with the screen is usually the surface farther from the liquid source. For samples relating to absorbent articles such as diapers, for example, the surface normally facing the wearer should be placed up, while the surface facing the garment is in contact with the screen at the bottom of the cylinder. Should be placed. Careful placement of the sample is important for measurement accuracy. In the case where the absorbent article has a small diameter and a 6.0 cm diameter sample is not available therefrom, two absorbent structures of equal dimensions can be combined to obtain the minimum sample size required. Is possible. Two samples need to be taken at the same location from two identical absorbent structures. The two absorbent structures need to be joined through a straight edge and are cut to obtain such a straight edge if necessary. It is intended that the combined edges reproduce a flat homogeneous layer with no gaps or only minimal gaps. This bonded layer is then handled according to the standard sample preparation described above, and further care is taken to center the bond line in the cutting die so that two semicircles of identical shape are obtained. Carefully place both semicircles in the sample holder so as to reproduce a complete circle with no gap or only a minimum gap and occupying the entire available surface on the screen. Is important. Both semicircles must be placed with the face facing the screen as described above. However, in most embodiments, the sample will consist of an integral circular portion of the absorbent structure.

Method for extracting an absorbent structure from an absorbent article The absorbent article is placed on a flat surface. If the product contains features that hinder flatness (such as cuff elastics), their shapes are cut at suitable intervals to allow the product to be flattened.

  The part of the absorbent structure containing at least 90% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles to be measured according to the K (t) test method must first be identified and separated as described below.

  Any material that is not part of the absorbent structure is removed from the absorbent structure, taking care not to excessively damage the absorbent structure.

  If the material to be removed is attached to the absorbent structure by an adhesive material, for example a thermoplastic adhesive material, they are shown with respect to the sample of FIG. 15 to avoid damaging the structure. As such, it can be removed using a cooling spray having a cooling temperature of −50 to −60 ° C. (such as “IT Icer” or “PRF 101 cooling spray” available from Taerosol, Kangasala Finland).

  FIG. 15 shows an absorbent structure 151 that includes superabsorbent polymer particles 152 sandwiched between two substrate layers 153, 154. The layer of material 156 is attached to one of the substrate layers 153, 154 and is therefore not part of the absorbent structure 151. This layer needs to be removed from the absorbent structure 151. In order to avoid damaging the absorbent structure 151 excessively, the layer of material 156 to be removed from the absorbent structure 151 is 180 ° while cooling the adhesive material 155 with the cooling spray 157. It is pulled away from the absorbent structure 151 in the peeling direction. Spraying should continue for 1 second to less than 5 seconds for each single portion of material layer 156.

  After each material is removed, the remainder of the absorbent structure is held under a pressure of 2.07 kPa (0.3 psi) until the temperature returns to the initial value (TAPPI laboratory conditions).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 16 representing an absorbent structure 161 comprising superabsorbent polymer particles 162 sandwiched between two substrate layers 163, 164, and / or an upper layer of the absorbent structure. The lower layer may be appropriately perforated to allow liquid to pass through. Drilling is performed using a hot metal tip, also called drilling tip 165, with a steel rod 166 with a diameter H of 0.7 ± 0.2 mm. A standard paper clip wrapped around the solder tip 167, such as CT 60/621 (available from ERSA GmbH, Wertheim, Germany) may be used for this purpose. The drilling tip 165 should be set to a temperature of 310 ± 20 ° C. For example, the piercing tip 165 is brought into contact with the layer to be perforated for a short time at low pressure so that it melts and does not affect any of the other materials of the absorbent structure 161 to perforate the layer. It is done. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, in a square drilling pattern with a distance D between the ends of the holes of 1 ± 0.2 mm, the holes are made in the same procedure.

  Each absorbent structure is visually inspected for integrity using a backlight and discarded if damaged. Examples of damage are, for example, cuts, holes, wrinkles that did not exist before removing the absorbent structure from the absorbent article. Perforations provided in a layer by a perforating tip are not considered damaged unless they act on other layers. Substantial migration of superabsorbent polymer particles and fibers within the absorbent structure is also considered damage.

  The absorbent structure so prepared is then cut according to the K (t) test method.

K (t) Procedure Tappi laboratory conditions: Measurements are made at 23 ° C. ± 1 ° C./50% RH ± 2%.
An empty piston / cylinder assembly 713 is attached to the circular opening of the cover plate 716 and its lower outer periphery is supported by a support ring 717. The piston / cylinder assembly 713 is fixed in place with the coupling support 719 so that the cylinder 803 and the piston 802 are aligned at an appropriate angle. Measure the reference thickness reading (r _r ) with a digital laser sensor. After this, the empty piston / cylinder assembly 713 is removed from the cover plate 716 and the support ring 717, and the piston 802 is removed from the cylinder 803.

  Sample 718 is placed on the cylinder screen as described above (absorbent structure). Thereafter, the piston 802 assembled to the guide lid 801 is carefully set in the cylinder 803 by aligning the position marker 813 of the guide lid 801 with the slit 814 formed in the cylinder 803.

  The piston / cylinder assembly is secured in place with a coupling support 719 so that the cylinder and piston are aligned at the proper angle.

  This can only be done in one way. The liquid pipe 721 and the digital fiber sensor 703 connected to the reservoir 708 are inserted into the piston / cylinder assembly 713 through the two inlets 810 and 812 of the guide lid 801.

  A computerized data acquisition system 710 is connected to the balance 704 and the thickness measuring digital laser sensor 701. Opening valve 714 initiates fluid flow from reservoir 708 to cylinder 803 by the computer program. After the cylinder is filled in 5-15 seconds until a 5 cm mark 808 is reached, the computer program adjusts the flow rate to maintain a constant 5 cm head. The amount of solution passing through sample 718 is measured with balance 704 and the increase in thickness is measured with a laser caliper gauge. Data acquisition begins at the beginning of fluid flow, particularly when valve 714 is first opened, and continues for 21 minutes or until the reservoir is empty and the 5 cm head is no longer maintained. The measurement time for one time is 21 minutes, and the readings of the laser caliper and the balance are periodically recorded at intervals of 2 to 10 seconds, which may vary depending on the purpose of the measurement, and measured repeatedly three times.

