Abstract:
A fluid absorbing pressure sensitive adhesive composition and adhesive articles including the fluid absorbing adhesive that have particular utility in the medical field, and in particular, for use with wound dressings is provided. The adhesive composition has superior fluid handling capacity, moisture vapor transmission and skin adhesion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/028,556 filed Feb. 14, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a fluid absorbing pressure sensitive adhesive composition and adhesive articles including the fluid absorbing adhesive that have particular utility in the medical field, and in particular, for use with wound dressings. The adhesive composition has superior fluid handling capacity, moisture vapor transmission and skin adhesion. 
         [0003]    Hydrocolloid containing dressings and adhesive articles are widely used in the treatment of wounds. It is desirable that the hydrocolloid containing article be highly absorbent, have a high moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) and at the same time not be too thick, so that a high degree of flexibility and comfort is maintained for the patient. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an adhesive composite having superior skin adhesion, breathability and fluid handling capacity. The composite comprises: (i) a polymeric backing layer; and (ii) a fluid absorbing adhesive layer comprising (a) 20-80% by weight of a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and (b) 20-80% by weight of at least one super-absorbent polymer or hydrocolloid having an average particle size of less than 150 μm, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is about 40 μm to about 300 μm, and the overall adhesive composite has a fluid handling capacity of at least 2000 g/m 2 /24 hours and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 1100 g/m 2 /24 hours. 
         [0005]    The fluid absorbing adhesive layer may be made up of a single adhesive film or multiple adhesive films laminated together. The multiple adhesive films may have the same composition or different compositions. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a multilayer adhesive composite that includes two absorbing layers, the composite having a higher fluid handling capacity than a single adhesive layer composite without significantly increasing the thickness of the composite. The multilayer composite comprises: (i) a polymeric backing layer having a first surface and a second surface; (ii) a first fluid absorbing adhesive layer having a first surface and a second surface comprising a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive comprising 20-80% by weight of at least one super-absorbent polymer or hydrocolloid having an average particle size of less than 150 μm, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is about 40 μm to about 300 μm and the first surface of the first adhesive layer is adhered to the second surface of the backing layer; and (iii) a second fluid absorbing adhesive layer having a first surface and a second skin-contacting surface comprising a rubber-based pressure sensitive adhesive, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is at least 300 μm and the first surface of the second adhesive layer is adhered to the second surface of the first adhesive layer, and wherein the overall adhesive composite has a fluid handling capacity of at least 4000 g/m 2 /24 hours. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adhesive article in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the adhesive article having two adjacent adhesive layers, each of the adhesive layers comprising a fluid absorbing solvent-based acrylic adhesive. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the adhesive article having three adjacent adhesive layers. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are schematic cross-sectional views of embodiments of the adhesive article having two adhesive layers, wherein the adhesive layers have different surface areas. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the adhesive article having two adhesive layers, one layer comprising a thin fluid absorbing solvent-based adhesive layer and the other comprising a thicker fluid absorbing rubber-based adhesive layer. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the adhesive article having two adhesive layers, one layer comprising a thin fluid absorbing solvent-based adhesive layer and the other comprising a thicker fluid absorbing rubber-based adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layers have different surface areas. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    The present invention is directed to a fluid absorbing pressure sensitive adhesive comprising a solvent-based acrylic adhesive and at least one super-absorbent polymer having an average particle size of less than about 100 μm. 
         [0014]    The fluid absorbing adhesive may be coated onto a breathable polymeric backing to provide an adhesive composite having superior fluid handling capacity. In one embodiment, the composite comprises (i) a polymeric backing layer; (ii) a fluid absorbing adhesive layer comprising (a) 20-80% by weight of a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive and (b) 20-80% by weight of at least one super-absorbent polymer or hydrocolloid having an average particle size of less than 150 μm, wherein the thickness of the adhesive layer is about 40 μm to about 300 μm, and the overall adhesive composite has a fluid handling capacity of at least about 2000 g/m 2 /24 hours and a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 1100 g/m 2 /24 hours. In one embodiment, the moisture vapor transmission rate is at least 1200 g/m 2 /24 hours. 
