Fibrous superabsorbent core having integrally attached hydrophobic facing layer

Abstract

Absorbent structures are disclosed comprising a fibrous, superabsorbent core and an integrally attached facing layer. The structures can be made by forming nonwoven webs of mixtures of thermoplastic fibers and superabsorbent fibers, and a web consisting essentially of thermoplastic hydrophobic fibers. The layers are bonded together using thermal bonding. The structures are suitable for use in disposable absorbent products, in particular, pantiliners.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A disposable absorbent pad for the absorption of vaginal discharges comprising a fibrous superabsorbent core, an integrally attached hydrophobic facing layer and an integrally attached impervious backsheet, wherein the hydrophobic facing layer consists of essentially synthetic hydrophobic thermoplastic fibers, the absorbent core comprises from about 5% to about 95% of superabsorbent fibers and from about 5% to about 95% of synthetic thermoplastic fibers, and the impervious backsheet is formed by heat fusing a web consisting essentially of heat fusible fibers. 
     
     
       2. An absorbent pad according to claim 1 having a thickness of from about 0.3 mm to about 2 mm and an absorbent capacity for a 0.9% saline solution of from about 0.05 g to about 0.25 g per cm 2  of absorbent pad. 
     
     
       3. An absorbent pad according to claim 1 wherein the synthetic hydrophobic thermoplastic fiber is a polyolefin fiber. 
     
     
       4. An absorbent pad according to claim 1 wherein the superabsorbent fibers comprise a copolymer of maleic anhydride and isobutylene. 
     
     
       5. An absorbent pad according to claim 1 wherein the absorbent core comprises from about 30% to about 70% of superabsorbent fiber and from about 30% to about 70% of synthetic thermoplastic fiber. 
     
     
       6. An absorbent pad according to claim 1 wherein the heat fusible fiber is a polyethylene fiber.