  After 21 minutes, the first repeat measurement is successfully completed and the control valve 714 closes automatically. The piston / cylinder assembly 713 is removed and the second and third measurements are always repeated according to the same procedure. At the end of the third measurement, the control valve 714 stops the liquid flow, and the stopcock 722 of the reservoir 708 is closed. The collected raw data is then stored in the form of a simple data table that can be easily imported into a further analysis program (eg Excel 2003, SP3).

In the data table, the following related information is recorded for each reading value.
-Time from the start of experiment-Weight of liquid collected by receiving container 707 on balance 704-Thickness of sample 718

  For calculating K (t) and absorption rate, data from 30 seconds to the end of the test is used. Data collected during the first 30 seconds is not included in the calculation. Next, the effective transmittance K (t) and absorption of the absorbent structure are determined using the following series of equations:

Formula used:
The following table explains the notation used in the equations.

  The driving pressure is calculated from the head as follows.

The thickness of each time t _i is calculated as the difference between the reference readings without reading a sample of the caliper sensor at time t _i.

For superabsorbent particle samples, the sample thickness (d ₀ ) at time t _i = 0 is used to evaluate the quality of particle sprinkling.

  The apparent sample density in the cylinder can actually be calculated as follows.

  If the apparent density in this cylinder differs from the apparent density of the powder by more than ± 40%, the measurement is considered invalid and should be deleted.

  Apparent density can be measured according to EDANA method 406.2-02 ("Superabsorbent Material-Polyacrylate Superabsorbent Powder-Weighing Density").

The rate of time change of the balance reading at time t _i is calculated as follows:

The rate of time change of the caliper reading at time t _i is calculated as follows:

  The absorption rate is calculated as follows.

Since dry sample volume (V _s ) means the skeletal volume of the sample, V _s is the actual volume occupied by the solid material in the dry sample, excluding any possible pores and gaps.

V _s can be calculated or measured by various methods known to those skilled in the art, and can be determined as follows, for example, if the exact composition and backbone density of the components are known.

Alternatively, for unknown material compositions, V _s can be simply calculated as follows:

The average density ρ _s can be determined by the pycnometer method using a suitable non-swellable liquid of known density. Since this technique cannot subsequently be performed on the same sample used for K (t) measurement, this test measurement requires the preparation of a suitable additional representative sample set.

  From U (t) at different time increments calculated as described above, absorption at any particular time can be determined by linear interpolation. For example, one of the important outputs is absorption in 20 minutes, also called U20 (unit g / g).

  From U (t) at different time steps, the time required to achieve a particular absorption can also be determined by linear interpolation. The time to initially achieve 20 g / g absorption is called T20. Similarly, any other absorption achievement time can be calculated accordingly (eg, T5 or T10). Once U20 is known, the time to achieve 80% of U20 can also be determined from U (t) at different time increments and this characteristic is called T80%.

  The effective transmittance is calculated as follows from the ratio of mass change and thickness change.

  The effective viscosity of the liquid depends on the temperature and is calculated according to the following empirical formula during the test period (23 ° C. ± 1 ° C.).

式中、Ａ＝１，４７９．１０^−２［ｇ／（ｃｍ．ｓ）］及びＢ＝−２．３６．１０^−４［ｇ／（ｃｍ．ｓ．℃）］

In the formula, A = 1,479.10 ⁻² [g / (cm · s)] and B = −2.36.10 ⁻⁴ [g / (cm · s · ° C.)]

From K (t _i ), the effective transmittance at a specific time can be determined by linear interpolation. For example, one of the important outputs is absorption at 20 minutes or K20 (m ² ). Similarly, the transmittance at any other time can be calculated accordingly (eg, K5 or K10).

Another parameter to obtain from the data is Kmin, which is the minimum K (t) value determined over the entire curve from t _i = 30 seconds to t _i = 1200 seconds. This value is useful for calculating Kmin / K20, which is the ratio between the minimum effective transmittance and the transmittance at 20 minutes. This parameter represents the temporary gel blocking that may occur with some samples. When the value is close to 1, there is no temporary gel blocking, and when the value is close to 0, it indicates that the material undergoes a reduction in the effective transmission of strength when the liquid is first supplied.

  Record the average value of T20, T80%, K20, U20, and Kmin / K20 from 3 iterations according to the required accuracy known to those skilled in the art.

Thickness measurement test method The purpose of this method is to provide a method for determining the thickness of the absorbent core at the crotch point of the absorbent article. The test is a conventional caliper gauge, for example, ONO SOKKI Technology with a suitable gauge stand with an aluminum round sample leg of 41 mm diameter and working force with a leg of 0.1 Newton (10 gf). Inc. (2171 Executive Drive, Suite 400, Addison, IL 60101, USA) can be implemented using Type EG-225. Add an additional weight to obtain a total of 1.6 Newtons (160 gf) and adjust the pressure to 1.18 kPa (0.173 psi).

  The thickness of the absorbent core is determined after assembling the absorbent core into the absorbent article after determining the correct location that the absorbent core would have in the absorbent article during assembly. However, the thickness may be determined after the absorbent core is removed from the final product by any suitable method known by those skilled in the art.

  The crotch point of the absorbent article is determined by the intersection of the longitudinal center line and the transverse center line of the article.