         [0015]    As used herein, the term “Fluid Handling Capacity” means the combined ability of the article to take up moisture and to evaporate it to the environment. The fluid handling capacity of the composite in one embodiment is at least about 2500 g/m 2 /24 hours, or at least about 3500 g/m 2 /24 hours at an adhesive layer thickness of about 80 μm to about 300 μm. 
         [0016]    The static absorption of the composite, in one embodiment, is greater than 600 g/m 2 /24 hours, or at least about 700 g/m 2 /24 hours, or at least about 850 g/m 2 /24 hours, or at least about 1000 g/m 2 /24 hours. 
       Acrylic Adhesive 
       [0017]    The solvent-based acrylic adhesive may be any pressure sensitive adhesive that is capable of adhering to mammalian skin and that is free of ingredients known to cause undue irritation or toxicity to mammals. 
         [0018]    Useful acrylate copolymers may or may not be self-crosslinking and are formed from at least two monomers chosen from: (1) hydroxyalkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid in which the alkyl group comprises 2 to 4 carbon atoms, such as 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate and 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate; (2) alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid in which the alkyl group of the ester comprises 4 to 18 carbon atoms, such as n-butyl acrylate or methacrylate, isopropyl acrylate or methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate; (3) α,β-unsaturated monocarboxylic or dicarboxylic acids, their anhydrides and their alkyl or alkenyl esters in which the alkyl group contains from 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the alkenyl group contains from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, such as acrylic acid, itaconic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, alkyl methacrylate and the diethyl esters of fumaric or maleic acid; (4) vinyl monomers, such as vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, vinyl propionate, vinylpyrrolidone and styrene; (5) monomers containing a functional group selected from amido, amino and epoxy groups, for example, acrylamide, N-butylacrylamide, alkylaminoalkyl and aminoalkyl derivatives of acrylic or methacrylic acid, such as amino-ethyl acrylate, aminoethyl methacrylate and 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate, glycidyl methacrylate and glycidyl acrylate; (6) alkoxyalkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, for example methoxyethyl acrylates or methacrylates, butoxyethyl acrylates or methacrylates, methoxypropylene glycol acrylates or methacrylates and methoxypolyethylene glycol acrylates or methacrylates; and (7) hexamethylene glycol dimethacrylate. 
         [0019]    As these copolymers can be self-crosslinking, they may also contain a crosslinking agent selected from those generally used by those skilled in the art, for example, organic peroxides, polyisocyanates, chelates or metals such as titanium or aluminum, or metal acetylacetonates, such as those of zinc, magnesium and aluminum. 
         [0020]    These adhesive acrylate copolymers may take the form of solutions in a solvent system consisting of a single organic solvent or a mixture of several solvents, which contain about 25% to about 55% by weight copolymers. Examples of suitable solvents include aromatic solvents such as toluene, xylene, etc. Suitable aliphatic solvents include esters such as ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, butyl acetate, etc.; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, etc.; aliphatic hydrocarbons such as heptanes, hexane, pentane, etc. 
         [0021]    There can be included in the adhesive composition additive materials that do not affect the basic properties of the adhesive. Fillers, tackifiers, antioxidants, stabilizers, and the like may be added to the formulate adhesive. Further, pharmaceutically active components, such as for example, antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesic agents, anesthetics, or other pharmaceutically acceptable compounds, which do not affect the basic properties of the adhesive can be included in the adhesive layer in a pharmaceutically effective amount. 
         [0022]    An example of a useful commercially available adhesive is DURO-TAK 380-2819 from National Starch, which is a self-crosslinking solution acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive containing 40% by weight solids in a solvent blend of ethyl acetate/isopropanol/heptanes/toluene/pentanedione. 
       Super Absorbent Polymer 
       [0023]    The super absorbent polymer (SAP) useful in the adhesive composition comprises a water-swellable, hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer capable of absorbing large quantities of liquids such as water, body fluids (e.g., urine, blood), and the like. Additionally, the SAP is capable of retaining such absorbed fluids under moderate pressures. Typically the SAP absorbs many times its own weight in water, preferably at least 50 times, more preferably at least 100 times, most preferably at least 150 times its weight in water. Additionally, the SAP exhibits good saline fluid absorption under load and high saline fluid absorption capacity. Typically the SAP absorbs at least 10 times, preferably at least 30 times, more preferably at least 50 times its weight in saline fluid. Even though the SAP is capable of absorbing many times its own weight in water and/or saline, it does not dissolve in these fluids. 
