Patent Description:
Nonwoven webs are useful in many fields, such as the medical field, the dusting and cleaning implement field, and the hygiene field, for example. In the hygiene field, absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products, may be used to absorb and contain urine, bowel movements, and/or menses (together "bodily exudates"). These absorbent articles may comprise nonwoven webs as various components thereof, such as topsheets, for example.

Nonwoven webs may comprise a variety of fiber types, including, for example, synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof. Recently, there has been an increased interest in supplementing or substituting synthetic components of nonwoven webs with naturally-derived components. For example, natural fibers, such as plant-based fibers, may be mixed with synthetic fibers, or may take the place of synthetic fibers, in nonwoven webs. Absorbent articles comprising nonwoven webs comprising natural fibers may be perceived by consumers as being of higher quality, more environmentally friendly, and/or softer against the skin of the wearer when utilized in a topsheet, an outer cover, or other context. Natural fibers, such as cotton, for example, may exhibit an increased tendency to form hydrogen bonds with polar fluids as compared to synthetic fibers. Polar fluids, such as urine and menses, may come into contact with and/or enter a topsheet comprising natural fibers. Instead of passing through the nonwoven topsheet and into a hydrophilic acquisition layer and/or an absorbent core, however, the polar fluids may form hydrogen bonds with at least some of the natural fibers, thus swelling the natural fibers and trapping fluid in or on the nonwoven topsheet. Capillary forces relied on to draw fluids from the nonwoven topsheet and into the hydrophilic acquisition layer and/or absorbent core may not be strong enough to overcome the hydrogen bonds formed between the polar fluids and natural fibers of the nonwoven topsheet. This swelling of the natural fibers may be undesirable because the polar fluids may remain in and/or on the topsheet and proximate to and/or in contact with the skin of the wearer, which is not consumer desired.

In some instances, nonwoven topsheets comprising natural fibers may be chemically treated to make the topsheet hydrophobic, more hydrophobic, or less hydrophilic, and thus at least inhibit polar fluids from bonding with the natural fibers of the nonwoven topsheet. Nonwoven topsheets may be coated with, for example, silicone, fluoride, or polymers to make the nonwoven topsheet hydrophobic, more hydrophobic, or less hydrophilic. While these coating processes may result in a topsheet that reduces or prevents polar fluids from bonding with the natural fibers of the topsheet, the resulting topsheet may also have significantly increased fluid strike-through time - the time it takes a fluid to traverse through a nonwoven topsheet - resulting in topsheets that may be slow to remove polar fluids from the surface of the skin of the wearer, leaving skin wet, which is not desired. Increased fluid strike-through times, therefore, are not desired. As such, nonwoven webs comprising natural fibers should be improved, especially in the nonwoven topsheet context.

<CIT> relates to a topsheet for use in an absorbent article having a layer with at least <NUM>% by weight of natural fibers. The first layer comprises apertures and land areas between the apertures. The contact angle on the land areas is more than <NUM>°, according to the Contact Angle Test Method.

<CIT> is concerned with layered non-woven cloths having two adjacent fiber layers. One of the fiber layers has higher hydrophilicity than the other and at least one of the fiber layers includes a liquid film-splitting agent.

Aspects of the present disclosure solve some or all of the problems discussed above by providing an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable topsheet comprising natural fibers, wherein the topsheet comprises a semi-hydrophilic composition. The semi-hydrophilic composition comprises a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may be disposed on a first side and/or a second side of the topsheet. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may also be disposed throughout the topsheet, including on the natural fibers intermediate the first side and the second side. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may also, or alternatively, be disposed on at least a portion of the surfaces of the natural fibers of the nonwoven topsheet and may form a coating on the surfaces of the natural fibers of the nonwoven topsheet. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may render the nonwoven topsheet more permeable to polar fluids while preventing, or at least inhibiting, swelling of at least a portion of the nonwoven topsheet fibers. Stated another way, the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may at least inhibit the natural fibers from absorbing the polar fluids, thereby making the topsheets more permeable to the polar fluids. The topsheets of the present disclosure may be apertured to promote faster polar fluid penetration.

The present disclosure provides, in part, an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet comprising natural fibers, wherein the nonwoven topsheet comprises a semi-hydrophilic composition comprising a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier, wherein a weight ratio of the wax ester to the polyglyceryl emulsifier is between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>, or between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>. The liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet has a Contact Angle of less than about <NUM>°, according to the Contact Angle Test disclosed herein. The liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet has a Fluid Strike-Through time of between about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> seconds, preferably between about <NUM> seconds and about <NUM> seconds, and more preferably between about <NUM> second and about <NUM> seconds, according to the Fluid Strike-Through Test disclosed herein. The liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet may have a Rewet value of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, according to the Rewet Test disclosed herein.

The present disclosure provides, in part, an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet comprising natural fibers, wherein the nonwoven topsheet may comprise a semi-hydrophilic composition comprising a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may be disposed on a first side and a second side of the nonwoven topsheet by a process comprising the steps of: <NUM>) melting the semi-hydrophilic wax composition; <NUM>) dispersing the semi-hydrophilic wax composition in a continuous phase to form droplets of the semi-hydrophilic wax composition with a mean droplet size of less than <NUM> microns; <NUM>) exposing the nonwoven topsheet to the melted semi-hydrophilic wax composition dispersion and <NUM>) drying the nonwoven topsheet.

The present disclosure provides, in part, an absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable nonwoven top sheet comprising natural fibers, wherein the nonwoven topsheet comprises a semi-hydrophilic composition, and wherein the nonwoven topsheet has a Fluid Strike-Through time of between about <NUM> seconds to about <NUM> seconds, preferably between about <NUM> seconds and about <NUM> seconds, and more preferably between about <NUM> second and about <NUM> seconds, according to the Fluid Strike-Through Test. The nonwoven topsheet has a Wicking Height of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and more preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, according to the Topsheet Wicking Test disclosed herein.

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by reference to the following description of example forms of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the absorbent articles comprising semi-hydrophilic compositions disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting forms are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the absorbent articles comprising semi-hydrophilic compositions described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example forms. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting form may be combined with the features of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "natural fibers" refers to elongated substances produced by plants and/or animals and comprises animal-based fibers and/or plant-based fibers. Natural fibers may comprise fibers harvested without any post-harvest treatment step as well as those having received a post-treatment step, such as, for example, washing, scouring, and bleaching. One example of natural fibers is cotton fibers.

As used herein, the terms "hydrophilic" and "hydrophobic" have meanings that are well established in the art with respect to the Contact Angle of water on the surface of a material. Thus, a material having a water Contact Angle of greater than about <NUM> degrees is considered hydrophobic, and a material having a water Contact Angle of less than about <NUM> degrees is considered hydrophilic. Compositions which are hydrophobic may increase the Contact Angle of water on the surface of a material, while compositions which are hydrophilic may decrease the Contact Angle of water on the surface of a material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, reference to relative hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity between a material and a composition, between two materials, and/or between two compositions, does not imply that the materials or compositions are hydrophobic or hydrophilic. For example, a composition may be more hydrophobic than a material. In such a case, neither the composition nor the material may be hydrophobic; however, the Contact Angle exhibited by the composition may be greater than that of the material. As another example, a composition may be more hydrophilic than a material. In such a case, neither the composition nor the material may be hydrophilic; however, the Contact Angle exhibited by the composition may be less than that exhibited by the material.