Basic protocol All tests are performed at 23 ± 1 ° C. and relative humidity 50 ± 2%.
2. The absorbent core is allowed to equilibrate for 8 hours at 23 ± 1 ° C. and 50 ± 2% relative humidity.
3. The crotch point is determined as described above and the wearer face of the absorbent core is marked.
4). The absorbent core is placed under the caliper gauge with the wearer face facing the sample contact leg and the crotch point in the center below the leg.
5. The sample contact leg is gradually lowered to contact the surface of the absorbent core.
6). The caliper is read over 5 seconds after the leg contacts the absorbent core.

Urine permeability measurement (UPM) test method Urine permeability measurement system This method measured the permeability of the swollen hydrogel layer 1318. The equipment used for this method is described below. This method is closely related to the prior art SFC (salt flow conductivity) test method.

  FIG. 10 shows a constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014, an open tube 1010 for air intake, a vent hole 1012 with a stopper for replenishment, an experimental jack 1016, a delivery tube 1018, a stopcock 1020, a ring stand support 1022, a receiving container 1024. , Shows the configuration of a transmittance measurement system 1000 comprising a balance 1026 and a piston / cylinder assembly 1028.

FIG. 11 shows a piston / cylinder assembly 1028 that includes a metal weight 1112, a piston shaft 1114, a piston head 1118, a lid 1116 and a cylinder 1120. The cylinder 1120 is formed from a transparent polycarbonate (eg, Lexan®) and has an inner diameter p (area = 28.27 cm ² ) of 6.00 cm with a smooth cylinder inner wall 1150. The bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120 faces a US standard 400 mesh stainless steel screen cloth (not shown), which was stretched and tensioned biaxially before being attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120. Is. The piston shaft 1114 is formed from a transparent polycarbonate (eg, Lexan®) and has a total length q of approximately 127 mm. The central portion 1126 of the piston shaft 1114 has a diameter r of 21.15 mm. The upper portion 1128 of the piston shaft 1114 has a diameter of 15.8 mm and forms a shoulder 1124. The lower portion 1146 of the piston shaft 1114 has a diameter t of approximately 1.6 cm (5/8 inch) and is threaded to securely screw into the central hole 1218 (see FIG. 12) of the piston head 1118. The piston head 1118 is perforated and is made of a clear polycarbonate (eg, Lexan®) and covered with an expanded US standard 400 mesh stainless steel screen cloth (not shown). The weight 1112 is stainless steel, has a central hole 1130, slides onto the top 1128 of the piston shaft 1114, and stops on the shoulder 1124. The combined weight of the piston head 1118, piston shaft 1114, and weight 1112 is 596 g (± 6 g), which corresponds to 2.07 kPa (0.30 psi) over the area of the cylinder 1120. The total weight may be adjusted by drilling a blind hole in the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114 to remove material and / or providing a cavity to add weight. The cylinder lid 1116 has a first lid opening 1134 at its center to vertically align the piston shaft 1114 and an edge to introduce fluid from the constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 into the cylinder 1120. A first lid opening 1136 is provided near 1138.

  A first linear indicator mark (not shown) is scribed radially along the upper surface 1152 of the weight 1112, and the first linear indicator mark is transverse to the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114. It is. A corresponding second linear indicator mark (not shown) is scribed in a radial direction along the top surface 1160 of the piston shaft 1114, and the second linear indicator mark is relative to the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114. In the transverse direction. A corresponding third linear indicator mark (not shown) is scribed along the central portion 1126 of the piston shaft 1114, and the third linear indicator mark is parallel to the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114. A corresponding fourth linear indicator mark (not shown) is scribed radially along the upper surface 1140 of the cylinder lid 1116, and the fourth linear indicator mark is relative to the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114. In the transverse direction. Further, a corresponding fifth linear indicator mark (not shown) is scribed along the lip 1154 of the cylinder lid 1116, and the fifth linear indicator mark is parallel to the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114. . A corresponding sixth linear indicator mark (not shown) is scribed along the outer cylinder wall 1142, and the sixth linear indicator mark is parallel to the central axis 1132 of the piston shaft 1114. Alignment of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth linear indicator marks is achieved by placing the weight 1112, piston shaft 1114, cylinder lid 1116 and cylinder 1120 in the same orientation with respect to each other in each measurement. Allows to rearrange with.

Details of the specifications of the cylinder 1120 are as follows:
Outside diameter u of cylinder 1120: 70.35 mm
Inner diameter p of cylinder 1120: 60.0 mm
Cylinder 1120 height v: 60.5 mm

Details of the specifications of the cylinder lid 1116 are as follows:
Outside diameter w of cylinder lid 1116: 76.05 mm
Inner diameter x of cylinder lid 1116: 70.5 mm
Thickness y of cylinder lid 1116 including lip 1154: 12.7 mm
Thickness z of the cylinder lid 1116 excluding the lip 1154: 6.35 mm
Diameter a of the first lid opening 1134: 22.25 mm
Diameter b of second lid opening 1136: 12.7 mm
Distance between the center of the first lid opening 1134 and the center of the second lid opening 1136: 23.5 mm

The details of the specification of the weight 1112 are as follows:
Outer diameter c: 50.0 mm
Diameter d of central hole 1130: 16.0 mm
Height e: 39.0 mm

The details of the specifications of the piston head 1118 are as follows: Diameter f: 59.7 mm
Height g: 16.5mm
Outer holes 1214 (total 14) having a diameter h of 9.65 mm, the outer holes 1214 are equally spaced, and the center is 47.8 mm from the center of the center hole 1218.
Inner holes 1216 (total 7) having a diameter i of 9.65 mm, the inner holes 1216 are equally spaced, and the center is 26.7 mm from the center of the center hole 1218.
The central hole 1218 has a diameter j of 1.6 cm (5/8 inch) and is threaded to receive the lower portion 1146 of the piston shaft 1114.