         [0024]    The ability of the SAP to absorb water and/or saline fluid is related to the degree of crosslinking present in the SAP. Increasing the degree of crosslinking increases the SAP&#39;s total fluid holding capacity under load. The degree of crosslinking is preferably optimized to obtain a composition in which the rate and amount of absorbency are optimized. Preferred SAPs are at least 10%, more preferably from about 10% to about 50%, most preferably from about 20% to 40% crosslinked. Examples of suitable SAPs include crosslinked and polymerized α,β-beta ethylenically unsaturated mono- and dicarboxylic acids and acid anhydride monomers including, e.g., acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid/anhydride, itaconic acid, fumaric acid, and combinations thereof. 
         [0025]    Superabsorbent polymers useful in the invention include, e.g., crosslinked acrylate polymers, crosslinked products of vinyl alcohol-acrylate copolymers, crosslinked products of polyvinyl alcohols grafted with maleic anhydride, cross-linked products of acrylate-methacrylate copolymers, crosslinked saponification products of methyl acrylate-vinyl acetate copolymers, crosslinked products of starch acrylate graft copolymers, crosslinked saponification products of starch acrylonitrile graft copolymers, crosslinked products of carboxymethyl cellulose polymers and crosslinked products of isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
         [0026]    The superabsorbent particles preferably are spherical and have an average particle size of from about 1 micrometer (μm) to about 400 (μm). Preferably the particles have an average particle size of from about 20 μm to about 200 μm, and more preferably from 20 μm to 150 μm. In one embodiment, the particle size of the particles is less than 150 μm, or less than 100 μm. Useful commercially available superabsorbent particles include, e.g., sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent particles available under the AQUA KEEP series of trade designations including, e.g., particles having an average particle size of from about 20 μm to about 30 μm available under the trade designation AQUA KEEP 1 OSH-NF, particles having an average particle size of from 200 μm to 300 μm available under the trade designation AQUA. KEEP 10SH-P, particles having an average particle size of from 320 μm to 370 μm available under the trade designation AQUA KEEP SA60S, particles having an average particle size of from 350 μm to 390 μm available under the trade designations AQUA KEEP SA60SX, SA55SX π and SA 60SL II, and particles having an average particle size of from 250 λm to 350 μm available under the trade designation AQUA KEEP SA60N TYPE II from Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Col, Ltd. (Japan). Also available superabsorbent materials are Luquasorb 1010 and Luquasorb 1030 from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the adhesive contains about 20% by weight to about 80% by weight of a superabsorbing polymer. In another embodiment, the adhesive contains about 40 to about 60% by weight of a superabsorbing polymer. 
       Hydrocolloids: 
       [0028]    The adhesive composition may include a hydrocolloid. The hydrocolloids enable the final composition to adhere to moist body surfaces. This phenomenon is termed “wet tack”. One or more water swellable hydrocolloids may also be present. The hydrocolloid may be linear or crosslinked. Suitable hydrocolloids include synthetic hydrocolloids such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, and natural products such as gelatin, pectin, guar gum, locust bean gum, tragacanth gum, gum karaya, starches, gum arabic, alginic acid and its sodium and/or calcium salts. Other synthetic hydrocolloids such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrollidone, polyacrylic acid, polyhydroxyalkyl acrylates, polyacrylamides, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols are useful. Others hydrocolloids include crosslinked or crystalline sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, crosslinked dextran and starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer. 
         [0029]    The hydrocolloid particles preferably have an average particle size of from about 1 micrometer (μm) to about 400 (μm). Preferably the particles have an average particle size of from about 20 μm to about 200 μm, and more preferably from 20 μm to 150 μm. In one embodiment, the particle size of the particles is less than 150 μm, or less than 100 μm. 
       Backing: 
       [0030]    The backing layer is made of a thin polymeric elastic or flexible film that is water vapor permeable. The film may be liquid and/or bacteria impermeable. The backing layer may comprise polyurethane, elastomeric polyester, blends of polyurethane and polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polyether-amide block copolymer and porous polyethylene. In one embodiment, the backing is a polyurethane film. 