As used herein, the term "semi-hydrophilic" refers to a material having a water Contact Angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, according to the Contact Angle Test disclosed herein. Thus, "semi-hydrophilic" spans a range that is mostly hydrophilic but may be slightly hydrophobic. As discussed further herein, it is believed that a nonwoven topsheet comprising a semi-hydrophilic composition and having a Contact Angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, may facilitate the rapid transfer of polar fluids from a wearer-facing surface of a topsheet to an underlying acquisition layer and/or absorbent core. It is further believed that a topsheet having a Contact Angle lower than about <NUM>° may interfere with the capillary action that may draw polar fluids into the underlying acquisition layer and/or absorbent core, and thus may result in polar fluids remaining within the topsheet. It is also believed that a topsheet having a Contact Angle higher than about <NUM>° may interfere with polar fluid penetration through the topsheet.

An example absorbent article <NUM> according to the present disclosure, shown in the form of a taped diaper, is represented in <FIG>. <FIG> is a plan view of the example absorbent article <NUM>, garment-facing surface <NUM> facing the viewer in a flat, laid-out state (i.e., no elastic contraction). <FIG> is a plan view of the example absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG>, wearer-facing surface <NUM> facing the viewer in a flat, laid-out state. <FIG> is a front perspective view of the absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> in a fastened configuration. The absorbent article <NUM> of <FIG> is shown for illustration purposes only as the present disclosure may be used for making a wide variety of diapers, including adult incontinence products, pants, or other absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and absorbent pads, for example.

The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a front waist region <NUM>, a crotch region <NUM>, and a back waist region <NUM>. The crotch region <NUM> may extend intermediate the front waist region <NUM> and the back waist region <NUM>. The front wait region <NUM>, the crotch region <NUM>, and the back waist region <NUM> may each be about <NUM>/<NUM> of the length of the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a front end edge <NUM>, a back end edge <NUM> opposite to the front end edge <NUM>, and longitudinally extending, transversely opposed side edges <NUM> and <NUM> defined by the chassis <NUM>.

The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet <NUM>, a liquid impermeable backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM> positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may also comprise one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs <NUM> with or without elastics <NUM>, one or more pairs of leg elastics <NUM>, one or more elastic waistbands <NUM>, and/or one or more acquisition materials <NUM>. The acquisition material or materials <NUM> may be positioned intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM>. An outer cover material <NUM>, such as a nonwoven material, may cover a garment-facing side of the backsheet <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise back ears <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. The back ears <NUM> may comprise fasteners <NUM> and may extend from the back waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> and attach (using the fasteners <NUM>) to the landing zone area or landing zone material <NUM> on a garment-facing portion of the front waist region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may also have front ears <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a central lateral (or transverse) axis <NUM> and a central longitudinal axis <NUM>. The central lateral axis <NUM> extends perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis <NUM>.

In other instances, the absorbent article may be in the form of a pant having permanent or refastenable side seams. Suitable refastenable seams are disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>. Referring to <FIG>, an example absorbent article <NUM> in the form of a pant is illustrated. <FIG> is a front perspective view of the absorbent article <NUM>. <FIG> is a rear perspective view of the absorbent article <NUM>. <FIG> is a plan view of the absorbent article <NUM>, laid flat, with the garment-facing surface facing the viewer. Elements of <FIG> having the same reference number as described above with respect to <FIG> may be the same element (e.g., absorbent core <NUM>). <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken about line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is an example cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken about line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate example forms of front and back belts <NUM>, <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a front waist region <NUM>, a crotch region <NUM>, and a back waist region <NUM>. Each of the regions <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be about <NUM>/<NUM> of the length of the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may have a chassis <NUM> (sometimes referred to as a central chassis or central panel) comprising a topsheet <NUM>, a backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM> disposed at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the backsheet <NUM>, and an optional acquisition material <NUM>, similar to that as described above with respect to <FIG>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise a front belt <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> and a back belt <NUM> in the back waist region <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may be joined to a wearer-facing surface <NUM> of the front and back belts <NUM>, <NUM> or to a garment-facing surface <NUM> of the belts <NUM>, <NUM>. Side edges <NUM> and <NUM> of the front belt <NUM> may be joined to side edges <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, of the back belt <NUM> to form two side seams <NUM>. The side seams <NUM> may be any suitable seams known to those of skill in the art, such as butt seams or overlap seams, for example. When the side seams <NUM> are permanently formed or refastenably closed, the absorbent article <NUM> in the form of a pant has two leg openings <NUM> and a waist opening circumference <NUM>. The side seams <NUM> may be permanently joined using adhesives or bonds, for example, or may be refastenably closed using hook and loop fasteners, for example.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> and front and back outer belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> having an elastomeric material (e.g., strands <NUM> or a film (which may be apertured)) disposed at least partially therebetween. The elastic elements <NUM> or the film may be relaxed (including being cut) to reduce elastic strain over the absorbent core <NUM> or, may alternatively, run continuously across the absorbent core <NUM>. The elastics elements <NUM> may have uniform or variable spacing therebetween in any portion of the belts. The elastic elements <NUM> may also be pre-strained the same amount or different amounts. The front and/or back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may have one or more elastic element free zones <NUM> where the chassis <NUM> overlaps the belts <NUM>, <NUM>. In other instances, at least some of the elastic elements <NUM> may extend continuously across the chassis <NUM>.

The front and back inner belt layers <NUM>, <NUM> and the front and back outer belt layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be joined using adhesives, heat bonds, pressure bonds or thermoplastic bonds. Various suitable belt layer configurations can be found in <CIT>.

Front and back belt end edges <NUM> and <NUM> may extend longitudinally beyond the front and back chassis end edges <NUM> and <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) or they may be co-terminus. The front and back belt side edges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may extend laterally beyond the chassis side edges <NUM> and <NUM>. The front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may be continuous (i.e., having at least one layer that is continuous) from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the transverse distances from <NUM> to <NUM> and from <NUM> to <NUM>). Alternatively, the front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may be discontinuous from belt side edge to belt side edge (e.g., the transverse distances from <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>), such that they are discrete.

As disclosed in <CIT>, the longitudinal length (along the central longitudinal axis <NUM>) of the back belt <NUM> may be greater than the longitudinal length of the front belt <NUM>, and this may be particularly useful for increased buttocks coverage when the back belt <NUM> has a greater longitudinal length versus the front belt <NUM> adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the side seams <NUM>.

The front outer belt layer <NUM> and the back outer belt layer <NUM> may be separated from each other, such that the layers are discrete or, alternatively, these layers may be continuous, such that a layer runs continuously from the front belt end edge <NUM> to the back belt end edge <NUM>. This may also be true for the front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> - that is, they may also be longitudinally discrete or continuous. Further, the front and back outer belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> may be longitudinally continuous while the front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> are longitudinally discrete, such that a gap is formed between them - a gap between the front and back inner and outer belt layers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and a gap between the front and back inner belt layers <NUM> and <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

The front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may include slits, holes, and/or perforations providing increased breathability, softness, and a garment-like texture. Underwear-like appearance can be enhanced by substantially aligning the waist and leg edges at the side seams <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

The front and back belts <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise graphics (see e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>). The graphics may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the absorbent article <NUM> and may be disposed across side seams <NUM> and/or across proximal front and back belt seams <NUM> and <NUM>; or, alternatively, adjacent to the seams <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the manner described in <CIT> to create a more underwear-like article. The graphics may also be discontinuous.