  Prior to use, the stainless steel screen (not shown) of piston head 1118 and cylinder 1120 should be inspected for clogging, holes, or overstretching and replaced as necessary. A urine permeability measurement device with a damaged screen may give erroneous UPM results and should not be used until the screen is replaced.

  A 5.00 cm mark 1156 is scribed on the cylinder 1120 at a height k of 5.00 cm (± 0.05 cm) above a screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120. This is an indication of the fluid level to be maintained during the analysis. Maintaining an accurate and constant fluid level (hydrostatic pressure) is important for measurement accuracy.

  The constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 supplies saline 1032 to the cylinder 1120 and the liquid level of the saline 1032 is 5.00 cm high above the screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120. Used to maintain. The bottom 1034 of the intake pipe 1010 is positioned to maintain the level of the saline solution 1032 in the cylinder 1120 at a height k of 5.00 cm required during measurement, ie, the bottom 1034 of the air pipe 1010. Is in the same plane 1038 above the receiving container 1024 as the 5.00 cm mark 1156 of the cylinder 1120 when installed on a support screen (not shown) on the ring stand 1040. Proper height alignment of the intake pipe 1010 and the 5.00 cm mark 1156 on the cylinder 1120 is important for the analysis. A suitable reservoir 1014 is a horizontally oriented L-shaped delivery tube 1018 for fluid supply, a vertically open end tube 1010 oriented vertically to allow air to enter the fixed hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 at a fixed height, And a jar 1030 that includes a stoppered vent 1012 for refilling the constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014. The tube 1010 has an inner diameter of 12.5 mm ± 0.5 mm. A delivery tube 1018 located near the bottom 1042 of the constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 includes a stopcock 1020 for starting / stopping the supply of saline 1032. The outlet 1044 of the delivery tube 1018 is dimensioned to be inserted through the second lid opening 1136 of the cylinder lid 1116 and its end is positioned below the surface of the saline 1032 in the cylinder 1120 (cylinder Within 1120, after a 5.00 cm height of saline 1032 is obtained). The intake pipe 1010 is held in place with an o-ring collar (not shown). A constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 can be positioned on the experimental jack 1016 to adjust its height relative to the height of the cylinder 1120. The components of the constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 are sized to rapidly fill the cylinder 1120 to the required height (ie, the hydrostatic head) and maintain this height for the duration of the measurement. The constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 should be capable of supplying saline 1032 for at least 10 minutes at a flow rate of at least 3 g / s.

  The piston / cylinder assembly 1028 is positioned on a 16 mesh rigid stainless steel support screen (not shown) (or equivalent) supported on a ring stand 1040 or other suitable rigid stand. This support screen (not shown) is sufficiently permeable so as not to impede the flow of saline solution 1032 and is sufficiently rigid to support a stainless steel mesh cloth (not shown) and prevent stretching. The support screen (not shown) should be flat and horizontal to avoid tilting the piston / cylinder assembly 1028 during testing. Saline 1032 passing through a support screen (not shown) is collected in a receiving vessel 1024 positioned below (but not supporting) the support screen (not shown). The receiving container 1024 is positioned on a balance 1026 with an accuracy of at least 0.01 g. The digital output of the balance 1026 is connected to a computerized data acquisition system (not shown).

Reagent preparation (not shown)
Jayco Synthetic Urine (JSU) 1312 (see FIG. 13) is used for the swollen surface (see UPM procedure below) and 0.118M sodium chloride (Nacl) solution is on the flow surface (see UP procedure below). Used for. The following preparation refers to a standard 1 liter volume. In the preparation of volumes other than 1 liter, all amounts are measured appropriately.

  A JSU: 1 L volumetric flask is filled with distilled water to 80% of its volume and a magnetic stir bar is placed in the flask. Using a weighing paper or beaker separately, weigh the following amounts of dry ingredients to ± 0.01 g using an analytical balance and place them quantitatively into the volumetric flask in the same order as listed below: Add to. The solution is stirred on a suitable stir plate until all solids are melted, the stir bar is removed, and the solution is diluted to 1 L volume with distilled water. The stir bar is inserted again and the solution is stirred on the stir plate for an additional few minutes.

Amount of salt to make 1 liter of Jaco synthetic urine 2.00 g of potassium chloride (KCl)
Sodium sulfate (Na ₂ SO4) 2.00 g
0.85 g of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (NH ₄ H ₂ PO ₄ )
Dibasic ammonium phosphate ((NH ₄ ) ₂ HPO4) 0.15 g
Calcium chloride (CaCl ₂ ) 0.19 g- [or calcium chloride hydrate (CaCl ₂ · 2H ₂ O) 0.25 g]
Magnesium chloride (MgCl ₂ ) 0.23 g- [or magnesium chloride hydrate (MgCl ₂ · 6H ₂ O) 0.50 g]

  To speed up the preparation, each salt is completely dissolved before the next is added. Jaco synthetic urine may be stored in a clean glass container for 2 weeks. The solution should not be used if it becomes cloudy. The shelf life in a clean plastic container is 10 days.

  0.118M sodium chloride (Nacl) solution: 0.118M sodium chloride is used as saline 1032. 6.90 g (± 0.01 g) of sodium chloride is weighed using a measuring paper or beaker and quantitatively transferred into a 1 L volumetric flask, and the flask is filled to volume with distilled water. Add a stir bar and mix the solution on a stir plate until all solids are dissolved.

Test Preparation A solid reference cylindrical weight (not shown) (diameter 40 mm; height 140 mm) is used to set a caliper gauge (not shown) (eg, Mitutoyo Digimatic Height Gage) to zero reading. This operation is conveniently performed on a smooth and horizontal bench top 1046. Piston / cylinder assembly 1028 is positioned below the caliper gauge without superabsorbent polymer particles (not shown), the measured value _{L 1} is recorded at 0.01mm units.

  Constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 is filled with saline 1032. The bottom 1034 of the intake pipe 1010 is positioned to maintain the top (not shown) of a liquid meniscus (not shown) in the cylinder 1120 at the 5.00 cm mark 1156 during measurement. Proper height alignment of the intake pipe 1010 at the 5.00 cm mark 1156 on the cylinder 1120 is important for the analysis.

  The receiving container 1024 is placed on the balance 1026 and the digital output of the balance 1026 is connected to a computerized data acquisition system (not shown). A ring stand 1040 with a 16 mesh rigid stainless steel support screen (not shown) is positioned above the receiving container 1024. A 16 mesh screen (not shown) should be sufficiently rigid to support the piston / cylinder assembly 1028 during measurement. The support screen (not shown) must be smooth and horizontal.

UPM Procedure Using an analytical balance, weigh 1.5 g (± 0.05 g) of superabsorbent polymer particles on a suitable weighing paper or weighing aid. The water content of superabsorbent polymer particles is determined by Edana water content test method 430.1-99 ("superabsorbent material-polyacrylate superabsorbent powder-water content-weight loss upon heating" (February 1999)). Measured by. If the water content of the superabsorbent polymer particles exceeds 5%, the weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles must be corrected for moisture (ie, in that particular case, the added superabsorbent polymer particles are dried Must be 1.5 g on a weight basis).

  An empty cylinder 1120 is placed on a horizontal bench top 1046 and the superabsorbent polymer particles are quantitatively transferred into the cylinder 1120. The superabsorbent polymer particles are uniformly dispersed on a screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120 by gently shaking, rotating, and / or tapping the cylinder 1120. In order to obtain the most accurate results, it is important to distribute the particles evenly on a screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120. After the superabsorbent polymer particles are evenly dispersed on a screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120, the particles should not stick to the inner cylinder wall 1150. A piston shaft 1114 is inserted through the first lid opening 1134 and the lip 1154 of the lid 1116 faces towards the piston head 1118. The piston head 1118 is carefully inserted into the cylinder 1120 to a depth of a few centimeters. The lid 1116 is then placed on the rim 1144 above the cylinder 1120, taking care to keep the piston head 1118 away from the superabsorbent polymer particles. Next, the lid 1116 and the piston shaft 1126 are carefully rotated so that the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth linear indicator marks are aligned. The piston head 1118 is then gently lowered (by the piston shaft 1114) and stopped on the dried superabsorbent polymer particles. The weight 1112 is positioned on the top 1128 of the piston shaft 1114, which stops on the shoulder 1124, thereby aligning the first and second linear indicator marks. Proper placement of the lid 1116 prevents weight binding and ensures an even distribution of weight on the hydrogel layer 1318.

  Swelling phase: Adding an excess of JSU 1312 to the frit disc 1310 until the frit disc 1310 is saturated to produce a frit disc 8 cm in diameter (thickness 7 mm, for example, # CG201-51 coarse porosity from Chemglas Inc.). Saturate. Saturated glass filter plate 1310 is placed in a Petri dish 1314 with a wide flat bottom and JSU 1312 is added until it reaches the top surface 1316 of glass filter plate 1310. The height of the JSU must not exceed the height of the glass filter plate 1310.

  A screen (not shown) attached to the bottom 1148 of the cylinder 1120 is easily extended. In order to prevent stretching, lateral pressure is applied to the piston shaft 1114 with the index finger just above the lid 1116 while gripping the cylinder 1120 of the piston / cylinder assembly 1028. This “fixes” the piston shaft 1114 in place relative to the lid 1116 so that the piston / cylinder assembly 1028 can be lifted without exerting excessive force on the screen (not shown). it can.

The entire piston / cylinder assembly 1028 is lifted in this manner and placed on a glass filter plate 1310 in a Petri dish 1314. JSU 1312 from Petri dish 1314 passes through glass filter plate 1310 and is absorbed by superabsorbent polymer particles (not shown) to form hydrogel layer 1318. The JSU 1312 available in the Petri dish 1314 must be sufficient for all swelling surfaces. If necessary, more JSU 1312 may be added to the Petri dish 1314 during the hydration period to maintain the liquid level of JSU 1312 at the top surface 1316 of the glass filter plate 1310. After 60 minutes, the piston / cylinder assembly 1028 is removed from the glass filter plate 1310, taking care to secure the piston shaft 1114 relative to the lid 1116 as described above, and during this procedure the hydrogel layer 1318 becomes JSU 1312. Ensure that you do not lose air or absorb air. The piston / cylinder assembly 1028 scissors and placed under the scale (not shown), records the index _{L 2} at 0.01mm units. If the reading changes with time, only the initial value is recorded. The thickness L ₀ of the hydrogel layer 1318 is determined in units of 0.1 mm from L ₂ -L ₁ .

The piston / cylinder assembly 1028 is moved to a support screen (not shown) attached to the ring support stand 1040, taking care to lock the piston shaft 1114 in place relative to the lid 1116. The constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 is positioned such that the delivery tube 1018 is disposed through the second lid opening 1136. Measurements are started in the following order:
a) Stop cock 1020 of constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 is opened so that saline solution 1032 reaches 5.00 cm mark 1156 on cylinder 1120. This liquid level of the saline solution 1032 should be obtained within 10 seconds after the stopcock 1020 is opened.
b) Once the 5.00 cm saline solution 1032 is achieved, the data collection program is started.

  With the aid of a computer (not shown) attached to the balance 1026, the amount of saline 1032 passing through the hydrogel layer 1318 is recorded over 10 minutes at 20 second intervals. At the end of 10 minutes, the stopcock 1020 on the constant hydrostatic head reservoir 1014 is closed.

Data from 60 seconds to the end of the experiment is used for the UPM calculation. Data collected before 60 seconds is not included in the calculation. The flow rate F _s (in g / s) is a linear least squares fit to a graph of the weight (in grams) of saline 1032 collected as a function of time (in seconds) from 60 seconds to 600 seconds. It is a slope.