         [0031]    Suitable backing layers are thin and have good conformability. In one embodiment, the thickness of the backing is in the range of about 10 μm to about 75 μm, or about 15 μm to about 45 μm, or about 20 μm to about 30 μm. The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of the backing layer alone is within the range of about 1500 to about 14600 g/m 2 /24 hours, or from about 2500 to about 3000 g/m 2 /24 hours at 38° C. 
       Release Liner: 
       [0032]    In one embodiment, the adhesive article includes a release-coated liner on the skin-contacting side, which is retained in place prior to use and is removed just prior to application to the user&#39;s skin. The release-coated liner may be any release-coated liner known in the art that is compatible with the pressure sensitive adhesive of the skin-contacting side of the adhesive article. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a skin-contacting adhesive article  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The adhesive article  10  includes a breathable backing layer  12 , adhesive layer  14  adhered to the backing layer, and an optional release liner  18  removably adhered to the adhesive layer. Prior to use, the release liner  18 , if present, is removed to allow adhesive layer  14  to be applied to the skin of the user. Adhesive layer  14  contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive having at least one super absorbing polymer dispersed therein. The thickness of adhesive layer  14  can be in the range of about 40 to about 200 μm. In one embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive layer less than about 200 μm, or within the range of about 60 to about 150 μm. With the solvent based adhesives, coat weights greater than about 200 μm may result in undesirably high levels of residual solvent after drying of the coated adhesive. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a skin-contacting adhesive article  20  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The adhesive article  20  includes a breathable backing layer  22 , a first adhesive layer  24  adhered to the backing layer, a second adhesive layer  26  adhered to the first adhesive layer and an optional release liner  28  removably adhered to the second adhesive layer  26 . Prior to use, the release liner  28 , if present, is removed to allow adhesive layer  26  to be applied to the skin of the user. Each of adhesive layers  24  and  26  contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive having at least one super absorbing polymer dispersed therein. The super absorbing polymer content of adhesive layer  24  may be in the range of about 20% to about 80% by weight and the super absorbing polymer content of adhesive layer  26  may be in the range of about 20% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the adhesive layer. The thickness of each adhesive layer may be in the range of about 40 to about 200 μm, so that the overall thickness of the adhesive is within the range of about 80 to about 400 μm, or within the range of about 150 to about 300 μm. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a skin-contacting adhesive article  30  in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The adhesive article  30  includes a breathable backing layer  32 , a first adhesive layer  34  adhered to the backing layer, a second adhesive layer  36  adhered to the first adhesive layer and a third adhesive layer  37  adhered to the second adhesive layer. The adhesive article may include a release liner  38  removably adhered to the third adhesive layer. Each of adhesive layers  34 ,  36  and  37  contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive having at least one super absorbing polymer dispersed therein. The super absorbing polymer content of adhesive layers  34  and  36  may be in the range of about 20% to about 80% by weight and the super absorbing polymer content of adhesive layer  37  may be in the range of about 20% to about 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the adhesive layer. The thickness of each adhesive layer may be in the range of about 40 to about 200 μm. The multiple layers of adhesive provide higher performance with respect to fluid handling capacity, moisture vapor transmission and static absorption. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate embodiments similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , with the exception that the surface area of the two adhesive layers may be different. Specifically, the adhesive article  40  of  FIG. 4  includes a breathable backing layer  42 , a first adhesive layer  44  adhered to the backing layer, a second adhesive layer  46  adhered to the first adhesive layer and an optional release liner  48  removably adhered to the second adhesive layer  46 . Each of adhesive layers  44  and  46  contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive having at least one super absorbing polymer dispersed therein. The surface area of adhesive layer  46  is less than the surface area of adhesive layer  44 . In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the adhesive article  50  includes a breathable backing layer  52 , a first adhesive layer  54  adhered to the backing layer, a second adhesive layer  56  adhered to the first adhesive layer and an optional release liner  58  removably adhered to the second adhesive layer  56 . The surface area of adhesive layer  54  is less than the surface area of adhesive layer  56 . 