Alternatively, instead of attaching belts <NUM> and <NUM> to the chassis <NUM> to form a pant, discrete side panels may be attached to side edges of the chassis <NUM> and <NUM>. Suitable forms of pants comprising discrete side panels are disclosed in <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The topsheet <NUM> is a part of the absorbent article <NUM> that is in contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet <NUM> may be joined to portions of the backsheet <NUM>, the absorbent core <NUM>, the barrier leg cuffs <NUM>, and/or any other layers as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The topsheet <NUM> may be compliant, soft-feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of, or all of, the topsheet may be liquid permeable, permitting liquid bodily exudates to readily penetrate through its thickness. The topsheet may comprise one layer or more than one layer. The topsheet may be apertured (<FIG>, element <NUM>), may have any suitable three-dimensional features, and/or may have a plurality of embossments (e.g., a bond pattern).

The topsheet may comprise nonwoven web materials. Nonlimiting examples of nonwoven web materials that may be suitable for use as a topsheet include fibrous materials made from natural fibers, modified natural fibers, synthetic fibers, mixtures of natural and/or modified natural fibers with synthetic fibers, and/or combinations thereof. The nonwoven web materials may include, consist essentially of, or consist entirely of cellulosic plant fibers such as, for example, fibers from cotton, flax, hemp, jute, or mixtures thereof. In other examples, semi-synthetic fibers derived from cellulosic material, such as rayon (including viscose, lyocell, MODAL (a product of Lenzing AG, Lenzing, Austria) and cuprammonium rayon) may be used. The fibers comprising the nonwoven web materials may be processed to be suitably soft-feeling against the skin. Natural fibers may be consumer-preferred to appeal to a desire for natural and/or environmentally friendly products. The topsheet may comprise between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, or between about <NUM>% and <NUM>%, by weight of the nonwoven topsheet of the natural fibers. In one example, the topsheet may comprise about <NUM>% natural fibers and about <NUM>% synthetic fibers. In another example, the topsheet may comprise about <NUM>% natural fibers and about <NUM>% synthetic fibers. In yet another example, the topsheet may comprise about <NUM>% natural fibers, such as about <NUM>% cotton fibers.

As discussed above, the topsheet may comprise a nonwoven web. The nonwoven web may be formed by any suitable process in which fibers may be distributed and accumulated onto a forming belt to form a batt having a desired distribution of fibers and/or a desired basis weight. Suitable processes may include, for example, carding, airlaying, and wetlaying. In another example, the nonwoven web may be formed by a co-forming process in which natural fibers of finite lengths are blended or mixed with streams of polymeric resin-based spun fibers of generally longer length than the natural fibers, and laid down on a forming belt to form a web. The web may be processed to consolidate the fibers and entangle them in the z-direction by processes that may include, for example, calendaring, needle punching, and hydroentanglement with water jets (also known as spunlace).

Further details regarding the nonwoven webs of the present disclosure used as topsheets are discussed herein.

The backsheet <NUM> is generally that portion of the absorbent article <NUM> positioned proximate to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core <NUM>. The backsheet <NUM> may be joined to portions of the topsheet <NUM>, the outer cover material <NUM>, the absorbent core <NUM>, and/or any other layers of the absorbent article by any attachment methods known to those of skill in the art. The backsheet <NUM> prevents, or at least inhibits, the bodily exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core <NUM> from soiling articles such as bedsheets, undergarments, and/or clothing. The backsheet is typically liquid impermeable, or at least substantially liquid impermeable. The backsheet may, for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials which permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article, while still preventing, or at least inhibiting, bodily exudates from passing through the backsheet.

The outer cover material (sometimes referred to as a backsheet nonwoven) <NUM> may comprise one or more nonwoven materials joined to the backsheet <NUM> and that covers the backsheet <NUM>. The outer cover material <NUM> forms at least a portion of the garment-facing surface <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> and effectively "covers" the backsheet <NUM> so that film is not present on the garment-facing surface <NUM>. The outer cover material <NUM> may comprise a bond pattern, apertures, and/or three-dimensional features. The nonwoven webs of the present disclosure may be used as outer cover materials.

As used herein, the term "absorbent core" <NUM> refers to the component of the absorbent article <NUM> having the most absorbent capacity and that comprises an absorbent material. Referring to <FIG>, in some instances, absorbent material <NUM> may be positioned within a core bag or a core wrap <NUM>. The absorbent material may be profiled or not profiled, depending on the specific absorbent article. The absorbent core <NUM> may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of, a core wrap, absorbent material <NUM>, and glue enclosed within the core wrap. The absorbent material may comprise superabsorbent polymers, a mixture of superabsorbent polymers and air felt, only air felt, and/or a high internal phase emulsion foam. In some instances, the absorbent material may comprise at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or up to <NUM>% superabsorbent polymers, by weight of the absorbent material. In such instances, the absorbent material may be free of air felt, or at least mostly free of air felt. The absorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core wrap, may define any suitable shape, such as rectangular "T," "Y," "hour-glass," or "dog-bone" shaped, for example. An absorbent core periphery having a generally "dog bone" or "hour-glass" shape may taper along its width towards the crotch region <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the absorbent core <NUM> may have areas having little or no absorbent material <NUM>, where a wearer-facing surface of the core bag <NUM> may be joined to a garment-facing surface of the core bag <NUM>. These areas having little or no absorbent material and may be referred to as "channels" <NUM>. These channels can embody any suitable shapes and any suitable number of channels may be provided. In other instances, the absorbent core may be embossed to create the impression of channels. The absorbent core in <FIG> is merely an example absorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise one or more pairs of barrier leg cuffs <NUM> and one or more pairs of leg elastics <NUM>. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may be positioned laterally inboard of leg elastics <NUM>. Each barrier leg cuff <NUM> may be formed by a piece of material which is bonded to the absorbent article <NUM> so it can extend upwards from a wearer-facing surface <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> and provide improved containment of body exudates approximately at the junction of the torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> are delimited by a proximal edge joined directly or indirectly to the topsheet and/or the backsheet and a free terminal edge, which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may extend at least partially between the front end edge <NUM> and the back end edge <NUM> of the absorbent article <NUM> on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis <NUM> and may be at least present in the crotch region <NUM>. The barrier leg cuffs <NUM> may each comprise one or more elastics <NUM> (e.g., elastic strands or strips) near or at the free terminal edge. These elastics <NUM> cause the barrier leg cuffs <NUM> to help form a seal around the legs and torso of a wearer. The leg elastics <NUM> extend at least partially between the front end edge <NUM> and the back end edge <NUM>. The leg elastics <NUM> essentially cause portions of the absorbent article <NUM> proximate to the chassis side edges <NUM>, <NUM> to help form a seal around the legs of the wearer. The leg elastics <NUM> may extend at least within the crotch region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent article <NUM> may comprise one or more elastic waistbands <NUM>. The elastic waistbands <NUM> may be positioned on the garment-facing surface <NUM> or the wearer-facing surface <NUM>. As an example, a first elastic waistband <NUM> may be present in the front waist region <NUM> near the front belt end edge <NUM> and a second elastic waistband <NUM> may be present in the back waist region <NUM> near the back end edge <NUM>. The elastic waistbands <NUM> may aid in sealing the absorbent article <NUM> around a waist of a wearer and at least inhibiting bodily exudates from escaping the absorbent article <NUM> through the waist opening circumference. In some instances, an elastic waistband may fully surround the waist opening circumference of an absorbent article.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, one or more acquisition materials <NUM> may be present at least partially intermediate the topsheet <NUM> and the absorbent core <NUM>. The acquisition materials <NUM> are typically hydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of bodily exudates. These materials may dewater the topsheet <NUM> and quickly move bodily exudates into the absorbent core <NUM>. The acquisition materials <NUM> may comprise one or more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, cross-linked cellulosic materials, air laid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlace materials, or combinations thereof, for example. In some instances, portions of the acquisition materials <NUM> may extend through portions of the topsheet <NUM>, portions of the topsheet <NUM> may extend through portions of the acquisition materials <NUM>, and/or the topsheet <NUM> may be nested with the acquisition materials <NUM>. Typically, an acquisition material <NUM> may have a width and length that are smaller than the width and length of the topsheet <NUM>. The acquisition material may be a secondary topsheet in the feminine pad context. The acquisition material may have one or more channels as described above with reference to the absorbent core <NUM> (including the embossed version). The channels in the acquisition material may align or not align with channels in the absorbent core <NUM>. In an example, a first acquisition material may comprise a nonwoven material and as second acquisition material may comprise a cross-linked cellulosic material.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbent article <NUM> may have a landing zone area <NUM> that is formed in a portion of the garment-facing surface <NUM> of the outer cover material <NUM>. The landing zone area <NUM> may be in the back waist region <NUM> if the absorbent article <NUM> fastens from front to back or may be in the front waist region <NUM> if the absorbent article <NUM> fastens back to front. In some instances, the landing zone <NUM> may be or may comprise one or more discrete nonwoven materials that are attached to a portion of the outer cover material <NUM> in the front waist region <NUM> or the back waist region <NUM> depending upon whether the absorbent article fastens in the front or the back. In essence, the landing zone <NUM> is configured to receive the fasteners <NUM> and may comprise, for example, a plurality of loops configured to be engaged with, a plurality of hooks on the fasteners <NUM>, or vice versa.