The urine permeability measurement (Q) of the hydrogel layer 1318 is calculated according to the following equation:
Q = [F _g × L ₀ ] / [ρ × A × ΔP]
Where F _g is the flow rate (in g / s) determined from the regression analysis of the flow rate results, L ₀ is the initial thickness (in cm) of the hydrogel layer 1318, and ρ is the saline 1032 Density (unit: g / cm ³ ). A (in the above equation) is the area (unit cm ² ) of the hydrogel layer 1318, ΔP is the hydrostatic pressure (unit dyne / cm ² ), and the urine permeability measurement Q is the unit cm ³ sec / gm. is there. The average of the three measurements should be reported.

FSR test method This method determines the rate at which superabsorbent polymer particles, especially polymer hydrogel particles such as cross-linked polyacrylates, swell in 0.9% saline (0.9% by weight NaCl aqueous solution). decide. The principle of measurement is that superabsorbent polymer particles absorb a known amount of fluid and measure the time required to absorb the fluid. The results are then expressed as fluid absorbed (unit gram) / material (unit gram) / second. All tests are performed at 23 ± 2 ° C.

  Prior to measurement, 4 grams of a representative sample of superabsorbent polymer particles was placed in an uncovered 5 cm diameter Petri dish in a vacuum chamber at 23 ± 2 ° C. and 1.33 Pa (0.01 Torr) or less. Dry for 48 hours.

  Approximately 1 g (+/− 0.1 g) of the test specimen is removed from the vacuum chamber and immediately weighed to an accuracy of 0.001 g in a 25 mL beaker having an inner diameter of 32-34 mm and a height of 50 mm. Spread the material evenly on the bottom. 20 g of 0.9% saline is weighed in a 50 mL beaker to an accuracy of +/− 0.01 g and then carefully but rapidly poured into the beaker containing the test material. A timer is started immediately after the liquid contacts the material. The beaker is not moved or agitated during swelling.

  When the last part of the fluid is reached by the swollen particles, the timer is stopped and the time is recorded in seconds. In order to increase the reproducibility of the determination of the end point, the liquid surface may be irradiated with a small lamp without being heated by the lamp. The beaker is weighed again to determine the actual entrapped liquid within ± 0.1 g.

  Calculate the free swell by dividing the weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles by the amount of liquid actually captured and dividing the result by the time required for this capture, in units of “g / g / s” Represent. Three measurements are taken and the results are averaged to obtain the FSR value (in g / g / s) and reported to 3 significant digits.

Flat capture test method This method is typically used for infant diapers (e.g., Pampers Active Fit size 4 or other Pampers infant diapers designated for wearers with weights ranging from 8-13 kg ± 20%). Measure the capture time of size 4, Huggies infant diaper size 4 or most other brand name infant diapers size 4).

Apparatus The test apparatus is shown in FIG. 14 and includes a trough 1411 made of polycarbonate (eg, Lexan®) having a nominal 12.5 mm (0.5 inch) thickness. The trough 1411 has a straight horizontal bottom 1412 that is 508 mm (20.0 inches) long and 152 mm (6.0 inches) wide. Two straight vertical sides 1413 that are 64 mm (2.5 inches) high and 508 mm (20 inches) long are fixed to the long edge of the bottom 1412, and have a length of 508 mm (20.0 inches) and an internal width of 152 mm ( A U-shaped trough 1411 having an inner depth of 51 mm (2.0 inches) is formed. The front end and the rear end of the trough 1411 are not enclosed.

  The slab of open cell polyurethane foam 1414 with dimensions of 508 x 152 x 25 mm is wrapped with polyethylene film so that the edges of the foam 1414 and trough 1411 are aligned so that the top surface of the polyethylene film is smooth and free of seams, wrinkles, or defects In the bottom of the trough 1411. The polyurethane foam 1414 has a compressive modulus of 3.31 kPa (0.48 psi). Using a non-erasable marker, draw a reference line across the width of the top surface of the polyethylene cover, 152 mm (6.0 inches) from one end (front edge) parallel to the transverse centerline.

  The linear polycarbonate top plate 1415 has a nominal thickness of 12.5 mm (0.5 inches), a length of 508 mm (20.0 inches), and a width of 146 mm (5.75 inches). A hole having a diameter of 51 mm (2.0 inches) is formed at the center of the upper plate 1415 (that is, the center of the hole is located at the intersection of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the upper surface of the upper plate 1415). A polycarbonate cylinder 1416 having an outer diameter of 51 mm (2.0 inches), an inner diameter of 37.5 mm (1.5 inches), and a height of 102 mm (4.0 inches) is adhered in the hole of the top plate 1415, and the bottom edge of the cylinder 1416 The part is flush with the lower surface of the upper plate 1415 and the cylinder 1416 protrudes 89 mm (3.5 inches) vertically above the upper surface of the upper plate 1415 to make the seam between the cylinder 1416 and the upper plate 1415 waterproof. An annular recess 1417 having a height of 2 mm and a diameter of 44.5 mm (1.75 inches) is machined into the bottom inner edge of the cylinder 1416. Two 1 mm diameter holes are drilled in the top surface of the top plate 1415 at a 45 ° angle so that the holes intersect the inner surface of the cylinder 1416 directly above the recess 1417 and on either side of the cylinder 1416 (ie, 180 ° apart). ) Make it exist. Two stainless steel wires 1418 with a diameter of 1 mm are glued waterproofly into the holes so that one end of each wire is flush with the inner cylinder wall and the other end protrudes from the top surface of the top plate 1415. These wires are hereinafter referred to as electrodes. A reference line is engraved across the width of the top plate 1415 at 152 mm (6.0 inches) from the leading edge parallel to the transverse centerline. The top plate 1415 / cylinder 1416 assembly has a weight of about 1180 grams.