         [0037]    The fluid absorbing solvent-based acrylic adhesive may be combined with another absorbing adhesive layer to form an adhesive article having improved absorbing properties without significantly increasing the overall thickness of the adhesive article. For example, a thin layer of the fluid absorbent solvent-based acrylic adhesive may be combined with a relatively thicker layer of another fluid absorbing adhesive layer, such as a rubber based, hydrocolloid containing adhesive layer to increase the fluid handling capacity of the rubber based adhesive. 
         [0038]    Examples of rubber based adhesives may include those comprising solid rubbers such as linear or radial A-B-A block copolymers or mixtures of these A-B-A block copolymers with simple A-B block copolymers. However, the proportion of A-B block copolymers, relative to the A-B-A block copolymers, should not normally exceed 85% by weight of the (total) block copolymers. In one embodiment, the proportion is in the range from about 35 to about 85% by weight of the block copolymers, and in another embodiment, the proportion is from about 55 to about 75% by weight of the block copolymers. In one embodiment, lower amounts such as 10 to 35% by weight of the block copolymers are used. These block copolymers can be based on styrene-butadiene, styrene-isoprene, and hydrogenated styrene-diene copolymers such as styrene ethylene-butylene. Suitable styrene-diene copolymers are exemplified by a blend of linear styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and linear styrene-isoprene diblock copolymer. Such a material is available from Kraton Polymers as KRATON® D-1161 K and has a bound styrene content of about 15% and a diblock content of 17%. A second example is a blend of linear styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer and linear styrene-isoprene diblock copolymer available from Shell Chemical as KRATON® D-1117 and which has a bound styrene content of about 17% and a diblock content of 33%. 
         [0039]    An example of a suitable hydrogenated styrene-diene copolymer is a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a blend of clear linear triblock and diblock copolymer based on styrene and ethylene-butylene with a bound styrene of 14% mass. Such a material is commercially available from Shell Chemical Company as KRATON® G-1657. Another example is KRATON® G-1652 from Shell Chemical Company, which is a thermoplastic elastomer comprised of a clear linear triblock copolymer based on styrene and ethylene-butylene, S-E/B-S, with a bound styrene content of about 30% by weight. Also suitable are polymers in which there is a combination of chemically saturated blocks and chemically unsaturated blocks. For example, a branched copolymer consisting of two polyisoprene chains attached to the rubber midblock of a styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene triblock copolymer. Such a material, for example, is available from Shell Chemical Company having a styrene content of 18%, and isoprene content of 36% and an ethylene-butylene content of 46% by weight. Also, a low styrene synthetic copolymer of butadiene and styrene, commonly called SBR rubber, can be used as a solid rubber. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, liquid rubbers may be added to the adhesive material to adjust or control the adhesive or other characteristics. Liquid rubbers useful in this embodiment of the invention include synthetic liquid isoprene rubber, depolymerized natural rubber, various functionally terminated synthetic liquid isoprene-styrene rubbers and liquid isoprene rubbers, liquid isoprene-styrene copolymer, liquid isoprene-butadiene copolymer, liquid butadiene-styrene copolymer and hydrogenated versions of these materials such as liquid ethylene-propylene-styrene. These liquid rubbers are generally compatible with the solid rubber. The liquid rubbers typically have a molecular weight of 25,000 to 50,000, a glass transition temperature of less than −50° C., and a viscosity at 38° C. of 50 to 10,000 Pas. A block copolymer of styrene and isoprene having a styrene content of about 13% and an isoprene content of about 87%, a glass transition of about −60° C., a melt viscosity of about 240 Pas at 50° C. and which is commercially available from Shell Chemical Company as LIR310, is particularly useful in the practice of the invention. Within the adhesive material, in one embodiment, the weight ratio of solid rubber to liquid rubber is in the range from about 100:1 to about 1:2, and is varied in order to obtain the desired degree of adhesiveness and tackiness. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the weight ratio of solid rubber to liquid rubber is in the range from about 50:1 to about 5:1, and in another embodiment, from about 20:1 to about 10:1. 