Referring to <FIG>, the absorbent articles <NUM> of the present disclosure may comprise graphics <NUM> and/or wetness indicators <NUM> that are visible from the garment-facing surface <NUM>. The graphics <NUM> may be printed on the landing zone <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and/or at other locations. The wetness indicators <NUM> are typically applied to the absorbent core facing side of the backsheet <NUM>, so that they can be contacted by bodily exudates within the absorbent core <NUM>. In some instances, the wetness indicators <NUM> may form portions of the graphics <NUM>. For example, a wetness indicator may appear or disappear and create/remove a character within some graphics. In other instances, the wetness indicators <NUM> may coordinate (e.g., same design, same pattern, same color) or not coordinate with the graphics <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, as referenced above, the absorbent article <NUM> may have front and/or back ears <NUM>, <NUM> in a taped diaper context. Only one set of ears may be required in most taped diapers. The single set of ears may comprise fasteners <NUM> configured to engage the landing zone or landing zone area <NUM>. If two sets of ears are provided, in most instances, only one set of the ears may have fasteners <NUM>, with the other set being free of fasteners. The ears, or portions thereof, may be elastic or may have elastic panels. In an example, an elastic film or elastic strands may be positioned intermediate a first nonwoven material and a second nonwoven material. The elastic film may or may not be apertured. The ears may be shaped. The ears may be integral (e.g., extension of the outer cover material <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and/or the topsheet <NUM>) or may be discrete components attached to a chassis <NUM> of the absorbent article on a wearer-facing surface <NUM>, on the garment-facing surface <NUM>, or intermediate the two surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise a sensor system <NUM> for monitoring changes within the absorbent article <NUM>. The sensor system <NUM> may be discrete from or integral with the absorbent article <NUM>. The absorbent article <NUM> may comprise sensors that can sense various aspects of the absorbent article <NUM> associated with insults of bodily exudates such as urine and/or BM (e.g., the sensor system <NUM> may sense variations in temperature, humidity, presence of ammonia or urea, various vapor components of the exudates (urine and feces), changes in moisture vapor transmission through the absorbent articles garment-facing layer, changes in translucence of the garment-facing layer, and/or color changes through the garment-facing layer). Additionally, the sensor system <NUM> may sense components of urine, such as ammonia or urea and/or byproducts resulting from reactions of these components with the absorbent article <NUM>. The sensor system <NUM> may sense byproducts that are produced when urine mixes with other components of the absorbent article <NUM> (e.g., adhesives, absorbent material). The components or byproducts being sensed may be present as vapors that may pass through the garment-facing layer. It may also be desirable to place reactants in the absorbent article that change state (e.g. color, temperature) or create a measurable byproduct when mixed with urine or BM. The sensor system <NUM> may also sense changes in pH, pressure, odor, the presence of gas, blood, a chemical marker or a biological marker or combinations thereof. The sensor system <NUM> may have a component on or proximate to the absorbent article that transmits a signal to a receiver more distal from the absorbent article, such as an iPhone, for example. The receiver may output a result to communicate to the caregiver a condition of the absorbent article <NUM>. In other instances, a receiver may not be provided, but instead the condition of the absorbent article <NUM> may be visually or audibly apparent from the sensor on the absorbent article.

Referring to <FIG>, an absorbent article of the present disclosure may be a sanitary napkin <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet <NUM>, a liquid impermeable, or substantially liquid impermeable, backsheet <NUM>, and an absorbent core <NUM>. The liquid impermeable backsheet <NUM> may or may not be vapor permeable. The absorbent core <NUM> may have any or all of the features described herein with respect to the absorbent core <NUM> and, in some forms, may have a secondary topsheet <NUM> (STS) instead of the acquisition materials disclosed above. The STS <NUM> may comprise one or more channels, as described above (including the embossed version). In some forms, channels in the STS <NUM> may be aligned with channels in the absorbent core <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also comprise wings <NUM> extending outwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the sanitary napkin <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also comprise a lateral axis <NUM>. The wings <NUM> may be joined to the topsheet <NUM>, the backsheet <NUM>, and/or the absorbent core <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also comprise a front edge <NUM>, a back edge <NUM> longitudinally opposing the front edge <NUM>, a first side edge <NUM>, and a second side edge <NUM> longitudinally opposing the first side edge <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> may extend from a midpoint of the front edge <NUM> to a midpoint of the back edge <NUM>. The lateral axis <NUM> may extend from a midpoint of the first side edge <NUM> to a midpoint of the second side edge <NUM>. The sanitary napkin <NUM> may also be provided with additional features commonly found in sanitary napkins as is known in the art. The semi-hydrophilic compositions disclosed herein may be used on topsheets of sanitary napkins to achieve the same benefits discussed herein. These topsheets may comprise natural fibers, such as cotton fibers, or may comprise mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers as disclosed herein. In some instances, the topsheets may comprise <NUM>% cotton fibers.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may comprise a liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet comprising natural fibers and one or more semi-hydrophilic compositions. The topsheets may comprise synthetic fibers in addition to the natural fibers. As discussed above, it may be desirable that liquid bodily exudates (e.g., urine) that contact a body-facing surface of the topsheet be moved quickly and completely, or nearly completely, away from the body of the wearer and be sequestered in underlying acquisition materials and/or an absorbent core. Generally, a liquid bodily exudate, which may be polar, may be drawn from the topsheet to the underlying acquisition materials and/or absorbent core by capillary action, due to a hydrophobicity gradient, thereby drawing the liquid bodily exudate away from generally less hydrophilic body-facing surfaces and into generally more hydrophilic underlying acquisition materials and/or absorbent core.