  It also requires two steel weights, each weighing 9.0 kg, measuring 146 mm (5.75 inches) wide, 76 mm (3.0 inches) deep, and about 100 mm (4 inches) high.

procedure:
All tests are performed at 23 ± 2 ° C. and 35 ± 15% relative humidity.
A polycarbonate trough 1411 containing the encased foam slab 1414 is placed on a suitable flat horizontal surface. The disposable absorbent product is removed from its packaging and the cuff elastic is cut at suitable intervals so that the product can be laid flat. After weighing the product to ± 0.1 grams with a suitable top balance, place the front waist edge of the product on the covered foam slab 1414 in the capture device with the fiducial mark on the polyethylene cover aligned To do. The product is centered along the longitudinal centerline of the device with the product topsheet (body side) facing up and the rear waist edge toward the rear end of the foam slab 1414. The top plate 1415 is placed over the product with the protruding cylinder facing up. The engraved reference line is aligned with the front waist edge of the product, and the rear end of the upper plate 1415 is aligned with the rear edge of the foam slab 1414. Next, two 9.0 kg weights, each with the width of the weight parallel to the lateral centerline of the top plate, each weight 83 mm (3.25 inches) from the front or rear edge of the top plate 1415 Gently place it on top plate 1415.

  In order to detect the presence of a conductive fluid between the electrodes, a suitable electrical circuit is connected to the two electrodes.

  A suitable pump (e.g., model 7520-00 or equivalent supplied by Cole Palmer Instruments (Chicago, USA)) is a flexible plastic tube having an inner diameter of 4.8 mm (3/16 inch) (e.g., Tygon ( (Registered trademark) R-3603 or equivalent). The end of the tube is fixed vertically and is centered within a cylinder 1416 attached to the top plate 1415 so that the discharge end of the tube faces down and 50 mm (2 inches) below the top of the cylinder 1416 It is placed in the state. The pump is operated by a timer and calibrated in advance to deliver a 75.0 mL jet of 0.9% saline solution at a rate of 15 mL / sec.

  Activate the pump and start the timer immediately when activated. The pump stops after discharging 75 mL of 0.9% NaCl solution into cylinder 1416 at a rate of 15 mL / sec. As test fluid is introduced into the cylinder 1416, the test fluid typically accumulates to some extent on top of the absorbent structure. This fluid completes the electrical circuit between the two electrodes in the cylinder. When the fluid is absorbed into the structure after the jet is released, the meniscus of the solution decreases. Time is recorded when the electrical circuit is interrupted because there is no free fluid between the electrodes in the cylinder.

  The capture time for a particular jet is the time interval between the operation of the pump for that jet and the interruption of the electrical circuit.

  Four jets are released into the product so that each jet is released at 75 mL at 15 mL / sec. The time interval for starting each ejection is 300 seconds.

  Record the capture time for the 4 eruptions. Three products are tested in this way, and the average ejection time for each corresponding ejection (from 1st to 4th) is calculated.

  Absorbent structures according to the present disclosure are prepared to compare their properties with those of prior art absorbent structures. All tested absorbent structures include superabsorbent polymer particles sandwiched between two substrate layers made from a nonwoven material. For the data shown in Table 1, all samples are taken from the absorbent core. The sample corresponds to the portion of the absorbent core of the absorbent article (size 4), which is centered on the longitudinal centerline of the article at a distance of 152 mm from the front waist edge of the article. In the part of the absorbent core from which the sample is taken, the absorbent structures of Samples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 have the same structure. They differ only with respect to the superabsorbent polymer particles being used. With respect to the data shown in Table 2, the entire absorbent structure of Example 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 has the same structure and differs only with respect to the superabsorbent polymer being used.

Comparative Example 1
Absorbent structures were prepared containing the same superabsorbent polymer particles used in Pampers Active Fit diapers marketed in the UK in August 2010. These superabsorbent polymer particles are generally manufactured according to US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0275470A1. Superabsorbent polymer particles are described in European Patent Application Publication No. 10154618.2, entitled “Method of separating superabsorbent polymer particles from solidified composites”. It should be noted that this may be done.

  The standard particle size distribution of the superabsorbent polymer particles is 45 to 710 μm, the maximum is less than 45 μm and the maximum is over 1% and the maximum is over 1%.

Comparative example 2
According to comparative example 11 disclosed in WO 2010/095427 (A1), title of the invention “Polyacrylic acid-based water-absorving resin powder and method for producing the same”, 300 g of superabsorbent polymer particles were prepared. did. An absorbent structure containing such superabsorbent polymer particles was prepared.

(Example 1)
4000 kg of superabsorbent polymer particles of Comparative Example 1 are screened on AISI 304 standard 300 μm stainless steel wire mesh in a coarse sieve apparatus having a capacity of about 100-150 kg / hr, with an intermediate diameter (D50) of about 180- 750 kg of superabsorbent polymer particles having a particle size distribution of 200 μm, a particle size distribution of 45 to 300 μm, a maximum of 3% below 45 μm and a maximum of 3% above 300 μm were obtained. An absorbent structure containing such superabsorbent polymer particles was prepared.

(Example 2)
300 g of superabsorbent polymer particles were prepared according to Example 9 disclosed in International Publication No. 2010/095427 A1, entitled “Polyacrylic acid-based water-absorving resin powder and method for producing the same”. An absorbent structure containing such superabsorbent polymer particles was prepared.

  Several parameters of the absorbent structures of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were measured. That is, 20g / g absorption time (T20), 20 minutes absorption (U20), U20 80% absorption time (T80%), 20 minutes effective permeability (K20), and temporary gel The blocking index (Kmin / K20) was measured according to the K (t) test method presented above. The UPM (urine permeability measurement) of the superabsorbent polymer particles of the absorbent structures of Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was measured according to the UPM test method presented above. The CRC (centrifugation retention capacity) of the superabsorbent polymer particles was measured according to EDANA method WSP 241.2-05.