         [0042]    Optionally, an elastomeric polymer such as butyl rubber or high molecular weight polyisobutylene may also be blended into the adhesive material. The optional butyl rubber may be used in the viscosity average molecular weight range of 200,000 to 600,000 and is exemplified by the grades Butyl 065 or Butyl 077, both available from Exxon Chemical. The optional high molecular weight polyisobutylene may be used in the viscosity average molecular weight range of 800,000 to 2,500,000 and is exemplified by the VISTANEX® MM series of products, available from Exxon Chemical, with the MM L-80 grade being a preferred grade for the optional high molecular weight polyisobutylene. The optional high molecular weight rubbers, blended as is indicated above, may be added in amounts suitable to modify various properties of the final formulation and may be from 0% to about 50% of the total weight of the adhesive material, and in one embodiment from about 0.5% to about 25% of the total weight of the adhesive material, and in one embodiment from about 5% to about 10% of the total weight of the adhesive material. The optional low molecular weight polybutenes and/or mineral oil may be added in amounts from 0% to about 20% of the weight of the adhesive material and in one embodiment from about 0.5% to about 10% of the total weight of the adhesive material, and in one embodiment from about 0.5% to about 5% of the total weight of the adhesive material. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a skin-contacting adhesive article  60  having multiple layers of different adhesives in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The adhesive article  60  includes a breathable backing layer  62 , a first adhesive layer  64  adhered to the backing layer wherein the first adhesive layer  64  contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive having at least one super absorbing polymer dispersed therein. The super absorbing polymer content of adhesive layer  64  may be in the range of about 20% to about 80% by weight based on the total weight of the adhesive layer  64 . The thickness of the first adhesive layer  64  may be in the range of about 60 to about 200 μm. A second adhesive layer  66  is adhered to the first adhesive layer  64 . Adhesive layer  66  may be a thicker layer of another absorbing adhesive, for example, a 200 μm to 1000 μm layer of a rubber-based hydrocolloid adhesive. The adhesive article may contain an optional release liner  68  removably adhered to the second adhesive layer  66 . Prior to use, the release liner  68 , if present, is removed to allow adhesive layer  66  to be applied to the skin of the user. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment similar to that of  FIG. 6 , with the exception that the surface area of the first adhesive is less than the surface area of the second adhesive. Specifically, the adhesive article  70  includes a breathable backing layer  72 , a first adhesive layer  74  adhered to the backing layer wherein the first adhesive layer  74  contains a solvent based acrylic adhesive having at least one super absorbing polymer dispersed therein. A second adhesive layer  76  is adhered to the first adhesive layer  74 . Adhesive layer  76  may be a thicker layer of another absorbing adhesive. Optional release liner  78  is removably adhered to the second adhesive layer  76 . The surface area of first adhesive layer  74  is less than the surface area of second adhesive layer  76 . 
       Test Methods: 
       [0045]    Fluid Handling Capacity is a measure of the combined ability of the composite to take up moisture and to evaporate it to the environment. This test is performed by laminating a sample cut to the size of a Paddington cup to the cup on the side having the rubber ring. The circular sealing ring is placed on the sample of the cup and the screws are secured. The cup is weighed (W1). The cup is then turned upside down and filled with 20 ml of a NaCl solution (0.9% wt in deionized water). The metal sealing place is secured to the top side of the cup. The filled cup is weighed (W2). The cup is placed sample side down into an oven at 37° C. for 24 hours. After 24 hours, the cup is removed from the oven and allowed to cool to room temperature for 30 minutes. The cup is then weighed (W3). The metal sealing plate is removed and the cup is emptied. The cup is allowed to stand for 15 minutes on a tissue to remove the NaCl solution, and then weighed (W4). The test conditions are 23° C. (±2°) and 50% (±2%) relative humidity. The Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) equals (W2−W3)×1000. The Static Absorption equal (W4−W1)×1000. The Fluid Handling Capacity (FHC) in g/10 cm 2 /24 hours is determined as follows: 
         [0000]      FHC=( W 2 −W 3)+( W 4 −W 1) 
       EXAMPLES 
       [0046]    The invention is further described by reference to the following non-limiting examples. 
       Examples 1-4 
     Single Layer Pressure Sensitive Absorbing Adhesives 
     Example 1 
       [0047]    To 59 parts by weight of a solvent based acrylic adhesive, Duro-Tak 380-2819 from National Starch at room temperature, is added 40 parts by weight Luquasorb 1010 and 1.0 parts by weight aluminum acetyl acetonate (AAA) crosslinker. The adhesive was coated at a thickness of 120 μm onto a release liner and dried. A polyurethane film backing having a thickness of 25 μm was laminated onto the adhesive layer. Table 1 below shows the Fluid Handling Capacity (FHC), Static absorption and Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) of the adhesive composite. 
       Examples 2-4 
       [0048]    In a similar manner to Example 1, adhesives are prepared having the compositions shown in Table 1. All amounts are in percent by weight. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Static 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Acrylic 
                 Luquasorb 
                   