Natural fibers, such as, for example, cotton fibers, may be naturally hydrophobic due to the presence of naturally occurring waxy and oily compounds on the surface of the fibers. After ginning to separate the natural fibers from other plant materials, such as seeds, the raw fiber material may include substantial quantities of impurities (particulates, bits of plant matter, etc.) trapped within the fibrous matrices and/or adhered to the waxes and oils. These impurities may both discolor the fibers and make the fibers unsuitable or undesirable for many uses. In order to make raw natural fibers commercially acceptable for most uses, the fibers may first be processed in several steps to remove the impurities. Such processes, however, may also remove the natural waxes and oils and render the natural fiber more hydrophilic. Processed, natural fibers may exhibit an increased tendency to form hydrogen bonds with polar liquid bodily exudates, such as urine, for example. Polar fluids may form strong hydrogen bonds with the processed hydrophilic natural fibers, which may cause the natural fibers to swell. The hydrogen bonds may be stronger than the capillary forces drawing polar fluids into the underlying acquisition layer and/or absorbent core of an absorbent article, thereby preventing, or at least inhibiting, the rapid transfer of the polar away from the body of the wearer in an absorbent article context.

In order to ensure that the polar fluid(s) contacting the wearer-facing surface of a topsheet of an absorbent article will move suitably rapidly via capillary action in a z-direction toward the garment-facing surface of the topsheet, where the polar fluids can be drawn into the underlying absorbent layer(s), a semi-hydrophilic composition may be applied to the topsheet. The semi-hydrophilic composition may reduce or prevent polar fluid contact with the natural fibers of the topsheet, while still allowing the polar fluid to pass through the fiber matrix of the topsheet. The semi-hydrophilic composition may be disposed on a portion of, or all of, the fibers of the topsheet and/or form a coating on the fibers, or portions of the fibers. In the case of a topsheet comprising multiple layers, the semi-hydrophilic composition may be disposed on a portion of, or all of, only one layer, for example only the wearer-facing layer, of the multi-layer topsheet. In other instances, two or more than two layers of a topsheet may comprise the semi-hydrophilic composition on all or portions thereof.

The semi-hydrophilic composition of the present disclosure comprises a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier, wherein a weight ratio of the wax ester to the polyglyceryl ester is between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, or between about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>. It is believed that the wax composition comprising the polyglyceryl emulsifier and the wax ester in a weight ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM> and that is disposed on a portion of, or all of, the fibers of the topsheet may provide a surface on the fibers of the topsheet with a Contact Angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, according to the Contact Angle Test disclosed herein. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a coating applied to a nonwoven topsheet and resulting in the topsheet having a Contact Angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, according to the Contact Angle test disclosed herein, may facilitate the rapid transfer of polar fluids from the wearer-facing surface of the topsheet to the underlying acquisition layer and/or absorbent core due to the relatively hydrophilic nature of the coating. It is further believed that a topsheet having a Contact Angle lower than about <NUM>° may interfere with the capillary action drawing polar fluids into the underlying acquisition layer and/or absorbent core, and may result in polar fluids remaining within the topsheet. It is also believed that a topsheet having a Contact Angle higher than about <NUM>° may interfere with polar fluid penetration through the topsheet.

The semi-hydrophilic composition of the present disclosure may be insoluble or at least not readily soluble in water or other polar fluids, including, for example, bodily exudates such as urine. The semi-hydrophilic composition may reduce or prevent fluid contact with the fibers comprising the topsheet by, for example, forming a physical barrier by coating at least a portion of, or all of, the fibers that comprise the topsheet. In instances where the topsheet comprises both natural and synthetic fibers, at least portions of, or all of, the natural fibers may be coated. In other instances, at least some of, or all of, both the natural and synthetic fibers may be coated. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may have a Contact Angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, or between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°, thereby presenting a relatively hydrophilic surface that may allow polar fluids to readily pass by the fibers of the topsheet without the fluid coming into contact with the fibers. Therefore, the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may reduce or prevent hydrogen bonding between polar fluids and the topsheets comprising the natural fibers, while still allowing polar fluids to pass through the fiber matrix of the topsheet and into underlying layers.

As discussed above, the semi-hydrophilic composition of the present disclosure may comprise a wax ester. The wax ester may comprise an ester of a fatty acid and a fatty alcohol. The fatty acid component of the wax ester may be a long chain fatty acid or a very long chain fatty acid, comprising between about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms. The fatty alcohol of the wax ester may be a long chain or a very long chain fatty alcohol, comprising between about <NUM> to about <NUM> carbon atoms. The wax ester may have a molecular chain length of between about <NUM> and about <NUM> carbon atoms, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, or between about <NUM> and about <NUM> carbon atoms. The wax ester may comprise saturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols, monounsaturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols, polyunsaturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols, and combinations thereof. The wax ester may have a degree of unsaturation. The degree of unsaturation of the wax ester may be measured by the Iodine Value Test, as disclosed herein. The wax ester may have an iodine value of between about <NUM>/<NUM> and about <NUM>/<NUM>, between about <NUM>/<NUM> and about <NUM>/<NUM>, or between about <NUM>/<NUM> and about <NUM>/<NUM>, according to the Iodine Value Test disclosed herein. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a wax ester having a degree of unsaturation as described above may assist in the formation of a semi-hydrophilic wax composition that remains pliable upon application to a topsheet and/or to the fibers of a topsheet. Wax esters having an iodine value lower than that described above may tend to harden and become resistant to flexing or bending, which is not desirable. In the context of an absorbent article, such pliability may be beneficial because an absorbent article may be bent and flexed during the course of use and wear, requiring the wax composition to bend and flex along with the article. The application of a wax composition comprising a wax ester with a low iodine value (corresponding to a low degree of unsaturation) to the topsheet of an absorbent article may result in the wax composition cracking and flaking off of the topsheet during use. This may cause the natural fibers to be exposed to polar fluids and to swell when the polar fluids contact the natural fibers.

<FIG> is a scanning electron micrograph of a portion of a topsheet comprising <NUM>% cotton fibers and a wax composition comprising saturated jojoba wax ester with an Iodine Value of less than <NUM>/<NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the wax composition is cracked and is flaking off of the topsheet fibers. The wax ester may be interesterified or hydrogenated to provide a wax ester comprising the appropriate degree of unsaturation, as determined by the Iodine Value Test. While the wax composition of <FIG> has a low degree of unsaturation, the wax composition may still provide some benefits to the topsheets comprising natural fibers for fluid acquisition and fluid strike-through.

In one example, the wax ester may comprise a natural wax ester. A natural wax ester may be a wax ester derived from a plant or animal source, such as, for example, the leaves, fruit, seeds, or other parts of a plant. In one example, the wax ester may comprise jojoba wax ester, derived from any part of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). In another example, the wax ester may comprise interesterified jojoba wax ester that has an iodine value of between about <NUM>/<NUM> and about <NUM>/<NUM>, according to the Iodine Value Test disclosed herein.

The semi-hydrophilic composition of the present disclosure may have a melting temperature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. A melting temperature of the semi-hydrophilic composition within this range may be beneficial to provide a pliable and flexible semi-hydrophilic composition, while remaining in a solid state at a body temperature of a wearer of the absorbent article. Providing a composition that has a melting temperature below or within the range of the body temperature of a wearer may cause the composition to melt during use and transfer from the absorbent article to the body of the wearer. This may result in undesirable residue on the skin of the wearer. Melting of the composition upon wear may also result in a reduction in its efficacy as a physical barrier against a polar fluid contacting the fibers of the topsheet.