  18A and 18B show the absorption of the absorbent structures of Examples 1 and 2 relative to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 as a function of time (in g / g) as measured according to the K (t) test method presented above. Represent as

  Various values of the measured parameters are summarized in Table 1 below.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 18A and 18B and Table 1, the absorption achievement time (T20) of 20 g / g of the absorbent structure made according to Examples 1 and 2 is compared as measured according to the K (t) test method. Extremely lower than T20 of the absorbent structure made according to Examples 1 and 2. Thus, these absorbent structures can quickly absorb liquids even in the dry state, i.e. upon initial exposure to the liquids.

  Further, as can be seen from Table 1, superabsorbent polymer particles having high transmittance (high UPM value) in an equilibrium state, such as the superabsorbent polymer particles of the absorbent structures of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, are It does not automatically have a high T20 value for absorbent structures that include superabsorbent polymer particles, which is the reason for selecting superabsorbent polymer particles that can quickly absorb liquid upon initial exposure to the liquid. It means that the transmittance in the equilibrium state of the absorbent polymer particles is not a reliable standard.

The capture time of a diaper comprising an absorbent structure comprising the superabsorbent polymer particles of Comparative Example 1 or 2 versus the diaper capture time comprising an absorbent structure comprising superabsorbent polymer particles according to the present disclosure.
The size 4 capture time of Pampers Active Fit diapers marketed in the UK in August 2010 was measured according to the flat capture test method presented above. These diapers include an absorbent core comprising the superabsorbent polymer particles of Comparative Example 1. The superabsorbent polymer particles have been replaced with the superabsorbent polymer particles of Example 2 of Comparative Example 2, but the absorbent core is replaced by an absorbent core having the same structure and the acquisition time of the same diaper Was measured according to the flat capture test method presented above. All diaper absorbent cores have a dry thickness of 1.7 mm at the crotch point of the diaper when measured according to the thickness measurement test method presented above. The values obtained for the capture times for all samples are summarized in Table 2 below.

  As can be seen from Table 2 above, the initial ejection capture time of a diaper with an absorbent core comprising superabsorbent polymer particles according to Comparative Example 1 or 2 is the same as the superabsorbent polymer particles of Example 2. More than the capture time of the initial ejection of the same diaper replaced with absorbent polymer particles.

  Thus, an absorbent article according to the present invention (i.e. one or more parts of the absorbent structure comprises at least 90% of the superabsorbent polymer particles and less than 440 seconds when measured according to the K (t) method. Absorbent articles comprising absorbent structures that require an absorption achievement time (T20) of 20 g / g) have improved absorption characteristics, especially at the initial ejection, i.e. when the article begins to wet.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 millimeters” is intended to mean “about 40 millimeters”.

Claims (13)

An absorbent article comprising an absorbent structure, wherein the absorbent article is divided into three parts: a front part, a rear part, and a crotch part disposed between the front part and the rear part. And the crotch portion has a crotch point positioned at the center of the absorbent article at the intersection of the longitudinal center line and the transverse center line of the absorbent article,
The absorbent structure comprises an absorbent core having a dry thickness of 0.3 to 5 mm at the crotch point of the absorbent article;
The absorbent structure comprises a region having an area of 30 cm ² or more, one or more of the regions contain at least 90% by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles, and a K (t) test method When measuring according to the above, an absorption achievement time (T20) of 20 g / g of less than 440 seconds is required,
The absorbent core includes, in the crotch portion of the absorbent article, superabsorbent polymer particles having an average amount of 400 to 700 g / m ² per surface area of the absorbent core, and
The superabsorbent polymer particles are disposed between the first and second substrate layers, such that the first substrate layer faces the back sheet and the second substrate layer faces the top sheet, An absorbent article, wherein the superabsorbent polymer particles are contained in the absorbent core, and the superabsorbent polymer particles are fixed by a thermoplastic adhesive material .   One of the one or more parts of the absorbent structure is centered on the center of the front part of the article and / or the one or more parts of the absorbent structure The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein one of the portions is centered on the crotch point of the article.   The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent article further includes a top sheet and a back sheet, and the absorbent core is sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet. When the one or more parts of the absorbent structure are measured according to the K (t) test method, they have an effective transmittance (K20) of at least 2.9 · 10 ⁻⁸ cm ² for 20 minutes. The absorbent article as described in any one of Claims 1-3 which has.   The absorption (U20) at 20 minutes of the one or more portions of the absorbent structure is at least 24 g / g as measured according to the K (t) test method. The absorbent article as described in any one.   The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which said absorptive core does not contain air felt.   The absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article has an initial ejection capture time of less than 27 seconds when measured according to a flat capture test method.   The absorbent core includes a first substrate layer, at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer particles is disposed on the first substrate layer, and the thermoplastic adhesive material fixes the superabsorbent polymer particles. Absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The absorbent core further comprises a second substrate layer, at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer particles are disposed on the second substrate layer, and the thermoplastic adhesive material comprises the superabsorbent polymer particles. The first and the second base material layers so that at least part of the thermoplastic adhesive material of the first base material layer is in contact with at least part of the thermoplastic adhesive material of the second base material layer. The absorbent article according to claim 8 , wherein the second base material layers are combined with each other. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 8 to 9 , wherein the thermoplastic adhesive material forms a fiber network on the superabsorbent polymer particles. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the regions of the absorbent structure is a circular region having an area of 30 cm ² or more. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the region of the absorbent structure is provided in the center of the crotch portion of the absorbent article. The absorptive article according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in which said field of said absorptive structure is provided in the center of said front part of said absorptive article.

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