                 Thickness 
                 FHC 
                 Absorption 
                 MVTR 
               
               
                 Example 
                 Adhesive 
                 1010 
                 AAA 
                 (μm) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 59 
                 40 
                 1 
                 120 
                 2590 
                 1200 
                 1390 
               
               
                 2 
                 67 
                 32 
                 1 
                 80 
                 2135 
                 740 
                 1395 
               
               
                 3 
                 59 
                 40 
                 1 
                 80 
                 2130 
                 835 
                 1295 
               
               
                 4 
                 67 
                 32 
                 1 
                 120 
                 2100 
                 865 
                 1235 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Examples 5-6 
     Multilayer Pressure Sensitive Absorbing Adhesives 
     Example 5 
       [0049]    A fluid absorbing adhesive made up of 58% by weight DuroTak 380-2819, 40% by weight Luquasorb 1010 and 2% by weight AAA was prepared and coated at a thickness of 150 μm onto a 25 μm thick polyurethane film. A second layer of the adhesive having a thickness of 150 μm was laminated to the first adhesive layer to create an adhesive layer having a total thickness of 300 μm. The composite was sterilized at 25 kGy. Table 2 below shows the FHC, Static absorption and MVTR of the double layer construction (Example 5B) as compared to a construction having a single layer of hydrocolloid adhesive (Example 5A). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 FHC 
                 Static Absorption 
                 MVTR 
               