As discussed above, the semi-hydrophilic composition of the present disclosure may comprise a polyglyceryl emulsifier. The molecular structure of the polyglyceryl emulsifier may comprise a polar head region and a non-polar or less polar chain. The polar head region of the polyglyceryl emulsifier may comprise glycerin, polyglycerins, and/or combinations thereof. The non-polar or less polar chain may comprise an aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. In one example, the polyglyceryl emulsifier comprises polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a portion of a topsheet of the present disclosure. A semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> of the present disclosure may be disposed on a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of a portion of a topsheet <NUM> comprising natural fibers. The semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> may be disposed on a portion of, or all of, the fibers on the first side and the second side of the topsheet <NUM>. The semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> may form a coating on at least a portion of the fibers and may reduce or prevent polar fluids from contacting the fibers. The semi-hydrophilic composition may also be present between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. The fibers may be or comprise natural fibers, such as cotton fibers.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a portion of a topsheet of the present disclosure. A semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> of the present disclosure may be disposed between a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> of a portion of a topsheet <NUM>. The semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> may be disposed on fibers comprising the topsheet <NUM> that are disposed between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the topsheet <NUM>. The semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> may be disposed on a portion of, or all of, the surfaces of fibers between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the topsheet <NUM>. The semi-hydrophilic composition <NUM> may form a coating on the fibers and may reduce or prevent polar fluids from contacting the fibers, while allowing the polar fluids to pass through the fiber matrix of the topsheet. A semi-hydrophilic composition of the present disclosure may be disposed on the surface of the natural fibers comprising a nonwoven topsheet. The semi-hydrophilic composition may also be present on the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. The fibers may be or comprise natural fibers, such as cotton fibers.

<FIG> is a scanning electron micrograph of a portion of a topsheet of the present disclosure, wherein the fibers of the topsheet are coated by a semi-hydrophilic wax composition. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may be substantially free from cracks and flaking, and may provide a consistent coating over most of, or all of, the fibers of the topsheet. The fibers may be or comprise natural fibers, such as cotton fibers.

As discussed above, the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may form a physical barrier around, or at least partially around, the fibers of the topsheet. The fibers may be or comprise natural fibers, such as cotton fibers. The components of the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may orient into a bi-layer structure. Referring to <FIG>, it is believed that the wax ester component <NUM> of the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may form a physical barrier around the fibers <NUM> of the topsheet that may reduce or prevent contact between the fibers <NUM> of the topsheet and polar fluids, such as urine, that may pass through the topsheet. It is believed that the polyglyceryl emulsifier component <NUM> of the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may orient itself into a bilayer structure <NUM>, wherein each layer of the bilayer structure comprises a polar head region (a high polarity portion) <NUM> and a non-polar or less-polar chain region (a low polarity portion) <NUM>, wherein the polar head region <NUM> of a layer most proximal to the fibers <NUM> faces the fibers <NUM>, and wherein the polar head region <NUM> of a layer most distal from the fibers <NUM> forms an outermost portion of the surface of the nonwoven topsheet. It is further believed that the rate of application of the semi-hydrophilic wax composition to the topsheet affects the molecular arrangement of the composition on the topsheet or on the fibers of the topsheet. The semi-hydrophilic wax composition may be applied to the topsheet at a rate of between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, or between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, by weight of the nonwoven topsheet, of the semi-hydrophilic wax composition.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be placed into packages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or other materials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to properties of the absorbent articles may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/or placed on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise a plurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packed under compression so as to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate number of absorbent articles per package. By packaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings to manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.

Components of the disposable absorbent articles described in this specification can at least partially be comprised of bio-sourced content as described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. These components include, but are not limited to, backsheet films, backsheet nonwovens, side panel nonwovens, barrier leg cuff nonwovens, absorbent materials, nonwoven acquisition layers, core wrap nonwovens, adhesives, fastener hooks, and fastener landing zone nonwovens and film bases.

A disposable absorbent article component may comprise a bio-based content value from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, according to ASTM D6866-<NUM>, method B. In other forms, a disposable absorbent article component may comprise a bio-based content value from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, according to ASTM D6866-<NUM>, method B. In still other forms, a disposable absorbent article component may comprise a bio-based content value from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, according to ASTM D6866-<NUM>, method B.

In order to apply the methodology of ASTM D6866-<NUM>, method B, to determine the bio-based content of any disposable absorbent article component, a representative sample of the disposable absorbent article component must be obtained for testing. The disposable absorbent article component may be ground into particulates less than about <NUM> mesh using known grinding methods (e.g., Wiley® mill), and a representative sample of suitable mass taken from the randomly mixed particles.

All examples described below comprising a coating composition were coated by the process described in the section entitled "Method of Manufacturing Topsheets Comprising a Semi-Hydrophilic Composition" herein. Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM> and Examples <NUM> and <NUM> were prepared on laboratory scale equipment. The analysis of all examples was performed following the Test Procedures disclosed herein.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is a nonwoven web comprising <NUM>% cotton fibers. The fibers are formed into a nonwoven web by a spunlace process. The nonwoven topsheet has a basis weight of <NUM> gsm. No coating composition is provided.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising rice bran wax at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising beeswax at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising hydrogenated olive oil at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising candelilla wax at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising vegetable wax at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising paraffin wax at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising jojoba wax at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising a mixture of jojoba wax ester and polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate (PolyAquol™ W2, available from Innovacos Corp. Arlington, New Jersey) at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet. The jojoba wax ester is interesterified to achieve a melting point of <NUM>-<NUM> (Tradename Floraester®-<NUM>, available from International Flora Technologies, Ltd. , Chandler, Arizona). The semi-hydrophilic wax composition comprises <NUM> part jojoba wax ester to <NUM> part polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate.

Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Example <NUM> has the same materials and is prepared in the same manner as Example <NUM>.

As shown in TABLE <NUM> above, all samples were tested for Fluid Strike-Through Time and Rewet in duplicate. Test procedures for the Fluid Strike-Through Test and the Rewet Test can be found under the Test Procedures section herein. As discussed further in the Test Procedures section herein, all samples were tested using a polar fluid composition of <NUM>% sodium chloride in water. Comparative Example <NUM>, a <NUM>% cotton topsheet having no coating, exhibited a very short Fluid Strike-Through time, but also exhibited a very high amount of Rewet. As discussed above, it is believed that natural fibers may form hydrogen bonds with polar fluids, such as urine, that may come into contact or pass near the fibers. Thus, the polar fluids may not quickly drain completely through a topsheet comprising natural fibers, but may instead swell the fibers and remain in or on the topsheet. As demonstrated in Comparative Example <NUM>, the polar fluid penetrated the surface of the topsheet relatively quickly (thus the short Fluid Strike-Through Time), but remained within the topsheet (as evidenced by the large amount of Rewet).

Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM> all exhibited improved Rewet amounts as compared to Comparative Example <NUM>, but all had very significantly increased Fluid Strike-Through Times. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the coating materials of Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM> resulted in a finished topsheet sample that was too hydrophobic and thus impaired the flow of polar fluids through the topsheet samples. The repulsive hydrophobic force exhibited by the coatings of Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM> may have inhibited the flow of polar fluid through the topsheet samples, resulting in high Fluid Strike-Through Times, but also repelled the fluids, thus preventing reentry of the fluids into the fiber matrix and resulting in reduced Rewet amounts as compared to the uncoated Comparative Example <NUM>.

Examples <NUM> and <NUM> of the present disclosure exhibited both greatly improved Rewet amounts as well as very acceptable Fluid Strike-Through Times, as compared to Comparative Example <NUM>. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that a topsheet comprising a composition comprising a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier may provide a semi-hydrophilic coating that allows polar fluids to pass through the topsheet, while preventing or at least inhibiting the fluid from contacting the fibers of the topsheet. Examples <NUM> and <NUM> of the present disclosure were able to achieve similar Rewet amounts as compared with Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, but showed greatly improved Fluid Strike-Through Times as compared to Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM>.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is a nonwoven web comprising <NUM>% cotton fibers. The fibers are formed into a nonwoven web by a spunlace process. The nonwoven top sheet has a basis weight of <NUM> gsm. Comparative Example <NUM> does not have a coating.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising interesterified jojoba wax ester (Floraester-<NUM>®) at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM> The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising a <NUM>:<NUM> mixture, by weight, of interesterified jojoba wax ester (Floraester-<NUM>®) to polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate, at a level of <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising a <NUM>:<NUM> mixture, by weight, of interesterified jojoba wax ester (Floraester-<NUM>®) to polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate, at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising a <NUM>:<NUM> mixture, by weight, of interesterified jojoba wax ester (Floraester-<NUM>®) to polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate, at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Example <NUM> is the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and has a composition comprising polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

The Comparative Examples presented in TABLE <NUM> were tested for Fluid Strike-Through and Rewet in duplicate. Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were tested for Fluid Strike-Through and Rewet in quadruplicate.

Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, as shown in TABLE <NUM>, have Contact Angles above <NUM>°. Examples having Contact Angles above <NUM>° may be associated with greater Fluid Strike-Through Times, as compared to nonwoven topsheets having Contact Angles of less than <NUM>°. Examples <NUM>-<NUM> of the present disclosure, which comprise a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier in a weight ratio of between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>, have a Contact Angle between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>°. Examples <NUM>-<NUM> also have reduced mean Fluid Strike-Through Times as compared to Comparative Examples <NUM>-<NUM>, and a reduced mean Rewet amount as compared to Comparative Example <NUM>.

Examples <NUM>-<NUM>: The nonwoven topsheets described herein as Examples <NUM>-<NUM> are the nonwoven topsheet material of Comparative Example <NUM> and have a composition comprising a mixture of jojoba wax ester and polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate (PolyAquol™ W2). The jojoba wax ester is interesterified to achieve a melting point of about <NUM>-<NUM> (Tradename Floraester®-<NUM>). The coating mixture comprises <NUM> part jojoba wax ester to <NUM> part polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate, and is applied to the nonwoven topsheet at a level of <NUM>% - <NUM>% by weight of the topsheet. Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were produced on pilot scale equipment.

Examples <NUM>-<NUM> were tested for Fluid Strike-Through Time, according to the Fluid Strike-Through Test described herein. Fluid Strike-Through times remained low in the examples that comprised the semi-hydrophilic wax composition of the present disclosure, and applied to the topsheet at a level of between about <NUM>% and about <NUM>%, indicating that the coating process was effective at pilot scale.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is a nonwoven web comprising <NUM>% cotton fibers. The fibers are formed into a nonwoven web by a spunlace process. The nonwoven top sheet has a basis weight of <NUM> gsm. Comparative Example <NUM> does not comprise a coating.

Comparative Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Comparative Example <NUM> is a nonwoven web comprising <NUM>% viscose fibers. The fibers are formed into a nonwoven web by a spunlace process. The nonwoven topsheet has a basis weight of <NUM> gsm. Comparative Example <NUM> does not comprise a coating.

Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Example <NUM> is a nonwoven web comprising <NUM>% cotton fibers. The fibers are formed into a nonwoven web by a spunlace process. The nonwoven topsheet has a basis weight of <NUM> gsm. The nonwoven topsheet has a composition comprising a <NUM>:<NUM> mixture, by weight, of interesterified jojoba wax ester (Floraester-<NUM>®) to polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate, at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

Example <NUM>: The nonwoven topsheet described herein as Example <NUM> is the top layer of a three-dimensional laminate made generally according to the process described in <CIT> The nonwoven topsheet layer comprises <NUM>% cotton fibers that are formed into a nonwoven web by a spunlace process. The nonwoven topsheet layer has a basis weight of <NUM> gsm. The nonwoven topsheet is delaminated from a substrate by applying a cryogenic spray to the topsheet laminate and pulling back the top layer to separate it from the underlying laminate layer. The nonwoven topsheet has a composition comprising a <NUM>:<NUM> mixture, by weight, of interesterified jojoba wax ester (Floraester-<NUM>®) to polyglyceryl-<NUM> stearate, at a level of <NUM> % by weight of the topsheet.

As shown in TABLE <NUM>, non-coated topsheets comprising natural or semi-synthetic (viscose) fibers wick fluid into the fiber matrix of the topsheet over the <NUM> second test period at a greater rate than coated topsheets comprising natural fibers. As discussed above, the semi-hydrophilic wax composition may form a physical barrier around the fibers of the topsheet and may reduce or prevent fluid from contacting the fibers. Table <NUM> demonstrates that topsheets comprising a semi-hydrophilic wax composition are unable to wick fluids into the fiber matrix of the topsheet.

The liquid permeable topsheets comprising natural fibers may be coated with the semi-hydrophilic composition generally by the process schematically illustrated in <FIG>. First, a semi-hydrophilic composition emulsion may be prepared and stored in a mixing tank <NUM>. The mixing tank <NUM> may comprise a high sheer agitation system capable of maintaining a semi-hydrophilic composition emulsion in water, wherein the semi-hydrophilic composition droplets have a mean droplet size of less than about <NUM> microns. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that an emulsion comprising semi-hydrophilic composition droplets having a mean droplet size of less than about <NUM> microns may result in a more homogeneous coating of the fibers. An emulsion having a mean droplet size of greater than about <NUM> microns may result in inconsistent application of the semi-hydrophilic composition on the fibers, potentially causing fibers to stick together and form hard spots. The mixing tank <NUM> may be in fluid communication with a soaking tank <NUM> through circulation pipes <NUM>, <NUM> and a circulation pump <NUM>, for example. The circulation pump may be a high-shear pump capable of maintaining the microemulsion of semi-hydrophilic composition in water. The mixing tank <NUM> and soaking tank <NUM> may be maintained at a temperature range of about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

Next, a nonwoven web <NUM> from a spool or otherwise is fed between a mesh roll <NUM> and a rubber roll <NUM>. The mesh roll <NUM> may comprise a plurality of small depressions or pockets engraved into the surface of the mesh roll <NUM>. The mesh roll <NUM> may be heated to a temperature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>. The mesh roll <NUM> may be disposed so as to be at least partially submerged in the semi-hydrophilic composition emulsion in the soaking tank <NUM>, so that, as the mesh roll <NUM> passes through the semi-hydrophilic composition emulsion, an amount of the emulsion may be picked up and carried in the small depressions or pockets in the surface of the mesh roll <NUM>. The mesh roll <NUM> may be driven in a first direction (as indicated by the arrow) to match the feed direction of the nonwoven web <NUM>. The compression roll <NUM> may comprise a resilient or compressible surface, such as, for example, rubber. As the nonwoven web is fed between the mesh roll <NUM> and the compression roll <NUM>, the compression roll <NUM> may bring the nonwoven web <NUM> into contact with the mesh roll <NUM>, and the semi-hydrophilic composition emulsion contained within the small depressions or pockets engraved into the surface of the mesh roll <NUM>. Upon contact of the nonwoven web <NUM> with the semi-hydrophilic composition emulsion, the emulsion may adsorb to the surface of the material web <NUM>, or to the surface of the fibers of the nonwoven web <NUM>. The material web <NUM> may then fed into a drying oven <NUM>, such as a through-air drying oven, for example. The drying oven may be maintained at a temperature of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>.