               
                 Example 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 5A: 150 μm thick 
                 2595 
                 1315 
                 1280 
               
               
                 5B: 300 μm thick 
                 3760 
                 2900 
                 860 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Example 6 
       [0050]    6A: A multilayer construction was prepared by laminating a 0.3 mm layer of a rubber based hydrocolloid adhesive onto an 80 μm thick layer of the acrylic hydrocolloid adhesive of Example 5 that had been coated onto a 25 μm thick polyurethane film. The rubber based hydrocolloid adhesive contained 20% by weight polyisobutylene, 40% by weight sodium carboxy methyl cellulose and 40% by weight rubber phased formed from a 2:8 ratio of physically cross-linked solid rubber (SIS/SI) and a compatible liquid rubber (SI). 
         [0051]    6B: A multilayer construction was prepared substantially in accordance with Example 6A with the exception that the thickness of the acrylic hydrocolloid adhesive layer was 160 μm. 
         [0052]    Table 3 below shows the FHC, Static absorption and MVTR of the construction of Example 6A and Example 6B as compared to a construction having only the rubber based hydrocolloid adhesive (Comparative). 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 FHC 
                 Static Absorption 
                 MVTR 
               
               
                   
                 Example 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
                 (g/m 2 /24 h) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Comp. 
                 3400 
                 3050 
                 350 
               
               
                   
                 6A 
                 4445 
                 3240 
                 1205 
               
               
                   
                 6B 
                 5125 
                 3610 
                 1195 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0053]    The results of Table 3 demonstrate that the addition of the thin super-absorbent polymer containing adhesive layer, the MVTR is significantly increased, and therefore the fluid handling capacity is much higher without a significant increase in thickness. 
         [0054]    Skin Adhesion: 
         [0055]    The adhesive composites to be tested were cut into 20 mm×7 cm strips and applied to the inner part of the forearms of each of 6 people. To determine skin adhesion, each strip was removed after a defined wear time at a 90° angle using an Instron adhesion tester at a speed of 300 mm/min. The peel force of each example was measured after 24 hours (Table 4a) of wear time and after 48 hours of wear time (Table 4b). 
         [0056]    Example A is a 120 μm thick layer of adhesive containing 67% by weight Duro-Tak 2819 solvent based acrylic, 32% by weight Luquasorb 1010 and 1% by weight AAA coated onto a backing of 25 μm polyurethane film and sterilized by 25 kGy. 
         [0057]    Example B is a 120 μm thick layer of adhesive containing 59% by weight Duro-Tak 2819 solvent based acrylic, 40% by weight Luquasorb 1010 and 1% by weight AAA coated onto a backing of 25 μm polyurethane film and sterilized by 25 kGy. 
         [0058]    Comparative Example C is a commercially available, ultra-thin (140 μm) finger wrap having an MVTR of 502 g/m 2 /24 h, a static absorption of 900 g/m 2 /24 h and an FHC of 1402 g/m 2 /24 h. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4a 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 24 Hour Wear 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Example 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 Avg. 
                 Std. Dev. 
                 Max 
                 Min 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 1.94 
                 1.77 
                 0.88 
                 1.78 
                 2.21 
                 2.74 
                 1.89 
                 0.48 
                 2.74 
                 1.78 
               
               
                 B 
                 2.92 
                 1.84 
                 0.88 
                 1.15 
                 1.34 
                 2.76 
                 1.82 
                 0.88 
                 2.76 
                 1.15 
               
               
                 C 
                 0.95 
                 0.57 
                 0.24 
                 0.68 
                 1.52 
                 0.77 
                 0.79 
                 0.46 
                 1.52 
                 0.68 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4b 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 48 Hour Wear 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Example 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
                 5 
                 6 
                 Avg. 
                 Std. Dev. 
                 Max 
                 Min 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A 
                 1.33 
                 2.37 
                 lost 
                 1.39 
                 1.76 
                 1.89 
                 1.75 
                 0.42 
                 2.37 
                 1.33 
               
               
                 B 
                 1.07 
                 2.49 
                 — 
                 1.79 
                 1.27 
                 1.54 
                 1.43 
                 0.65 
                 2.49 
                 0.79 
               
               
                 C 
                 0.54 
                 0.77 
                 lost 
                 lost 
                 0.86 
                 lost 
                 0.72 
                 0.17 
                 0.86 
                 0.54 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0059]    While the invention has been explained in relation to various of its embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The features of the various embodiments of the articles described herein may be combined within an article. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention described herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.