Fluid Strike-Through is measured according to the WSP <NUM>-<NUM> standard test method for nonwoven Fluid Strike-Through.

If a topsheet is available in its raw material form, a specimen <NUM> ± <NUM> in length and <NUM> ± <NUM> wide is cut from the raw material according to WSP <NUM>-<NUM>. Otherwise, a topsheet specimen is removed from the absorbent article, centered at the intersection of the longitudinal and lateral centerlines of the absorbent article. For the purposes of removing the topsheet from the absorbent article, a razorblade is used to excise the topsheet from the underlying layers of the absorbent article around the outer perimeter of the <NUM> ± <NUM> area. In cases where the topsheet comprises multiple layers of nonwoven material, only the top (user-facing) layer of the multi-layer topsheet serves as the specimen. The specimen is carefully removed such that its longitudinal and lateral extension are maintained. A cryogenic spray (such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company, Houston, TX) can be used to remove the topsheet specimen from the underlying layers, if necessary. One layer of topsheet material is used for this test. The one layer topsheet material sample is placed on five plies of Ahlstrom-Munksio grade <NUM> (Ahlstrom-Munksio, Helsinki, Finland) filter paper or equivalent. The LISTER AC instrument (Lenzing Instruments, Gampern, Austria) or equivalent is used for the Fluid Strike-Through Test. The Fluid Strike-Through Test is performed in duplicate on two like specimens, and the arithmetic mean of the two results is reported to the nearest <NUM> second as the Fluid Strike-Through.

The Rewet Test is used to determine Rewet Value and is performed on two specimens having first been characterized by the Fluid Strike-Through Test. Laboratory conditions are the same as in the Fluid Strike-Through Test (that is, as specified by WSP <NUM>-<NUM>).

For each specimen analyzed, first one layer of filter paper (Ahlstrom grade <NUM> filter paper, Ahlstrom-Munksio, Helsinki, Finland, or equivalent) is pre-weighed, and its mass is recorded as M1 to the nearest <NUM>.

Immediately after the Fluid Strike-Through Test is performed on the specimen, the baseplate with the specimen and five-ply filter paper stack are removed from the Strike-Through apparatus used in the Fluid Strike-Through Test. The pre-weighed single layer of filter paper, defined as the pick-up paper, is placed on top of the topsheet sample. A weight is placed on top of the pick-up paper and topsheet for <NUM> seconds. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of the weight <NUM>. The weight <NUM> comprises a weight <NUM> with a <NUM> x <NUM> stainless steel base and a handle, with a total mass of <NUM> ± <NUM>. Tape <NUM> is placed on the underside of the base of the weight. Polyurethane foam rubber <NUM> with dimensions of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> is affixed to the tape <NUM>. A polyethylene film <NUM> with dimensions <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> is then attached to the underside of the polyurethane foam rubber <NUM>. After <NUM> seconds, the pick-up paper is removed from the topsheet sample and weighed again, the mass recorded to the nearest <NUM> as M2. The Rewet mass for the specimen is defines as M2-M1. The arithmetic mean of the Rewet masses of two like specimen replicates is defines as the Rewet Value and is reported to the nearest <NUM>.

The Iodine Value of a composition is determined using the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) standard test method Cd 1d-<NUM>.

The Contact Angle Test is used to measure the contact angle made by highly purified water (<NUM> Ω-cm) in contact with constituent fibers of a sample nonwoven. All measurements are performed at an ambient temperature of <NUM> ± <NUM>. Raw material nonwoven is analyzed as received without compression, and nonwoven in a finished article is excised as received in the article. Six representative nonwoven specimen areas measuring approximately <NUM> ± <NUM> in length and <NUM> ± <NUM> wide are excised from a nonwoven of interest, and each is analyzed sequentially using a DataPhysics OCA <NUM> controlled via TP50 (DataPhysics Instruments GmbH, Filderstadt, Germany) or equivalent. <NUM>µL of highly purified water are placed on the nonwoven specimen surface, and the camera (operating at <NUM> frames/second) is used to capture the droplet shape on the nonwoven surface. Time zero is defined as the first frame in which the droplet is observed to touch the nonwoven surface, and the frame at <NUM> seconds is captured and further analyzed using the instrument's software to determine the contact angle between the droplet and a fiber on the nonwoven surface. In this analysis, the baseline of the fiber is identified manually, and the Laplace-Young fitting mode is used to determine the contact angle. Six like specimens are analyzed and the arithmetic mean of the six individual contact angle results is calculated and reported to the nearest integer degree as the Contact Angle of the sample nonwoven.

Fiber Wicking is measured according to the EDANA <NUM>-<NUM> standard test method for nonwovens. The purpose of the Fiber Wicking Test is to characterize the ability of a nonwoven web to wick liquid vertically.

A nonwoven web is cut into test pieces <NUM>±<NUM> wide and <NUM>±<NUM> long. In cases where a topsheet comprises multiple layers of nonwoven material, only the top (user-facing) layer of the multi-layer topsheet serves as the specimen. Two holes, each <NUM>±<NUM> in diameter, are punched out of a short end of each test piece at <NUM>±<NUM> from the short and long side. The test liquid is <NUM>% NaCl solution.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for conducting the Fiber Wicking Test. A test sample <NUM> is clamped vertically to the horizontal support <NUM> using a clamp <NUM>, with the punched holes <NUM> at the end away from the clamp <NUM>. The horizontal support <NUM> is movably attached to a vertical support <NUM>, that is securely fastened to a base <NUM>. A glass rod <NUM> is inserted through the two holes <NUM> to tension the test sample and to allow the test sample to remain vertical. A ruler <NUM> is clamped to the horizontal support <NUM> next to the test sample <NUM>. The test sample <NUM> is positioned parallel to the ruler <NUM> so that the test sample <NUM> projects <NUM> ±<NUM> below the zero mark of the measuring rod <NUM>. A reservoir <NUM> containing the test liquid <NUM> is placed under the test sample <NUM> so that the test sample <NUM> is suspended above, but not contacting, the test liquid <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An absorbent article comprising:
a liquid permeable nonwoven topsheet comprising:
natural fibers, a first side, a second side, and a semi-hydrophilic wax composition having a water Contact Angle of between about <NUM>° and about <NUM>° according to the Contact Angle Test disclosed herein disposed on at least portions of the natural fibers, wherein the nonwoven topsheet has a Fluid Strike-Through time of between about <NUM> second to about <NUM> seconds, preferably between about <NUM> seconds and about <NUM> seconds, and more preferably between about <NUM> second and about <NUM> seconds, according to the Fluid Strike-Through Test, and wherein the nonwoven topsheet has a wicking height of between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, and more preferably between about <NUM> and about <NUM>, according to the Topsheet Wicking Test;
a liquid impermeable backsheet; and
an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the nonwoven topsheet and the backsheet;
wherein the semi-hydrophilic wax comprises a wax ester and a polyglyceryl emulsifier, and
wherein a weight ratio of the wax ester to the polyglyceryl emulsifier is between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>, and preferably between about <NUM>:<NUM> and about <NUM>:<NUM>.